Okonomiyaki(お好み焼き)

Okonomiyaki(お好み焼き)

“Okonomiyaki”—just hearing the name conjures up the sizzling sound and delicious aroma from the griddle, enticing your taste buds. Okonomiyaki is one of Japan’s most iconic teppanyaki dishes, loved both domestically and internationally. History The origins of okonomiyaki can be traced back to the 16th century, influenced by Portuguese cooking methods. The modern version evolved…

Hiromichi Tokita

2024年7月23日

1–2 minutes

#Cuisine, #FoodCulture, #FoodLovers, #Japan, #JapaneseCuisine, #JapaneseCulture, #JapaneseFood, #TraditionalJapaneseFood, #Washoku, Food, Okonomi-Yaki

History

The origins of okonomiyaki can be traced back to the 16th century, influenced by Portuguese cooking methods. The modern version evolved from “monjayaki” and “dondon-yaki” popular in Tokyo during the Meiji era. By the early Showa period, okonomiyaki flourished in Osaka and Hiroshima, each developing its unique style (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia).

Characteristics

Okonomiyaki features a batter made from flour, water, and eggs, mixed with ingredients like cabbage, pork, and seafood, then cooked on a griddle. Common toppings include okonomiyaki sauce, aonori (seaweed flakes), katsuobushi (bonito flakes), mayonnaise, and pickled ginger. The Kansai style mixes the ingredients into the batter, while the Hiroshima style layers them (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia).

Preparation

The basic steps to make okonomiyaki are:

Prepare the Batter: Mix flour, water, and eggs, then add cabbage, green onions, and tempura bits.
Prepare the Ingredients: Ready your choice of pork, seafood, and other toppings.
Cook: Heat a griddle, oil it, spread the batter, and add the ingredients on top. Cook both sides thoroughly and finish with the toppings (AJINOMOTO PARK) (Wikipedia).

Nutritional Value

Okonomiyaki is rich in vitamins and dietary fiber from the vegetables, and protein from the meat and seafood. However, the use of sauce and mayonnaise can add calories, so enjoying it as part of a balanced diet is important (AJINOMOTO PARK).

Cultural Significance

Okonomiyaki is beloved across Japan, with regional variations like Osaka’s mixed style and Hiroshima’s layered style. Other local versions include Kyoto’s “negiyaki” with plenty of green onions. It is also a popular street food at festivals and fairs (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia).

Conclusion

Okonomiyaki, with its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, is a standout in Japanese teppanyaki cuisine. Despite its simple ingredients and preparation, the resulting dish is profoundly satisfying. Be sure to experience the delightful taste of okonomiyaki and enjoy a special moment with this iconic Japanese dish.