There are 2 styles of Okonomiyaki, Osaka (or Kansai) and Hiroshima. Most food stalls and Japanese restaurants serve Osaka style Okonomiyaki where the ingredients (or at least, the cabbage) are mixed together into the batter, Hiroshima style, has a layer of yakisoba noodles and each ingredient is added separately in layers.
Okonomi means ‘whatever you want’ or ‘to one’s liking’ so add any grated or chopped veggies what ever you have available. I have also used prawns instead of pork as a change.
Makes 6
Ingredients
Batter
1 1/2 cups Gluten Free flour + 1 tsp Xanthan Gum
2 – 2 1/2 cups water
1 – 2 tsp dashi powder (1 sachet)
Mix together flour, water and dashi powder to make the batter. It should be quite runny, but not watery and it will be be gummy from the xanthan gum. Adjust if necessary.
Veggie mix
Generous handful of Katsuo-bushi (dried fermented skip jack tuna) or Benito small handful for each okonomiyaki
1/2 cabbage, shredded
1 large handful of mung bean sprouts well rinsed
1 small handful of sliced shallots/spring onions
3 Tbsp pickled ginger finely chopped
3 eggs
200~300g thinly sliced pork belly or other meat
Toppings
Okonomi Sauce (store bought is not Gluten Free)
Japanese Mayonnaise
Ao-nori (green seaweed)
Spring onion finely sliced
Katsuo-bushi (dried fermented skip jack tuna) or Benito flakes
Instructions
- Pre heat the hotplate/teppanyaki plate/BBQ plate.
- Make up the batter, it should be runny and will be gummy.
- Add all the veggie ingredients in a large bowl and toss together. Pour the batter over the veggies and mix.
- You will need 2 spatulas, I use one short BBQ multi-purpose spatula and one smaller egg lifter.
- Oil the hotplate where the pancakes are going to be cooking spreading the oil out with a spatula.
- Place mounds of mixture on to the hotplate and then press them down with your spatula. Any leftover batter distribute over your mounds.
- Place strips of pork on top of the mound of vegetables.
- After about 8 mins flip the pancakes over.
- When the pork is cooked through and a little crispy (5 mins) flip the pancake back.
- You are ready for serving.
Serving
Put the okonomiyaki on to plates with the meat side up.
Generously spread Okonomi Sauce on top, followed by mayonnaise, ao-nori, shallots and katsuo-bushi. Enjoy.
