How to Make Delicious Okonomiyaki with Prawns and a Fluffy Twist

If you love Japanese recipes and want to try something beyond the usual sushi or ramen, okonomiyaki is a fantastic choice. This savory Japanese pancake is versatile, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Adding prawns gives it a fresh seafood touch, while a simple trick will make your okonomiyaki fluffier than ever. You’ll enjoy a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with umami.

Okonomiyaki with prawns on a plate, ready to eat

What You Need to Know About Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is often called a Japanese pancake, but it’s quite different from the sweet pancakes you might be used to. It’s a savory dish made from a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and other ingredients you like. The name means “grilled as you like it,” so you can customize it with various toppings and fillings.

Prawns add a lovely texture and flavor that pairs well with the cabbage and batter. The key to a great okonomiyaki is balancing the ingredients and cooking it just right so it stays fluffy inside while getting a nice crust outside.

Ingredients for Your Prawn Okonomiyaki

Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need to make about two medium-sized okonomiyaki pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2/3 cup dashi stock or water (dashi adds authentic flavor)

• 1 egg

• 2 cups finely shredded cabbage

• 100 grams peeled and deveined prawns, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup tenkasu (tempura scraps) or crushed crispy rice crackers (optional for crunch)

• 1 tablespoon pickled ginger, chopped (optional)

• Vegetable oil for cooking

  
  

For topping:

• Okonomiyaki sauce (or a mix of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup)

• Japanese mayonnaise

• Aonori (seaweed flakes)

• Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)

  
  

How to Make the Batter Fluffy

The secret to fluffy okonomiyaki lies in how you mix the batter and the cooking method. Here’s what you do:

1. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately: Combine the flour and dashi stock in one bowl. In another bowl, lightly beat the egg.

2. Whisk the egg to add air: Whisk the egg until it’s frothy before adding it to the flour mixture. This adds air and helps the pancake rise.

3. Fold in cabbage and prawns gently: Add shredded cabbage, prawns, green onions, and tenkasu to the batter. Mix gently to avoid deflating the air bubbles.

4. Avoid overmixing: Stir just enough to combine ingredients. Overmixing makes the batter dense.

   
   

Cooking Your Okonomiyaki

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil.

2. Pour half the batter onto the skillet, shaping it into a round pancake about 6-7 inches wide and 1 inch thick.

3. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.

4. Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes.

5. To check if it’s cooked through, insert a toothpick or skewer in the center; it should come out clean.

6. Repeat with the remaining batter.

   
   

Adding the Final Touches

Once cooked, transfer your okonomiyaki to a plate. Brush the top generously with okonomiyaki sauce, then drizzle Japanese mayonnaise in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle aonori and katsuobushi on top. The bonito flakes will dance slightly from the heat, adding a fun visual and smoky flavor.

Tips for Perfect Okonomiyaki Every Time

• Use fresh prawns for the best taste and texture. Frozen prawns work but thaw and pat dry before adding.

• If you can’t find dashi stock, use water with a pinch of instant dashi powder or substitute with chicken broth for a different flavor.

• Tenkasu adds crunch, but if unavailable, crushed crispy rice crackers or fried onions work well.

• Keep the heat medium to low to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks.

• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

  
  

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This okonomiyaki recipe is a great way to explore Japanese recipes beyond the usual dishes. It’s fun to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. The prawns add a fresh seafood note, and the fluffy batter makes it feel light yet satisfying. You can experiment with other toppings like cheese, bacon, or mushrooms to suit your taste.

Enjoy making this dish at home and impress your guests with your cooking skills. It’s a delicious way to bring a taste of Japan to your kitchen.