One of the classic Japanese street-food dishes that is gaining more and more followers among Spanish and European diners is okonomiyaki. In fact, most Japanese establishments include a variety of okonomiyaki in their list of dishes, and even the most distinguished restaurants have included it in their menus, making it one of their most curious and sought-after dishes.
What is Okonomiyaki?
Where to buy the ingredients?
Recipe
Origins
What is Okonomiyaki?
But what is okonomiyaki? First of all, let’s clarify the root of the term: “Okonomi” means “to taste” (as you like), while “yaki” literally means “grilled”. This is why there are many variations in the preparation of Okonomiyaki. In general, however, okonomiyaki is cooked from a dough of flour, water, shredded cabbage or yam and egg. Some of the most common ingredients added are green onions or spring onions, minced meat, cheese, mochi, prawns, octopus, etc., although it can be made with a wide variety of ingredients in all forms. Finally, the dish is served with okonomiyaki sauce, katsuobushi (dried fish), aonori (dried seaweed) and mayonnaise, with the idea that each customer can season it as they like.
This popular dish in Japan, which is becoming increasingly popular in the rest of the world, is often referred to as Japanese pizza or Japanese omelette, and is affordable for all budgets. The preparation can be carried out by the chef, but it is also common for customers to prepare it themselves on a griddle at the table in the establishment. In this case, the diners only have to pour the ingredients, shape it and cook it on both sides with the help of two spatulas. Once ready, the different sauces and condiments are added.
There are two main types of okonomiyaki: the Osaka or Kansai style, in which all the ingredients are previously mixed into a dough and then cooked; and the typical Hiroshima preparation, in which a small cake is cooked, and then the different ingredients are added. This variant usually has cabbage, fried noodles and a fried egg that is added when it is turned over.
Hiroshima has become the true home of okonomiyaki and the best place in the world to try many of its variations. In Hiroshima, okonomiyaki can be found on almost every street corner. In addition, Hiroshima is home to a museum dedicated to this gastronomic variety, the Wood Egg Okonomiyaki, where visitors can learn the secrets of its preparation, as well as taste its different variants.
But the most emblematic building in Hiroshima related to okonomiyaki is the Okonimimura, an authentic shrine dedicated to this exquisite Japanese recipe. It is a large 4-storey establishment, where you can find multiple okonomiyaki stalls offering every conceivable recipe and variety.
However, okonomiyaki restaurants can be found all over the country, from franchises to establishments offering homemade recipes. Of course, each region of Japan has its own particular touch and characteristics when it comes to preparing okonomiyaki. Hiroshima okonomiyaki are the most popular, with their unique way of adding the egg to the griddle just before they are finished cooking. In addition, yakisoba is often added to make it even more delicious and hearty. And since okonomiyaki can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, you can also find vegetarian or vegan variants.
Where to buy the ingredients for okonomiyaki?
You can buy it in any of our physical shops in Barcelona or Madrid, or if you prefer, through our online shop.
Here is a list of some of the ingredients you can buy in our shops
Katsuobushi Lámina de Bonito Seco (KANETORA) 30g
5,39 €
Dashinomoto polvo de bonito (KON YEN) 160g
11,95 €
Harina especial para Okonomiyaki (OTAFUKU). 450 g
5,703,99 € (30,00 %)
Alga nori tostada en tiras 100g
5,69 €
Salsa para Okonomiyaki (OTAFUKU) 1,2Kg
7,19 €
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Recipe: How to make okonomiyaki or Japanese pizza.
Ingredients used in the recipe:
- Pork chops
- Peeled shrimp
- Squid
- Cabbage
- Potato
- Leek
- Tempura crumbs
- Green nori seaweed
- Dried tuna
- Eggs
- Dashi stock
- Okonomiyaki flour
- Mayonnaise
- Okonomiyaki sauce
You can find all the ingredients in our online shop:
https://www.orientalmarket.es//shop/
Origin of okonomiyaki
The origin of okonomiyaki dates back to the mid-16th century, when Sen no Rikyū, a master of the tea ceremony, served a cake called fu no yaki, which was made from flour mixed with water. This mixture was then cooked and miso paste seasoned with a little pepper was added.
But in reality, each variety of local okomiyaki has its own origins. In the period before the Osaka War (1614), a snack called yoshokuyaki was very popular among the local population. It was also prepared with a flour and water batter that was cooked on a grid in the form of round cakes, then topped with onion and crispy pieces of fried flour batter. After the war, the preparation process gradually changed, mixing the dough with vegetables and seafood. Thus, people began to call this snack by its present name of okonomiyaki, as it could be cooked with each diner’s favourite toppings, just like Italian pizza.
The Hiroshima variant of okonomiyaki, on the other hand, is believed to have originated from a recipe called issen-yoshoku, which was sold in dagashiyas (Japanese sweet shops). It was a thin, crepe-like dough served folded in half, containing ingredients such as green onion, bonito powder, tororo seaweed and Worcestershire sauce on top. This variant of okonomiyaki, made from a thin, folded and seasoned dough, can be found in Hiroshima supermarkets today.
