Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a type of
Japanese savory pan-fried batter cake that is fried and topped with various toppings. Japanese people often translate okonomiyaki as
Japanese pizza, but this is clearly a misnomer. Okonomiyaki is generally eaten in okonomiyaki
fast food restaurants rather than at home. In Japan okonomiyaki is usually associated with
Hiroshima and the
Kansai region.
To make okonomiyaki batter, mix flour, grated
yam with water or
dashi.
Then add egg and shredded cabbage. This makes a very basic okonomiyaki. There are many kinds of okonomiyaki which contain,
Kimchi,
mochi,
cheese, and so on.
Common extra ingredients include: Green onion, meat, fish flakes[?], squid, shrimp, vegetables--anything you like. The batter and toppings are spread on a hot plate (teppan) and fried until done.
Mayonnaise (optional), okonomiyaki-sauce,
nori, and katsuoboushi (dried bonito flakes) on the top.
Ginger on the side is common.
Okonomi means "what you like", and yaki means grilled" or "fried" (c.f., yakitori and yakisoba) in Japanese, so this dish
means fry what you like. As the name shows, you can put anything you like. Some people make with pork, beef, lots of leek and various foods.
Different regions prefer different toppings and batters for okonomiyaki.
Japanese cuisine