Okonomiyaki Recipe With Spicy Thai Basil & Crispy Garlic-Shallot Crunch

Name: okonomiyaki recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1.25 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup vegetable broth or water; 1 large egg; 0.5 medium head green cabbage, finely shredded (400 grams); 5.3 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced into small pieces (consider shrimp or firm tofu for a different twist); 3 large scallions, thinly sliced, divided; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced, divided; 1 teaspoon red fresno chili, finely minced (remove seeds for less spice); 0.5 cup neutral oil, for frying (canola or grapeseed); 3 large shallots, very thinly sliced (for crunch); 4 large cloves garlic, very thinly sliced (for crunch); 0.25 cup soy sauce (for glaze); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (for glaze); 1 tablespoon lime juice (for glaze); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for glaze); 1 tablespoon water (for glaze); 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for glaze); 0.25 cup mayonnaise, vegetable oil-based; 0.5 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed

I find myself reaching for this easy okonomiyaki recipe whenever I crave something truly unique for dinner that still feels like a warm hug. It delivers those irresistible crispy edges and a savory, tender center that makes a weeknight meal feel special. This Japanese savory pancake meal is perfect for busy families, comfort food lovers, or anyone wanting a fun, flavorful dinner. We’ll show you how to whip up these delicious pancakes with simple ingredients, making mealtime memorable.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Why They Matter)

Crafting the perfect okonomiyaki starts with understanding each ingredient’s role. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this delicious okonomiyaki recipe:

All-Purpose Flour: 150 grams (1 ¼ cups). The base for fluffy, satisfying pancakes.
Baking Powder: 5 grams (1 teaspoon). Gives these savory pancakes a nice lift.
Fine Sea Salt: 3 grams (½ teaspoon). Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
Vegetable Broth or Water: 240 ml (1 cup). I’ve made this with both; broth adds a subtle savory depth.
Large Egg: 1. Binds the batter and adds richness.
Green Cabbage: 400 grams (approx. ½ medium head), finely shredded. Crucial for texture and natural sweetness.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: 150 grams (5.3 oz), thinly sliced into small pieces. Our lean protein choice for a healthy, high-protein meal. (Consider shrimp or firm tofu for a different twist).
Scallions: 3 large, thinly sliced, divided. Provides a fresh, mild oniony kick.
Fresh Ginger: 15 grams (1 tablespoon), finely grated. Offers a warm, aromatic spice.
Garlic: 10 grams (2 cloves), minced, divided. For savory notes in the batter.
Red Fresno Chili: 5 grams (1 teaspoon), finely minced. Adds a touch of fresh heat (remove seeds for less spice).
Neutral Oil: 120 ml (½ cup), for frying (canola or grapeseed).
Shallots & Garlic (for crunch): 3 large shallots (approx. 70g) and 4 large cloves garlic (approx. 20g), very thinly sliced. These fry up into an addictive crispy topping, a premium ingredient elevating the dish.
Glaze Ingredients: 60 ml (¼ cup) soy sauce, 30 ml (2 tablespoons) rice vinegar, 30 grams (2 tablespoons) light brown sugar, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) lime juice, 5 grams (1 teaspoon) red pepper flakes, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) water, 5 grams (1 teaspoon) cornstarch. These combine to create the sweet, tangy, and glossy glaze that defines this okonomiyaki. (For a low-sodium option, choose reduced-sodium soy sauce).
Mayonnaise: 60 ml (¼ cup), vegetable oil-based. For that essential creamy, contrasting drizzle.
Fresh Thai Basil Leaves: 30 grams (½ cup, packed). A vibrant, aromatic garnish for your savory pancake.

How to Make Okonomiyaki Step by Step

Follow these clear steps to create a hearty okonomiyaki recipe that’s packed with flavor:

Prep Your Ingredients: Finely shred cabbage and thinly slice chicken. Prepare the crispy garlic-shallot crunch and homemade okonomiyaki glaze as detailed in the full recipe, setting both aside.
Mix the Batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk broth and egg. Gradually combine wet into dry until a smooth, thick batter forms; do not overmix.
Combine & Cook: Gently fold cabbage, chicken, two-thirds scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili into batter. Heat a large non-stick skillet with flavored oil over medium heat.
Flip Like a Pro: Scoop 1 ½ cups mixture per 6-7 inch patty. Cook 5-7 minutes per side until deeply golden. Chicken internal temp 74°C (165°F). Ensure skillet is hot and don’t flip too soon for intact pancakes.
Assemble & Serve: Transfer hot okonomiyaki to plates. Drizzle with warm glaze, then mayo. Garnish generously with basil, crispy crunch, and remaining scallions for delicious family dinners.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This ‘okonomiyaki recipe’ truly shines in many settings, offering a delightful and versatile meal solution.

Everyday Uses: It’s a quick weeknight ‘okonomiyaki recipe’ for dinner, a fun family meal, or hearty lunch leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Special Occasions: Serve it at casual gatherings, as tasty game night snacks, or as a unique dish for themed dinner parties.
Pairings: This Japanese savory pancake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, warming miso soup, or a refreshing cold beverage.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness with Okonomiyaki

Our ‘okonomiyaki recipe’ is a smart choice for healthy eating, making it an excellent addition to your family’s menu.

Diet Angles: This customizable recipe is packed with vegetables, offers flexible protein options like shrimp or tofu, and can be a satisfying whole meal for busy families seeking easy dinner ideas.
Benefits: Enjoy energy-boosting complex carbs, fiber-rich cabbage, and a great way to include easy high-protein meals. It’s fantastic for family meal prep ideas, delivering balanced nutrition.

How This Recipe Solves Common Needs

This versatile ‘okonomiyaki recipe’ addresses several common kitchen challenges, simplifying your meal planning.

Reader Goals: Achieve budget meals using common ingredients, enjoy the convenience of quick dinners, and support healthier eating by incorporating plenty of hidden vegetables.
Clear Benefits: Save time with minimal prep and cooking, provide nutrient-dense options for growing kids, and utilize fridge odds and ends creatively. My kids are much more likely to eat extra veggies when they’re tucked into one of these pancakes!

Expert Pointers and Smart Variations

Mastering this dish is simple with a few smart techniques and variations.

Cooking Tricks: I find chilling my batter for 15-20 minutes really helps achieve a slightly better texture. Don’t press the pancakes too hard while cooking, as this can make them dense. Using a lid for the first few minutes after flipping ensures the inside cooks evenly.
Family/Kid Preferences: For picky eaters, finely shred the cabbage. Offer a milder sauce or let kids customize their own fun toppings.
Allergy-Friendly: Easily adapt by using gluten-free flour, skipping bonito flakes for a fish-free version, and opting for dairy-free or soy-free mayonnaise alternatives.

Common Questions About Okonomiyaki

Can I freeze okonomiyaki for later?

Yes, cooked okonomiyaki pancakes freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

What’s the healthiest way to make okonomiyaki?

To make a healthier okonomiyaki, load up on extra vegetables like shredded carrots or zucchini, use lean protein such as chicken or shrimp, and go lighter on the sauces. This approach maximizes nutrients while reducing fat and sodium.

Which ingredients are best for meal prepping okonomiyaki?

For efficient meal prep, shred your cabbage and slice your chosen protein (like chicken or firm tofu) ahead of time. You can also prepare the okonomiyaki sauce in advance and store it, making assembly quick and easy on cooking day.

Can I make okonomiyaki vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the animal protein and instead add ingredients like sliced mushrooms, sweet corn, or extra shredded cabbage for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian okonomiyaki. Tofu or edamame also make great additions.

How do I get my okonomiyaki to stay together?

Ensure your batter has the right consistency, not too thin, and avoid overmixing, which develops gluten too much. Crucially, allow sufficient cooking time on the first side (until golden and firm) before attempting to flip your okonomiyaki.

What sauce is best for okonomiyaki?

The traditional sweet and savory okonomiyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade) is essential for authentic flavor, often paired with creamy Japanese mayonnaise. These toppings create the signature taste of a classic ‘okonomiyaki recipe’.

Conclusion

This ‘okonomiyaki recipe’ offers a fun, flavorful, and easy way to bring hearty comfort to your family table. Pin this recipe to Pinterest, or make it tonight for delicious family dinners and lasting memories!