Beverages: Okonomiyaki - steps to prepare this delicious Japanese cake

 

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is often referred to as a "Japanese pizza" or "Japanese pancake." It's a popular dish in Japan, especially in the regions of Osaka and Hiroshima, each of which has its own style. Here's a detailed look at how okonomiyaki is prepared:

### Ingredients

1. **Batter**:

   - Flour

   - Water or dashi (Japanese soup stock)

   - Eggs

   - Grated yam or yamaimo (optional, for a smoother texture)

2. **Cabbage**: Finely chopped

3. **Toppings and Fillings**:

   - Pork belly slices

   - Seafood (shrimp, squid, etc.)

   - Green onions

   - Pickled ginger (beni shoga)

   - Tempura scraps (tenkasu)

   - Cheese (optional)

4. **Sauces and Condiments**:

   - Okonomiyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce)

   - Japanese mayonnaise

   - Aonori (dried seaweed flakes)

   - Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)

### Preparation Steps

#### 1. Preparing the Batter

- **Mixing Ingredients**: In a large bowl, mix the flour, water or dashi, and eggs to form a batter. Optionally, add grated yam for a smoother, more cohesive texture.

- **Adding Cabbage**: Finely chop the cabbage and mix it into the batter. The amount of cabbage is typically generous, making up a significant portion of the mixture.

- **Optional Add-ins**: Add other ingredients such as green onions, tempura scraps, and pickled ginger to the batter.

#### 2. Cooking the Pancake

- **Heating the Griddle**: Heat a flat griddle or a large frying pan over medium heat and lightly oil it.

- **Spreading the Batter**: Pour a portion of the batter onto the hot griddle and spread it out to form a thick, round pancake, about 1-2 centimeters thick.

- **Adding Toppings**: Place slices of pork belly or seafood on top of the batter. These will cook as the pancake cooks.

#### 3. Flipping and Cooking

- **Cooking the First Side**: Cook the pancake for several minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the ingredients are set. Use a wide