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The Ultimate Recipe for Savory Japanese Pancake

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An authentic, expert guide to making Okonomiyaki, the classic customizable **Savory Japanese Pancake**, focusing on perfect batter consistency, crust development, and flavor balance.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

3/4 cup cold water or dashi stock

2 large eggs

4 cups green cabbage, very finely shredded

1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)

1/2 cup raw shrimp, shelled, deveined, and finely diced

2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil for frying

Okonomiyaki sauce, for topping

Japanese mayonnaise, for topping

Aonori (dried seaweed flakes), for topping

Katsuobushi (bonito flakes), for topping

Instructions

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. In a separate container, lightly whisk the two eggs and the water or dashi stock until combined.

2. Pour the wet egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the finely shredded cabbage, chopped scallions, and diced shrimp. Use a spatula to gently mix until the vegetables are coated, being careful not to overmix.

3. Heat a large frying pan or griddle over medium heat and add one tablespoon of a neutral cooking oil.

4. Scoop one-quarter of the mixture into the hot pan, forming a pancake about six inches wide and one inch thick. Cook for five to six minutes, or until the edges are firm and the underside has formed a deep golden, crispy crust.

5. Carefully slide a wide, sturdy spatula underneath the pancake. In a swift, confident motion, lift and flip the pancake over. Add a small amount of extra oil if the pan is dry, and gently press the pancake to ensure even contact with the heat.

6. Cook on the second side for another five to six minutes until thoroughly cooked through. Transfer the cooked pancake to a serving plate and immediately smother it with Okonomiyaki sauce and a generous zigzag of Japanese mayonnaise. Finish with a sprinkle of Aonori and Katsuobushi. Serve immediately.

Notes

For true depth of flavor, replace plain water entirely with cold dashi stock.

Cook the pancakes one or two at a time; avoid batching as they will steam each other and lose crispness.

If using a gluten-free flour blend, you may need to slightly reduce the liquid.

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