
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.
A quick 15‑minute Japanese street‑food style okonomiyaki made with a light batter, shredded cabbage, bacon, and topped with barbecue sauce, mayo and bonito flakes. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and fully customizable with your favorite add‑ins.
Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist
Everything you need to know about this recipe
Okonomiyaki originated in post‑war Osaka and Hiroshima as a cheap, filling street food where "okonomi" means "what you like"; vendors would let customers choose toppings, making it a personalized snack that became a symbol of Japanese comfort cooking.
The two main styles are Osaka‑style, which mixes all ingredients into the batter, and Hiroshima‑style, which layers cabbage, noodles and a fried egg. Both are topped with okonomi sauce, mayo, aonori and katsuobushi.
In Osaka, the pancake is cut into quarters, drizzled with sweet‑savory okonomi sauce, Japanese mayo, sprinkled with dried bonito flakes and aonori seaweed, and eaten hot off the teppan (iron griddle).
Okonomiyaki is popular at summer festivals (matsuri) and during street‑food fairs, as it can be cooked quickly on portable grills and shared among friends.
Traditional ingredients include dashi broth, wheat flour, shredded napa cabbage, sliced pork belly or bacon, okonomi sauce, Japanese mayo, aonori, and katsuobushi. Substitutes like chicken broth, regular cabbage, and BBQ sauce work in a pinch but change the flavor profile.
Okonomiyaki pairs nicely with a cold glass of Japanese lager, miso soup, pickled radish (takuan), or a simple side of edamame for a balanced meal.
Its uniqueness lies in the customizable batter‑and‑topping concept, the contrast of a crisp exterior with a moist interior, and the theatrical flipping on a hot griddle that adds a communal, street‑food experience.
Common errors include using a cold pan, which prevents a crisp crust; over‑mixing the batter, leading to a dense texture; and flipping too early before the bottom is fully set, which can cause the pancake to break.
Baking powder provides quick lift and a light, airy texture without the long rising time that yeast requires, keeping the total cooking time under 15 minutes as demonstrated in the video.
The YouTube channel Diegodoal specializes in fast, 15‑minute international recipes that showcase street‑food flavors from around the world, with a focus on simple techniques and accessible ingredients.
Diegodoal emphasizes ultra‑quick preparation and flexibility, encouraging home cooks to improvise toppings, whereas many traditional Japanese channels focus on precise techniques and authentic ingredient sourcing.
Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

A complete Japanese breakfast featuring lightly pickled cucumber (azukuri), miso soup with spinach and fried tofu, sweet tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), pan‑grilled salmon, and seasoned cabbage rolls with ground chicken. Perfect for a balanced, protein‑rich start to the day.

A quick, flavorful spicy noodle soup ready in about 10 minutes, featuring miso, Korean red chili flakes, and your choice of stock. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner, and easily customizable with your favorite toppings.

Salmon marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, baked in the oven and served with mushroom‑infused rice, spinach and spices. Two variations: a main dish with mushroom rice or a hearty bowl with white rice, fresh raw vegetables and teriyaki sauce. Easy, flavorful and full of Asian touches.

A hearty, spicy ramen made with tender chunks of chuck roast, rehydrated dried chilies, and a rich tomato‑brown‑sugar broth. Cooked in a pressure cooker for maximum flavor in minimal time, then finished with ramen noodles and classic toppings.

A hearty Japanese‑inspired ramen featuring tender seared beef simmered in a rich, spicy tomato‑chili broth, finished with fresh lime and optional green onion garnish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

A delicate Japanese wagashi inspired by the milk mochi from Tengu-do in Hakodate. Soft, milky mochi cubes are encased in a translucent potato‑starch film, creating a melt‑in‑your‑mouth treat that pairs perfectly with tea.