Today, let’s revisit eggs and breakfasts from a new perspective. Meet the Japanese omelet-pancake, okonomiyaki, which ranks in the top 3 Japanese street food dishes. In Japan (and Korea), fish and its by-products are still eaten in their entirety — not just fillets. Fish by-products, seafood, and meats with collagen or skin are incredibly nutritious. In the photo, you’ll see okonomiyaki served with roe, a recipe I prepared for the EASYFISH platform.
Okonomiyaki is an incredibly simple, delightful, and nutritious meal for any time of the day — breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Another plus is the freedom in its preparation. The name "okonomi" translates to "whatever you like," and "yaki" means "grilled" or "fried." This versatile recipe from another culture can be easily adapted to local conditions, offering a vibrant, flavorful dish to surprise family or yourself.
The core ingredients always include:
- some type of cabbage, from head cabbage to kale or dense green leaves
- eggs, as okonomiyaki is akin to an omelet
- flour — rice, soy, wheat, or even fern flour
- baking powder or soda for the characteristic soft, fluffy texture loved in Japan
- seafood — ideas range from whole shrimp and octopus to preserved options like dried smoked tuna flakes, dried shrimp, or roe
- something spicy — ginger (fresh or pickled), kimchi, or other options
- bold condiments — bacon, dried seaweed, or spices like star anise
- always served with something creamy and rich: mayonnaise, thick sweet soy sauce, or in this version, roe as both a filling and topping for double the benefits
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1-2 eggs
- 1 cm ginger
- 2 garlic cloves
- green onion
- 2-4 tbsp. roe or seafood
- 3-4 tbsp. flour
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- oil
Finely chop the cabbage, garlic, ginger, and green onion. Mix the flour with baking soda. Combine with the vegetables, add the egg (use 2 eggs for more cabbage), 1 tbsp roe or seafood, and 20–30 ml water to create the batter.
Heat oil in a pan. Add the batter and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Spread another layer of roe or sauce over the cooked okonomiyaki and sprinkle with green onions.
Finely chop the cabbage, garlic, ginger, and green onion. Mix the flour with baking soda. Combine with the vegetables, add the egg (use 2 eggs for more cabbage), 1 tbsp roe or seafood, and 20–30 ml water to create the batter.
Heat oil in a pan. Add the batter and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Spread another layer of roe or sauce over the cooked okonomiyaki and sprinkle with green onions.