Welcome to the delightful world of Japanese street food with Okonomiyaki! This savory pancake is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, combining the freshness of cabbage, the richness of pork belly, and the umami of shrimp. It's a versatile dish that's not only fun to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat.
The star of the dish is the cabbage, providing a crunchy base that holds everything together. Dashi stock is used to create a savory batter, infusing the pancake with a subtle umami flavor. Shrimp adds a touch of sweetness and a tender bite, while pork belly brings richness and depth. Don't forget the pickled ginger—it's the zingy accent that brightens up the whole pancake. Lastly, green onions offer a fresh, mild flavor that rounds out the dish.
Serve your Okonomiyaki with a side of miso soup or a fresh seaweed salad to keep with the Japanese theme. A light, crisp Japanese beer or a cold glass of sake would complement the dish beautifully.
Start by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 3/4 cup of dashi stock or water in a large bowl until smooth. Once your batter is lump-free, beat in 2 large eggs until everything is well combined. This is your base.
Fold in 1/2 head of finely shredded cabbage, 4 oz of peeled and deveined shrimp, 4 oz of thinly sliced pork belly, 2 tbsp of chopped pickled ginger, and 1/4 cup of sliced green onions. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This step is where all the flavors start to meld together.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add just enough vegetable oil to lightly coat the bottom. When the oil is hot, pour in a portion of the batter—about 1/2 inch thick—into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the pancake is golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully to avoid breaking the pancake.
Once cooked, transfer your Okonomiyaki to a plate. Drizzle generously with Okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. These two sauces are essential for that authentic taste. Finish with a sprinkle of dried seaweed flakes (nori) and a handful of bonito flakes. The heat from the pancake will make the bonito flakes dance, adding a touch of whimsy to your meal.
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