19 Japanese Okonomiyaki Recipe Hiroshima Vs Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, one dish stands out for its unique and customizable nature - okonomiyaki. Originating from the city of Hiroshima, this savory pancake has become a beloved street food and household favorite in Japan and around the world. However, there is a debate among food enthusiasts about which version of the dish is the best - the Hiroshima style or the Osaka style. Let's take a closer look at the differences between the two and see which one reigns supreme.
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that translates to "grilled as you like it." It is a savory pancake made with a variety of ingredients, including cabbage, meat or seafood, and a batter made from flour, eggs, and dashi. It is then topped with a variety of sauces, such as okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Here are some delicious variations of this versatile dish that you can try making at home!
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
This version of okonomiyaki uses sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a unique twist on the traditional dish. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color to the pancake. It is topped with a drizzle of honey and black sesame seeds for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
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Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Corn Starch, Baking Powder, Salt
This classic version of okonomiyaki is made with a mixture of cabbage, pork belly, and shrimp. The pancake is topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and green onions for a burst of flavor. The combination of savory and tangy makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
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Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancakes)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Potato
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this recipe is for you. It uses a combination of vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, and onions, for a flavorful and filling pancake. It is then topped with a homemade sauce made from soy sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
This version of okonomiyaki is all about the cabbage. It uses a large amount of cabbage for a hearty and crunchy pancake. The cabbage is mixed with a batter made from flour, eggs, and dashi, and then topped with a variety of sauces and toppings of your choice.
These pancakes are a unique twist on the traditional okonomiyaki. They use a mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and sugar to create a fluffy and sweet pancake. It is then topped with a drizzle of honey and fruits, such as strawberries and bananas, for a delicious and indulgent breakfast option.
This Japanese cheesecake is not your typical dense and rich cheesecake. It is light and airy, almost like a souffle. It is made with cream cheese, eggs, and a touch of flour for a delicate and fluffy texture. It is a perfect dessert option after enjoying a savory okonomiyaki meal.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancakes) with Homemade Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Kale, Shredded Cabbage, Shredded Carrots, Green Onions
If you want to try making your own okonomiyaki sauce at home, this recipe is for you. It uses a combination of soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar for a tangy and sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with the savory pancake. It's a great way to elevate the flavor of your okonomiyaki.
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Plain Flour, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Black Pepper
This vegetarian version of okonomiyaki is made with a variety of vegetables, such as cabbage, kale, and carrots, for a nutritious and flavorful pancake. It is then topped with a homemade sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar for a tangy and umami-filled dish.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs well with any okonomiyaki meal. It is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for a sweet and tangy flavor. It is a great way to balance out the richness of the pancake.
If you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, ramen is the way to go. It is a noodle soup dish that is made with a flavorful broth, topped with a variety of toppings, such as pork, eggs, and vegetables. It is a popular dish in Japan and around the world, and a great option to pair with your okonomiyaki.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Rice balls, also known as onigiri, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are made with sushi rice and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pickled plum, salmon, or tuna. They are a great on-the-go snack or side dish to enjoy with your okonomiyaki.
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Vegan Okonomiyaki (aka Japanese Vegetable Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Shredded Cabbage, Shredded Carrot, Chopped Onion, Dried
If you're looking for a vegan option, this recipe is for you. It uses a mixture of vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, and a batter made from chickpea flour, water, and soy milk. It is then topped with a homemade vegan sauce for a delicious and cruelty-free version of okonomiyaki.
Udon noodle soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day. It is made with thick and chewy udon noodles, a flavorful broth, and toppings of your choice, such as beef, chicken, or vegetables. It is a great option to pair with your okonomiyaki for a well-rounded meal.
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Japanese Okonomiyaki Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Green Onion, Corn, Onion, Mayonnaise, Dashi
This recipe combines the flavors of okonomiyaki and coleslaw for a unique and tasty dish. It uses a mixture of cabbage and carrots, along with a homemade dressing made from mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. It is a great side dish to enjoy with your okonomiyaki or as a standalone salad.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Cabbage Pancakes)
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Cooked Bacon, Green Onion, Large Eggs, A P
This classic version of okonomiyaki uses a combination of cabbage, pork belly, and shrimp for a hearty and flavorful pancake. It is then topped with a variety of sauces, such as okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise, for a burst of flavor. It's a must-try for any okonomiyaki lover.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a popular dish in Japan and are often served as an appetizer or side dish. They are filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and spices, and then pan-fried to create a crispy and delicious dumpling. They are a great option to enjoy with your okonomiyaki for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Okonomiyaki for the Japanese Cabbage Pancake and...
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Scallions, Yamaimo, Large Eggs, Dashi Stock
If you want to try making your own okonomiyaki from scratch, this recipe is for you. It uses a mixture of cabbage, flour, eggs, and a variety of toppings and sauces to create a delicious and customizable pancake. It's a fun and interactive dish to make with friends and family.
Eggplant is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often grilled and served as a side dish or topping for dishes like okonomiyaki. It is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar for a sweet and savory flavor. It's a great addition to any okonomiyaki meal.
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Okonomiyaki aka “Japanese Pizza”
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Leeks, Carrots, All Purpose Flour, Baking
Okonomiyaki is often referred to as "Japanese pizza" because of its round shape and the variety of toppings that can be added to it. It's a fun and playful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or shared as an appetizer. Get creative with your toppings and make your own version of this Japanese favorite.
Differences in Ingredients and Preparation
Hiroshima Style
The main difference between the two styles lies in the way the dish is prepared. In Hiroshima, the ingredients for okonomiyaki are layered on top of each other, unlike the mixed batter used in Osaka. The base is made of a thin crepe-like layer of batter, topped with cabbage, pork, and other fillings. Noodles, usually udon or soba, are then placed on top. This is followed by another layer of batter and toppings, and finally a layer of okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. The finished dish is then topped with bonito flakes and green onions, giving it a distinct flavor and texture.
Osaka Style
In comparison, the Osaka style of okonomiyaki is more similar to a traditional pancake. The batter is mixed with the fillings, such as cabbage, pork, and seafood, and then cooked on a griddle. The dish is then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. The result is a thicker and more uniform pancake-like okonomiyaki.
Regional Influences
Hiroshima
The difference in preparation and ingredients can be attributed to the regional influences in Hiroshima. The city has a strong connection to the sea, which is reflected in the use of seafood in their version of okonomiyaki. The addition of noodles also sets it apart from other variations of the dish, as it is a nod to Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki noodle restaurants.
Osaka
On the other hand, the Osaka style has been influenced by the city's lively street food culture. The mixed batter and griddle cooking method make it easier and quicker to prepare, making it a popular snack among locals and tourists alike. The use of mayonnaise as a topping is also a unique touch that adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the dish.
The Verdict
While both versions of okonomiyaki are delicious in their own right, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Hiroshima style offers a more complex and layered flavor, while the Osaka style is a simpler and quicker option. Whichever style you choose, one thing is for sure - okonomiyaki is a must-try dish for any food lover. So, why not try both and decide for yourself which one is the best?
