Okonomiyaki

Ingredients

100g plain flour

150ml dashi (or water with dashi powder)

1 egg

Pinch salt

Handful Chinese leaf (or cabbage), finely sliced

Handful pak choi, chopped

Handful Chinese chives, chopped

2 spring onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)

Vegetable oil

Optional toppings

1 egg (for frying)

Okonomiyaki sauce

Japanese mayonnaise

Bonito flakes

Sesame seeds

PREPARATION

Method

1. In a bowl, mix the plain flour with dashi, gradually adding the liquid until you reach a single cream consistency batter.

2. Crack an egg into the batter and whisk until smooth with no lumps.

3. Add a pinch of salt and mix well.

4. Fold in the Chinese leaf, pak choi, Chinese chives and most of the spring onions, keeping a little for garnish.

COOKING

5. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat with a little oil.

6. If using, crack an egg into the pan and lightly spread it to form a base layer.

7. Spoon the batter mixture over the egg, shaping it into a round pancake.

8. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 3–4 minutes until the base is set and lightly golden.

9. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 3–4 minutes until cooked through and fluffy inside.

10. Remove from the pan and place on a serving plate with the egg side facing up if used.

11. Drizzle generously with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise.

12. Finish with bonito flakes, sesame seeds and reserved spring onions before serving.

School of Wok Tips

• Aim for a batter consistency similar to single cream for a light texture.

• Do not overfill with vegetables or the pancake may not hold together.

• Cook on medium heat to ensure the inside cooks without burning the outside.

• Bonito flakes will move slightly from the heat, adding a classic visual finish.

FAQs

What does okonomiyaki mean?

It roughly translates to “grilled as you like it,” reflecting how customizable the dish is.

Can I add meat or seafood?

Yes. Bacon, prawns or squid are popular additions.

Do I need dashi?

Dashi adds umami flavour, but you can substitute with water if needed.