Okonomi Yaki (Veggie Pancakes) Recipe 🥞

Overview:

Okonomi Yaki, these delightful veggie pancakes, are reminiscent of Tempura but with a unique twist. Perfect for a quick lunch or a savory snack, they offer a burst of Japanese and Canadian flavors in every bite. Serve them with a spicy sauce or soy sauce, or perhaps a dollop of butter for extra richness, depending on your preference and the occasion. These pancakes are not just tasty but also versatile, making excellent appetizers when prepared as bite-sized treats. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1/2 head of green cabbage
1 carrot
1/2 onion
3 stalks of celery
2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour
1 cup of white flour
2 eggs
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
Evaporated milk (quantity as needed for consistency)
Water (quantity as needed for consistency)
Cooking spray or oil for the skillet

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

Begin by finely chopping the green cabbage, carrot, onion, and celery. Ensure they are cut into small, uniform pieces to facilitate even cooking and distribution within the batter.

2. Mix the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, white flour, eggs, brown sugar, salt, and a portion of evaporated milk. Whisk the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, pourable batter consistency. Adjust the thickness of the batter by gradually adding evaporated milk until it reaches the desired texture.

3. Incorporate the Vegetables:

Gently fold the chopped vegetables into the batter mixture. The consistency of the batter should allow you to spoon it onto the skillet easily. If the mixture appears too thick, adjust it by adding a little more evaporated milk or water until it becomes spoonable.

4. Cook the Pancakes:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Using a spoon, drop approximately 3 tablespoons of batter onto the heated skillet for each pancake.
Allow the pancakes to cook until golden brown on one side before flipping them over to brown the other side. This process usually takes a few minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the pancakes.

5. Serve:

Once both sides are nicely browned and the pancakes are cooked through, remove them from the skillet.
Serve the Okonomi Yaki hot or cold, depending on your preference and the occasion. They are delicious either way and can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or as part of a meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 381.5
Fat: 7.9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.9g
Cholesterol: 73.4mg
Sodium: 732.6mg
Carbohydrates: 66.5g
- Fiber: 10.6g
- Sugar: 12.1g
Protein: 16.4g

Tips:

To enhance the flavor profile of your Okonomi Yaki, consider adding additional seasonings or spices to the batter, such as garlic powder, ginger, or chili flakes.
Experiment with different vegetable combinations based on your personal preferences and seasonal availability.
For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour.
Serve the pancakes with a variety of dipping sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, sriracha mayo, or a tangy ponzu sauce, to add layers of flavor to each bite.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can cook the pancakes for a few extra minutes on each side until they achieve your desired level of crunchiness.

Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of these homemade Okonomi Yaki pancakes, perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a savory snack or light meal! 🍽️