Bacon Okonomiyaki: A Savory Japanese Pancake with a Smoky Twist

Okonomiyaki, often described as a Japanese savory pancake or pizza, is a wonderfully versatile and satisfying dish. Its name literally translates to “grilled as you like it,” reflecting its customizable nature. While traditionally made with ingredients like cabbage, pork belly, and dried shrimp, this recipe introduces a smoky and flavorful twist: bacon! This Bacon Okonomiyaki elevates the classic dish with the salty, crispy goodness of bacon, creating a truly irresistible culinary experience.

This article will guide you through creating this delicious dish step-by-step, providing helpful tips and variations to personalize your okonomiyaki.

## What is Okonomiyaki?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s understand what makes okonomiyaki so special.

* **Savory Pancake:** At its core, okonomiyaki is a pancake. However, unlike sweet pancakes, it’s packed with savory ingredients and cooked on a griddle or pan.
* **Customizable:** The beauty of okonomiyaki lies in its flexibility. You can add almost any ingredient you like, making it a great way to use up leftover vegetables or proteins.
* **Regional Variations:** Okonomiyaki has several regional variations, most notably Hiroshima-style and Osaka-style. Hiroshima-style involves layering the ingredients, while Osaka-style mixes everything into the batter. This recipe follows the Osaka-style, known for its simplicity and delicious results.

## Why Bacon Okonomiyaki?

Adding bacon to okonomiyaki might seem unconventional, but it brings several advantages:

* **Smoky Flavor:** Bacon infuses the okonomiyaki with a rich, smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
* **Crispy Texture:** Crispy bacon adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft and fluffy pancake.
* **Increased Savory Depth:** Bacon enhances the savory notes of the dish, making it even more satisfying.

## Ingredients for Bacon Okonomiyaki

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

### For the Batter:

* **1 cup all-purpose flour:** The base of the pancake batter.
* **1 cup dashi (Japanese soup stock):** Adds umami and flavor. You can use instant dashi granules or homemade dashi.
* **1 large egg:** Binds the batter together.
* **1 teaspoon soy sauce:** Provides a salty and savory element.
* **1/2 teaspoon baking powder:** Helps create a light and fluffy texture.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors.

### For the Filling:

* **4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped:** The star of the show! Cook until crispy.
* **2 cups shredded cabbage:** The main vegetable component, adding bulk and texture.
* **1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions:** Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
* **1/4 cup pickled ginger (beni shoga), chopped:** Provides a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Optional, but highly recommended.
* **1/4 cup tempura scraps (tenkasu):** Adds crunch and umami. Optional, but adds a nice textural element.

### For the Toppings:

* **Okonomiyaki sauce:** A sweet and savory sauce specifically designed for okonomiyaki. Substitute with Worcestershire sauce mixed with ketchup and a touch of oyster sauce if you cannot find it.
* **Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie):** Rich and creamy mayonnaise with a distinct flavor. Regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute, but Kewpie is preferred.
* **Aonori (dried seaweed flakes):** Adds a subtle sea flavor and visual appeal.
* **Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes):** Thinly shaved dried bonito flakes that add a savory and smoky flavor. They also dance on top of the hot okonomiyaki.

## Equipment Needed

* **Large mixing bowl:** For preparing the batter.
* **Griddle or large frying pan:** For cooking the okonomiyaki. A flat griddle is ideal, but a large non-stick frying pan works well.
* **Spatula:** For flipping and serving the okonomiyaki.
* **Whisk or chopsticks:** For mixing the batter.
* **Cutting board and knife:** For chopping the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your perfect Bacon Okonomiyaki:

### 1. Prepare the Bacon

* Cook the bacon until crispy. You can pan-fry it, bake it in the oven, or even microwave it.
* Once cooked, drain the excess grease on paper towels.
* Chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

### 2. Prepare the Batter

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, dashi, egg, soy sauce, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
* The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more dashi. If it’s too thin, add a little more flour.

### 3. Combine the Filling Ingredients

* Add the shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, pickled ginger (if using), tempura scraps (if using), and the chopped cooked bacon to the batter.
* Gently fold all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix.

### 4. Cook the Okonomiyaki

* Heat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or a small pat of butter to prevent sticking.
* Pour about half of the batter mixture onto the hot griddle or pan, spreading it out into a circle approximately 6-8 inches in diameter. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
* Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bottom is golden brown and the top is set enough to flip. Use a spatula to carefully flip the okonomiyaki.
* If the okonomiyaki starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
* Repeat with the remaining batter.

### 5. Add the Toppings

* Once the okonomiyaki is cooked through and golden brown on both sides, transfer it to a serving plate.
* Generously spread okonomiyaki sauce over the top of the pancake.
* Drizzle Japanese mayonnaise over the sauce in a zig-zag pattern.
* Sprinkle aonori (dried seaweed flakes) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) over the top.

### 6. Serve and Enjoy!

* Serve the Bacon Okonomiyaki immediately while it’s hot and crispy.
* You can cut it into wedges like a pizza for easy sharing.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Bacon Okonomiyaki:

* **Type of Bacon:** Use your favorite type of bacon. Smoked bacon adds an extra layer of smoky flavor, while thick-cut bacon provides a chewier texture.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling. Carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and spinach all work well.
* **Protein Variations:** If you don’t have bacon, you can use other proteins like shrimp, squid, or chicken.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
* **Cheese, please!**: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar on top of the okonomiyaki before adding the toppings for a cheesy version.
* **Dashi Substitute:** If you don’t have dashi, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. However, dashi provides a unique umami flavor that enhances the dish.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough okonomiyaki. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Control the Heat:** Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the okonomiyaki from burning. Medium heat is generally ideal.
* **Serve with Sides:** Okonomiyaki is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple salad.
* **Make Ahead:** The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to cook the okonomiyaki fresh.
* **Leftovers:** Leftover okonomiyaki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving. They might be a little softer, but still delicious.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* **Serving Size:** 1 slice (1/4 of the okonomiyaki)
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Fat:** 20-30g
* **Saturated Fat:** 8-12g
* **Cholesterol:** 80-100mg
* **Sodium:** 500-700mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40g
* **Fiber:** 2-4g
* **Sugar:** 5-10g
* **Protein:** 15-20g

## Conclusion

Bacon Okonomiyaki is a delicious and customizable dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. The smoky flavor of the bacon adds a unique twist to the traditional okonomiyaki, making it a truly unforgettable culinary experience. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your griddle, and get ready to enjoy a savory and satisfying Japanese pancake with a smoky twist!

Enjoy your homemade Bacon Okonomiyaki! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of savory flavors, crispy textures, and customizable ingredients makes it a truly special and versatile meal. Happy cooking!

If you liked this recipe, be sure to check out my other amazing recipes. I know there is something for everyone!

Bon appétit!