Cuisine : Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki - Steps to make this pancake
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that layers ingredients rather than mixing them, setting it apart from the more common Osaka-style. This regional specialty originated in Hiroshima and is known for its hearty, layered composition that combines cabbage, noodles, meat, seafood, and a rich, sweet-savory sauce.
Key Ingredients
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki traditionally uses ingredients like:
Batter: Made from flour, water, and sometimes dashi (Japanese stock).
Cabbage: Finely shredded and layered.
Noodles: Typically yakisoba (fried noodles) or udon, cooked and placed between the layers.
Protein: Options include sliced pork belly, shrimp, squid, or even cheese.
Eggs: Usually cracked directly on the griddle and cooked separately before layering.
Toppings: Include Okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori (green seaweed powder), and bonito flakes.
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the Griddle: Heat a griddle or large pan to a medium-high setting.
2. Pour the Batter: Pour a thin, pancake-sized circle of batter onto the griddle, spreading it gently to make a base layer. The batter layer in Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is thinner compared to Osaka-style since it primarily serves as a foundation.
3. Add Cabbage and Additional Fillings: Heap a generous portion of shredded cabbage onto the batter. Top it with any other fillings, like bean sprouts, green onions, and sliced pork belly, one layer at a time. This creates a tower-like stack as you go.
4. Add the Noodles: Separately cook the yakisoba or udon noodles on the griddle with a little oil and then place them on top of the cabbage and other fillings. Season the noodles lightly with salt or a touch of Okonomiyaki sauce.
5. Crack an Egg: Crack an egg directly onto the griddle, carefully spreading the yolk with a spatula to match the size of the other layers. Once the egg is slightly set, place the entire Okonomiyaki stack on top of it.
6. Flip and Press: Flip the Okonomiyaki to ensure the egg side cooks thoroughly, using a spatula to press it down gently. Allow it to cook until the layers meld together.
7. Add the Sauce and Toppings: When ready, top with Okonomiyaki sauce, a drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of aonori and bonito flakes.
Final Touches
Serve hot off the griddle with chopsticks. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is a flavorful and satisfying meal, with layers of textures and flavors in each bite—from the crispy pork to the tender noodles and crunchy cabbage.
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