Osaka-Style Shrimp Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancakes)

Where did Okonomiyaki originate?

The exact origin of okonomiyaki is debated but most agree that the first versions dated back to the 16th century, specifically in the Edo period.

This first version, called funoyaki, was a sweet crepe topped with miso paste and sugar. It then went through a few iterations and names (such as sukesouyaki which used sweet bean paste instead of miso paste).

In the 1930s, it eventually evolved into what is now known as okonomiyaki. This modern version consists of two styles of preparation, one from Osaka, and one from Hiroshima.

What does “Okonomiyaki” mean?

Okonomi means “what you like”.

Yaki means “cooked” (typically over direct heat).

What is Okonomiyaki?

Much like its name entails, this dish refers to using whichever ingredients you have and combining them into a savory (typically with a hint of sweet) pancake that can be cooked in a pan or more authentically/traditionally, on a flat griddle pan.

It reflects the fact that during WWII, ingredients were scarce commodities and families/chefs had to frequently improvise with what they had left in their refrigerators and pantries.

They are somewhat similar to Chinese Scallion Pancakes (see our recipe here) but use different ingredients and are typically topped with additional ingredients.

Regional Variations of Okonomiyaki

As we mentioned above, the two main types of okonomiyaki are Osaka-Style and Hiroshima-Style.

Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki:

Also called Kansai-Style, this version combines all ingredients into the batter before grilling. There are a few extra ingredient on top. This is the style of okonomiyaki that we decided to make although feel free to experiment with both types and let us know what you think!

Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki:

This version uses a small and thin crepe which is then seasoned. Then, the majority of ingredients are piled on top (especially cabbage). This version also typically incorporates fried noodles and fried eggs.

Essential Ingredients for Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki

Disclaimer: while these are all the ingredients that we used for our recipe, keep in mind that okonomiyaki means “cook with whatever you want” so there is certainly variation in ingredients used.

However, since some of these can be somewhat difficult to find in local grocery stores (apart from international grocery stores), we provide you with a cheap and easy way to get them through Amazon (just click the images or titles to get to the product).

Okonomi Sauce: this sauce is key to good okonomiyaki. It is a simple sauce made by combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Note that you can buy this to save time but we ended up just making it ourselves (see recipe below)

Bonito Flakes: this is skipjack tuna that has been simmered, smoked and fermented. It provides a lot of umami to the dish and also looks cool when you add it on top of the hot okonomiyaki (it looks like it dances as it moves around).

Kewpie Mayonnaise: this is Japanese-style mayonnaise made with egg yolk, vinegar, and a bit of MSG which is more flavorful and tangy than regular mayonnaise.

Furikaki: this is a dry spice blend made with sesame seeds, seaweed, salt, and sugar. It is also great for seasoning rice.

Inspiration for this recipe:

Thank you Ria for suggesting this fun and delicious recipe!