Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki

Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki Recipe - Authentic Japanese Dish

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki is a delicious and savory Japanese pancake that is packed with flavor and texture. This recipe combines the traditional ingredients of okonomiyaki with a unique twist that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

History

Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that originated in Osaka, Japan. It is a savory pancake made with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, green onions, and meat or seafood. The name "okonomiyaki" translates to "grilled as you like it," which reflects the customizable nature of this dish.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1.25 cups vegetable or chicken soup stock
4 – 6 eggs
1 – 1.25 lb (567 g) cabbage
6 tbsp chopped green onion
0.67 cup tenkasu (tempura flakes)
12 – 18 strips of thinly sliced pork, beef or chicken

For toppings

ao-nori (green dried seaweed)
okonomiyaki sauce (or tonkatsu sauce)
mayonnaise

How to prepare

Pour the soup stock into a bowl and mix in the flour.
Rest the batter in the refrigerator for an hour.
Finely chop the cabbage.
Take about 0.5 cup of the batter (to make one piece of okonomiyaki) in another bowl.
Mix a handful of cabbage (about 0.25 lb (113 g)), some chopped green onion (about 1 tbsp), and tempura flakes (about 2 tbsps) into the batter.
Make a hole in the middle of the batter and add an egg, then stir it in.
Heat a flat pan or griddle on medium heat (and lightly oil if it isn't non-stick).
Pour the batter onto the pan to form a round pancake-like shape.
Fry the meat or your choice of toppings on the side.
Cook both the meat and okonomiyaki for 5 – 7 minutes and place the meat on top of the okonomiyaki.
Flip the okonomiyaki and cook for 5 – 7 more minutes.
When the okonomiyaki is cooked on both sides and through the middle (so it isn't runny), add your toppings.
If you're using nori (dried seaweed), you can cut it into fun shapes to decorate the top or grind it into flakes and sprinkle it on top.
Okonomiyaki or tonkatsu sauce or mayo are good toppings, but I prefer something more unconventional.
I like to use a jar of ah-so sauce mixed with a few tablespoons of spicy mustard to give it a nice rich color and a sweet/savory/spicy flavor.
If you can't find ah-so sauce in your area, Chinese barbecue sauce will work as well.
You can also sprinkle on some crunchy Chinese noodles, bacon bits, chopped scallions, bean sprouts, or any other toppings you think would taste good.

Variations

Substitute the chicken strips with pork belly, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
Add additional vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki sauce, sriracha mayo, or hoisin sauce for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the cabbage to ensure that it cooks evenly in the pancake.

- Resting the batter in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more flavorful pancake.

- When flipping the okonomiyaki, use a spatula to carefully turn it over to prevent it from falling apart.

- Experiment with different toppings and sauces to customize the flavor of your okonomiyaki.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki hot off the griddle with a drizzle of okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of ao-nori (seaweed) for a traditional touch. Pair it with a side of pickled ginger or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect okonomiyaki is to cook it on medium heat and flip it carefully to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides. Make sure to cook the pancake until it is golden brown and cooked through in the middle.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are vegetarian, you can omit the chicken strips and add more vegetables or tofu to the batter. You can also use a vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the batter for Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply mix in the cabbage, green onions, and tempura flakes, and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Presentation Ideas

For a visually appealing presentation, top Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki with a drizzle of sauce in a zigzag pattern, a dollop of mayo, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve it on a decorative plate with a side of pickled ginger for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki pairs well with a cold glass of Japanese beer or a refreshing green tea. You can also serve it with a side of miso soup or a light cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover okonomiyaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the pancake in a hot skillet and cook until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the cabbage and green onions.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (flour), eggs, and soy (in the sauce), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used in the recipe.

Summary

Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends. With a crispy exterior and a soft, savory interior, this Japanese pancake is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy customizing this dish with your favorite toppings and sauces for a truly unique dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Shawn who had recently returned from a trip to Japan. He invited me over for dinner and told me he had a special dish he wanted to make for me. As we gathered in his kitchen, Shawn pulled out a handwritten recipe from his travels and began to explain the ingredients and process for making this traditional Japanese pancake.

I watched in amazement as Shawn mixed together flour, eggs, cabbage, and a variety of other ingredients to create the batter for the okonomiyaki. He explained that the word "okonomiyaki" translates to "grilled as you like it," and that there are many variations of this dish depending on the region of Japan. Shawn's version was a savory pancake filled with shrimp, bacon, and topped with a tangy sauce and bonito flakes.

As Shawn cooked the okonomiyaki on a hot griddle, the delicious smells filled the kitchen and my stomach rumbled in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste this unique and flavorful dish that Shawn had learned to make during his travels. When the okonomiyaki was finally ready, Shawn plated it up and garnished it with a drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and a sprinkle of green onions.

I took my first bite of Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki and was instantly transported back to the bustling streets of Japan. The flavors were bold and complex, with the crispy edges of the pancake contrasting perfectly with the tender shrimp and savory bacon. I couldn't believe how delicious this dish was, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

After dinner, Shawn graciously shared his handwritten recipe with me, along with some tips and tricks he had picked up during his time in Japan. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished addition to my collection, passed down through generations of my family.

I began experimenting with the recipe for Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki in my own kitchen, tweaking the ingredients and proportions to suit my taste. I found that the key to a perfect okonomiyaki was in the balance of textures and flavors – the crispy exterior, the tender filling, and the umami-rich sauce all working together in harmony.

As I continued to make Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki for my friends and family, it became a beloved dish in our household. My grandchildren would gather around the kitchen as I cooked, eager to taste the savory pancake that had originated from Shawn's travels to Japan.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with many people, each adding their own unique twist to the dish. Some have added different fillings like mushrooms or pork belly, while others have experimented with alternative sauces and toppings. But no matter how the recipe is adapted, the essence of Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki remains the same – a delicious and comforting dish that brings people together around the dinner table.

As I look back on the memories of learning to make Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki, I am grateful for the sense of wonder and curiosity that led me to explore new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and sharing recipes like this one with my loved ones brings me great joy.

I hope that this story inspires you to seek out new recipes and flavors, to embrace the unknown and to create dishes that bring people together in love and laughter. And who knows, maybe one day you'll come across a recipe as special as Shawn's Special Okonomiyaki, and it will become a treasured part of your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!