Mai 08, 2025

Okonomiyaki Osaka-Style

If you're in the mood for something hearty, savory, and a little off the beaten path, this Osaka-style Okonomiyaki is just the thing. Often called “Japanese pancake” or “Japanese pizza,” this comfort food classic is loaded with crunchy cabbage, crispy bacon, and a punchy homemade sauce that ties everything together. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s fun to flip, satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing. Whether you're trying something new or recreating a favorite from your travels, this recipe brings a little bit of Osaka to your table.

2 servings

Ingredients

250 g white cabbage
1 pack of bacon (140 g each)
2 eggs
35 g green onions
1 1/4 tbsp chopped pickled ginger
1 tsp salt
1 1/4 dl water
2 dl wheat flour (240 g each)
1 1/2 tbsp oil

Sauce

3/4 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Japanese soy sauce
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp cornstarch

For serving

10 g fresh chives
1/2 dl mayonnaise

Equipment

12" cast iron skillet

Instructions

Sauce: Peel and grate the ginger. Mix all the ingredients for the sauce and cook until it thickens.
Cabbage pan: Trim and chop the cabbage, and slice the green onion. Mix the cabbage and onion with ginger and salt in a bowl.
Whisk together the water, flour, and eggs in a separate bowl. Mix the batter into the cabbage mixture.
Heat the oil in a frying pan and pour in the batter. Reduce to medium heat and cover with a lid or foil, and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the bacon and put the lid on, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Place a large plate on the frying pan and turn everything upside down so that the cake ends up on the plate. Pour the cake back into the pan so that the bacon ends up at the bottom and cook for another 5 minutes, covered with the lid.
Chop the chives. Drizzle over the sauce and serve with mayonnaise and chives.