International Cuisine > Global Street Food Recipes > Savory Street Food > Okonomiyaki (Japanese)

Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki: Layered Japanese Pancake

Discover the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, a layered savory pancake featuring crepes, cabbage, noodles, and your choice of protein. This recipe breaks down the technique for creating this unique and delicious street food at home.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
1
Ingredients
  • 50 g All-purpose flour
  • 100 ml Water
  • 1 Egg
  • 400 g Shredded cabbage
  • 100 g Bean sprouts
  • 100 g Pork belly (thinly sliced)
  • 200 g Yakusoba noodles (cooked)
  • 30 g Tenkasu (tempura scraps)
  • 1 tsp Aonori (dried seaweed flakes)
  • As needed Okonomiyaki sauce
  • As needed Japanese mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil

Making the Crepe

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, and egg until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour a thin layer of batter onto the griddle, creating a crepe-like circle about 15-20 cm in diameter. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges are set and the bottom is lightly golden. No need to flip the crepe.

Building the Layers

On top of the crepe, layer a generous amount of shredded cabbage and bean sprouts. Sprinkle with tenkasu. Place the thinly sliced pork belly on top of the vegetables.

Cooking and Flipping

Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is softened and the pork is cooked through. Using two spatulas, carefully flip the entire okonomiyaki stack over, so the crepe is now on top. Gently press down on the stack to compress the layers.

Adding the Noodles

On a separate part of the griddle, stir-fry the yakisoba noodles with a little oil and okonomiyaki sauce. Form the noodles into a pancake shape. Carefully transfer the okonomiyaki stack onto the noodle pancake. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to crisp up slightly.

Serving

Slide the okonomiyaki onto a plate with the noodles facing down. Generously spread okonomiyaki sauce over the top of the crepe. Drizzle with Japanese mayonnaise. Sprinkle with aonori flakes. Serve immediately. You can cut the okonomiyaki into sections for easier eating.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki tends to be lower in carbohydrates compared to Osaka style. The use of noodles increases the overall carbohydrate content. Adjusting the portion size of noodles can impact the overall nutritional profile.

FAQ

  • What are Yakisoba noodles?

    Yakisoba noodles are Japanese wheat noodles that are typically stir-fried with vegetables and a savory sauce. They are a key component of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or substitute with other types of stir-fry noodles if necessary.
  • Can I use different types of noodles?

    While yakisoba noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other types of noodles such as udon or ramen noodles. Keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary depending on the type of noodle you choose.
  • Is it difficult to flip the okonomiyaki?

    Flipping the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki can be a bit challenging due to its size and multiple layers. Using two wide spatulas and working carefully can help. Don't worry if it falls apart slightly during the flipping process; you can easily reassemble it on the griddle.