Japanese – Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a savory Japanese pancake made from a flour-based batter combined with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meats, seafood, and sometimes noodles. The name okonomiyaki comes from the word “okonomi”, which means “what you like” or “as you like,” and “yaki”, meaning “grilled” or “cooked.” Essentially, it’s a dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Key Features of Okonomiyaki:

Batter:
- The base of okonomiyaki is a batter made from flour, egg, and water or dashi (a savory broth made from fish and seaweed), which is mixed with finely shredded cabbage. The batter is thick and holds the ingredients together as it cooks.
Fillings and Toppings:
- Okonomiyaki can include a wide variety of ingredients based on personal preference. Common fillings include:
  - Meats: Pork belly, beef, or chicken.
  - Seafood: Shrimp, squid, or octopus.
  - Vegetables: Shredded cabbage, green onions, bean sprouts, and sometimes corn.
- It’s often topped with okonomiyaki sauce, a thick, tangy-sweet sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes (katsuobushi), and aonori (dried seaweed flakes).
Cooking Method:
- Okonomiyaki is typically grilled on a flat griddle (teppan) and cooked like a pancake. The batter and fillings are poured onto the griddle, then flipped to cook both sides until crispy and golden brown.
Regional Variations:
- There are two main styles of okonomiyaki:
  - Hiroshima-style: In this version, the ingredients are layered, and noodles (usually yakisoba) are added as a base before the batter and toppings are added.
  - Osaka-style: The ingredients are mixed together with the batter before being poured onto the griddle and cooked.

Cultural Significance:

Okonomiyaki is often considered comfort food in Japan, enjoyed in casual settings such as restaurants, home gatherings, and street food stalls.
It’s particularly popular in Osaka and Hiroshima, where the two regional variations are a staple. It is often cooked at the table in okonomiyaki restaurants where diners can grill their own.
The versatility of okonomiyaki makes it suitable for many occasions, from family meals to social gatherings.

Fun Fact:

Okonomiyaki was initially a wartime dish and is thought to have evolved from “funoyaki”, a type of pancake made during World War II using available ingredients like flour and cabbage.