Why You’ll Love this Crispy Japanese Okonomiyaki

Get ready to fall in love with crispy Japanese okonomiyaki! This savory pancake is a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with fresh ingredients! Once you taste it, you’ll crave more!

Trust me, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and it’s super fun to make! You won’t be disappointed!

What Ingredients are in Crispy Japanese Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki isn’t just any pancake; it’s a savory delight that invites a party of flavors right onto your plate. Made with a medley of fresh vegetables, proteins, and a batter that brings it all together, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser.

Imagine biting into a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavor-packed interior. Sounds delightful, right? Plus, it’s a versatile dish, perfect for using up leftover veggies or chicken you’ve got hanging around in your fridge.

So grab a skillet and let’s talk about what you’ll need for this scrumptious okonomiyaki recipe.

Ingredients for Okonomiyaki:

• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
• 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 12 fresh green beans, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 small green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1 small zucchini, cut into thin strips
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Okay, now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s chat about a few key things!

First off, if you want some crunch in your okonomiyaki—and who wouldn’t want that?—make sure your vegetables are fresh and crisp. The napa cabbage serves as the fabulous base, while the carrots and green beans add that satisfying crunch.

Ever thought about swapping in your favorite veggies? Go ahead; this recipe is super flexible. You could throw in some mushrooms or even some scallops for a seafood twist if that’s more your style.

Just think about balancing the flavors and textures for the ultimate okonomiyaki experience. Eating this will become the highlight of your cooking adventure, trust me on this one.

How to Make this Crispy Japanese Okonomiyaki

Let’s plunge into the delicious world of okonomiyaki. This savory Japanese pancake isn’t only easy to make but is also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies and protein.

To kick things off, gather 1 cup of chopped cooked chicken and toss it into a mixing bowl. Next, join the chicken party by adding in 1 1/2 cups of thinly sliced napa cabbage, 1/4 cup of shredded carrots, and the vibrant green of three chopped green onions. Feel free to get creative—if there are other veggies hanging out in the fridge that need to be used up, throw them in as well!

Once you’ve got all those colorful veggies mixed in, it’s time to whip up the batter. Grab a separate bowl and combine 3 eggs that have been lightly beaten with 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup of chicken stock. Don’t forget the 2 teaspoons of soy sauce for that umami kick.

Give it a hearty whisk, letting everything come together in a smooth blend. Now, pour this glorious mixture right over the chicken and veggies, tossing gently to coat everything well. It should look like a lively, fun party in a bowl, and who doesn’t love a good party?

Now for the cooking—this is where the magic happens. In a skillet heated over medium, mix 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil with 1/4 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Scoop around 1/4 cup of that vibrant batter into the skillet, forming a little pancake about 2 1/2 inches wide.

Cover and let it cook for about 4 minutes until the bottom gets a beautiful golden brown. Patience is key here; flipping too early might leave you with a gooey mess. When ready, flip that little pancake with a flourish and let it cook for another 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s cooked through and holds together like a champ.

Drain the pancakes on paper towels to keep things crispy. For an authentic smoky flavor that elevates these pancakes to restaurant quality, consider cooking them in a wood fired oven instead of a traditional skillet. And there you have it—crispy, mouthwatering okonomiyaki that could easily make you feel like a culinary magician. Enjoy!

Crispy Japanese Okonomiyaki Substitutions and Variations

Making delicious okonomiyaki is a fantastic experience, but don’t worry if you want to switch things up!

You can use cooked shrimp or tofu for protein. Swap napa cabbage for sliced kale or spinach!

Feel free to add corn or mushrooms! Cooking for about 8 minutes should work, so it’s crispy and golden.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors!

What to Serve with Crispy Japanese Okonomiyaki

Serving up crispy Japanese okonomiyaki is way more fun when you add some tasty sides!

I love serving mine with cool, crunchy pickled vegetables and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Don’t forget a drizzle of savory soy sauce or tangy mayonnaise for dipping!

You could even whip up a quick salad with fresh greens to balance all that deliciousness!

Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving a delicious, savory treat, okonomiyaki hits the spot! This crispy pancake is packed with flavor and super fun to make.

It’s perfect for family dinner or a cozy night in. Just mix the veggies and chicken, fry them up, and enjoy!

You’ll love serving it with your favorite sauces. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want more!