Japanese Pancake: Okonomiyaki

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 4 cups thinly sliced cabbage
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup diced cooked bacon or ham
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
• Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise, for serving
• Bonito flakes and/or aonori for topping, optional

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined.
4. Add in cabbage, carrot, green onions, bacon or ham, onion, and parsley. Mix well.
5. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add in 1 tablespoon of oil.
6. Scoop 1 cup of batter onto the pan and spread it out evenly to make a circle.
7. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Repeat the process with remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
9. Serve hot with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. Top with bonito flakes and/or aonori if desired.

Verdict:

Okonomiyaki is a delicious and savory Japanese pancake that is perfect for any meal of the day. The combination of crispy cabbage and bacon or ham, with a slightly sweet pancake batter and tangy sauce, makes it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking with different toppings and fillings.

Serving Suggestions:

• Top with a fried egg for added flavor and protein.
• Use seafood, such as shrimp or squid, instead of bacon or ham for a lighter option.
• Serve with a side of miso soup and steamed rice for a complete Japanese meal.