Saturday, September 13, 2008

Homemade Okonomiyaki



Okonomiyaki is sometimes called Japanese Pizza because it is round and contains different ingredients. Okonomi means “As you like” and Yaki means “grilled” so every Japanese family has their own Okonomiyaki recipe “as they like”. Some people put seafood, mochi, kimchee or even cheese on it. Create your own Okonomiyaki that suits your taste buds!

Japanese families usually cook Okonomiyaki on a Hot Plate or Teppanyaki Grill in the middle of the dining table much like Fondue. All the family members pitch in to prepare the meal and enjoy conversation while waiting for it to be steamed. :o)


Special Kitchen Tools

Hot plate - A large frying pan will work also.
Grater or Food Processors
Mixing Bowl - A large bowl works best.


Ingredients

Japanese Cabbage - 1/2 of a head, approx. 300g
Nagaimo (Chinese yam) or Yamaimo Powder - 1 package
Sakura-ebi (Sakura Shrimp) - 3 tablespoons
Okonomiyaki-ko (Okonomiyaki Flower) - 3/4 cup
Pork (Thin sliced pork loin) - 6 slices
Okonomi-sauce - Moderate Amount
Mayone-zu (Japanese Mayonnaise) - Moderate Amount
Katsuobushi (Dried bonito) - Moderate Amount
Ao-Nori (Green Seaweed Flakes) - Moderate Amount
Water or Milk - 160 cc (I use milk for a better flavour)
Eggs x 2
Vegetable Oil - 2 Tbsp (I recommend Light Olive Oil)

Prep

1. Chop the cabbage to 1/4 of the head, cut off the core and shred.

2. Peel a nagaimo (chinese yam) and grate. Wrap it with paper towel to prevent it from slipping. At Japanese Specialty store also sells a great product called Yamaimo powder which works as a substitute for this.

3. Pour Okonomiyaki powder and water or milk into a bowl and mix until the lumps disappear and it is smooth. (If necessary, use a whisk to avoid creating lumps while mixing.)

4. Put eggs, nagaimo, sakuraebi (Sakura Shrimp), cabbage and the Okonomiyaki powder mixture together and mix it gently from the bottom to soak it with air.

5. Spread vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) on the heated hot plate or frying pan. Pour in half of the mixture gently to make a round shape. Cook it at 350 degrees for about 3 minutes. Then, put three pieces of pork on the top, make sure to stretch them thin.

6. Flip over and close the lid to steam for about 5 minutes.

7. Open the lid, flip over one more time, close the lid and steam for another 2 minutes. It is done!

8. Mix Mayonaise and Okonomi Sauce and spread it on top. Sprinkle katsuobushi (dried bonito) and aonori (Green Seaweed lettuce) “as you like”.

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