Chicken Okonomiyaki It’s a Tasty Japanese pancake with chicken, cabbage, and a mix you can choose. Cook it up just right, add special sauce and mayo, and it’s a tasty twist on a classic favorite!

What is Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is like a special Japanese pancake that you can make just the way you like it. The name means “grilled as you like.” To make it, you mix flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and other things like meat or veggies. You cook this mixture on a hot grill, and it becomes a tasty, thick pancake.

The cool part is you get to choose what goes in it! After cooking, you brush it with a special sauce, add Japanese mayonnaise, and sprinkle bonito flakes and seaweed powder on top.

People all over Japan love okonomiyaki, and you can find it as street food or make it at home. It’s a yummy dish that’s both fun to make and eat!

How to Make Chicken Okonomiyaki

Ingredients:

For the Okonomiyaki Batter:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dashi stock (or chicken or vegetable broth)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 green onions, finely chopped

For Toppings:

• Okonomiyaki sauce
• Japanese mayonnaise
• Bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
• Pickled ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Okonomiyaki Batter:
   • Combine shredded cabbage, all-purpose flour, dashi stock, eggs, soy sauce, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
2. Add Chicken Filling:
   • Gently fold the shredded chicken and chopped green onions into the okonomiyaki batter.
3. Cook Okonomiyaki:
   • Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the skillet, spreading it into a round shape (about 6 inches in diameter).
4. Flip and Cook:
   • Cook the okonomiyaki for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown is cooked through. Use a spatula to flip it carefully.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer the cooked chicken okonomiyaki to a serving plate.
6. Add Toppings:
   • Drizzle okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise over the top. Sprinkle with bonito flakes and additional chopped green onions. Add pickled ginger if desired.
7. Slice and Enjoy:
   • Slice the chicken okonomiyaki into wedges and enjoy this savory Japanese pancake with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Tip:

• Customize your okonomiyaki with additional ingredients like shrimp, bacon, or vegetables based on your preferences.

Storing Okonomiyaki

To keep Okonomiyaki fresh, refrigerate leftovers within two hours in an airtight container. Label with the date for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, use a skillet or oven for optimal taste. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. While best enjoyed fresh, these tips maintain Okonomiyaki’s deliciousness over time.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Okonomiyaki

Chicken Okonomiyaki is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with various side dishes to create a satisfying meal. Consider these options to complement the flavors:

Miso Soup: A classic Japanese soup made with fermented soybean paste, seaweed, and tofu. Its savory notes harmonize with the pancake’s taste.

Edamame: Steamed or boiled soybeans sprinkled with salt make for a nutritious and tasty side dish.

Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): Assorted pickled vegetables add a refreshing and crunchy element to balance the richness of the Okonomiyaki.

Carrot Salad: A crisp and colorful carrot salad, perhaps grated or thinly sliced, adds a sweet and crunchy element that complements the savory flavors of the Okonomiyaki. Drizzle with a light dressing or sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra flair.

Rice: Serve Okonomiyaki alongside steamed rice for a heartier meal, allowing you to enjoy the pancake with a side of grains.

Green Tea: A cup of green tea provides a cleansing and palate-refreshing beverage to accompany the meal.

Feel free to mix and match these options based on your preferences, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience with Chicken Okonomiyaki.

Conclusion

So, making Chicken Okonomiyaki is like taking a tasty trip to Japan. Mixing cabbage, chicken, and batter creates a pancake with lots of yummy textures and flavors. Topping it with special sauce, mayo, and flakes makes every bite super tasty. You can even add shrimp, bacon, or more veggies to make it your own. From start to finish, Chicken Okonomiyaki is a warm and delicious taste of Japanese cooking!

FAQ

Can I use different meats in the recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe features chicken, feel free to experiment with shrimp, or other proteins for a personalized twist.

Can I make Okonomiyaki ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Okonomiyaki ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat in a skillet or oven for a fresh taste.

Are there vegetarian options?

Certainly! Skip the chicken and explore a vegetarian version with extra veggies or tofu for a tasty meat-free alternative.

Can I freeze Chicken Okonomiyaki?

Yes, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.