I know everything about okonomiyaki! The ultimate guide that beginners and advanced players can enjoy

Okonomiyaki is a particularly famous dish in Hiroshima and Osaka, Japan.

In this article, I'll tell you all about the appeal of “okonomiyaki.”

We'll also introduce recommended okonomiyaki recipes at the end, so keep watching until the end.

What is okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a local Japanese dish in which ingredients such as cabbage, green onions, pork, squid, and shrimp are added to a flour-based dough and grilled on an iron plate.

It is commonly enjoyed topped with sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, green laver, etc.

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What are the types of okonomiyaki?

There are two types of okonomiyaki: Kansai-style and Hiroshima-style.

The taste varies greatly, but there are differences in how the sauce is seasoned and how it is cooked.

I will introduce in detail the types and differences between Hiroshima style and Kansai style.

Kansai-style okonomiyaki

Kansai-style okonomiyaki is a style where all the ingredients are mixed and then baked.

Mix everything, such as cabbage and tenkasu, into the dough and bake.

Once cooked, turn it over and cook evenly throughout.

Kansai-style okonomiyaki is characterized by its plump finish.

Yams are sometimes kneaded into the dough to make it more plump.

In Kansai, where flour culture is spreading, such as takoyaki, there are many other types of okonomiyaki, which are loved by people.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a style of baking ingredients in layers.

Layer the dough, cabbage, bean sprouts, noodles, and finally the egg.

A major characteristic of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is that there are noodles among the ingredients.

Then, turn it over, and the cabbage sandwiched between the dough and the griddle is steamed to bring out the sweetness of the cabbage.

This method of cooking Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is the mainstream, but there are other original ones depending on the area.

Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki include the basic dough, differences in how to cut cabbage as the main ingredient, the presence or absence of noodles, differences in cooking methods, and differences in sauce.

Please try searching for your favorite “okonomiyaki.”

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How to make okonomiyaki?

Basic Kansai-style Okonomiyaki Recipe

Ingredients: 200g flour, 150ml water, 1 egg, 400g cabbage, 100g pork belly, tempura, green onions, and optionally squid or shrimp.

methods

1: Add water little by little to the flour and mix. Once smooth, add the eggs and mix well.

2: Add shredded cabbage, tenkasu, and green onions to the dough and mix well.

3: Add oil to a heated griddle, pour in the dough, place the pork belly on top, and fry on medium heat.

4: When the surface hardens, turn it over, cover it, and steam it.

5: Once both sides are golden brown, serve on a plate and top with sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, and green laver as desired.

What are some tips for enjoying okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a dish where you can enjoy the process of making it.

It is also very appreciated as a party dish at home.

Here are a few tips, so be sure to try them out.

Enjoy the variety of ingredients

Try adding not only pork, but also ingredients of your choice, such as squid, shrimp, cheese, corn, and mochi.

You can enjoy endless variations depending on the combination of ingredients.

Pay attention to the thickness of the fabric

If the dough is too thick, the inside will easily burn, and if it is too thin, the ingredients will not be fully supported.

Grilling at just the right thickness is the key to deliciousness.

How to choose a source

The special okonomiyaki sauce enhances the flavor.

If you prefer sweetness, I recommend adding a little bit of Worcestershire sauce.

Enjoy the degree of cooking

The texture also changes depending on how cooked it is.

Basically, the outside is crispy and the inside is fluffy, but you can adjust it according to your preferences.

Okonomiyaki is very hot, so be careful when eating freshly baked.

Also, be aware of potential allergies due to certain ingredients, and choose ingredients carefully when making at home.

When cooking at home, it is important to ensure adequate ventilation.

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What are regional variations?

Okonomiyaki comes in a variety of styles depending on the region.

Osaka style and Hiroshima style are the most famous, but other regions in the Kansai region also have their own unique styles.

For example, the style with noodles called “modern yaki” is also popular.

By knowing the differences between regions, you can enjoy the diversity of okonomiyaki more deeply.

summary

Okonomiyaki is a traditional Japanese dish with endless variety and depth in its simplicity.

Of course, I recommend cooking at home, as well as eating and comparing okonomiyaki from all over Japan.

A beauty experience is also recommended when visiting Japan!

Finding a spot in Japan where you can experience beauty treatments such as massages, nails, and esthetics to heal the tiredness of your trip is highly recommended as part of sightseeing.

Here are a few salons that I recommend to those who are particular about technology and quality.

Beauty experience in Japan

Ginza/ “Mani Nail Care Ginza Store”

Open at 9 a.m.! A 5-minute walk from Ginza Station, this is a popular nail care salon where you can get rid of nail problems.

Hand and foot nails can be performed simultaneously. For those who are concerned about the burden of gel nails, we have prepared a number of “non-scraping” gel polishes, shellac, nail care, foot care, etc.

Recommended for those trying nail art for the first time, as well as those seeking special care. Men's care is also available, so it's also suitable for couples.

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Ginza/ “head CONCIERGE Ginza Store”

A head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”

It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.

Various effects can be expected, such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”

Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.

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Akihabara, Kanda, Awajicho/ “Esthetic & Relaxation WELLFIT” *Women Only

Kanda, Awaji, and Akihabara are also within walking distance.

“Esthetic & Relaxation WELLFIT,” a talented salon attended by professional beauticians and therapists

This treatment can also be used for pelvic correction, small face, beautiful skin, head spa, and maternity care.

It is a powerful salon that has been published in over 50 beauty magazines and specialty magazines. Please enjoy the industry's most advanced technology.

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Ikebukuro/ “Mix Up!! Ikebukuro store”

This salon, located about a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro, offers many effective facial treatments for pores, beautiful skin, lift-up, and anti-aging.

As for body treatments, you can choose between slimming or relaxation courses. You can have your whole body well cared for according to the condition of the day.

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Jimbocho, Akihabara/ “CREBIA Jimbocho Store” *Women only

A slimming esthetic salon that leads to effortless results! Highly skilled and experienced staff are popular.

It is a talented salon that is a strong ally for women who want to go on a diet.

Our experienced staff will suggest a menu tailored to each person's constitution and concerns, so you can get closer to your ideal body without difficulty, without waste, and effectively.

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Oshiage (Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree)/“Zipangu Esthetic Room Oshiage Store”

The salon is located close to TOKYO SKYTREE, right next to Oshiage Station.

We have prepared a variety of facial menus with an emphasis on results, and we provide treatments tailored to each customer's skin concerns.

All of our estheticians have over 10 years of extensive experience.

This beauty salon is recommended for those who are concerned about repeated lift-ups, aging care, open pores, and rough skin.

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Kyoto/ “Mani Nail Care Kyoto Store”

It's a 1-minute walk from Gojo Station in Kyoto, perfect for a break between sightseeing.

A nail salon boasting careful service that has received high reviews.

This nail salon also suggests colors that are perfect for your skin tone and preferences.

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Osaka/ “bellissimo”

A beauty salon focused on results, located right next to Osaka's “Fukushima” station, and staffed by knowledgeable and experienced staff.

This salon is recommended for those with scalp problems such as diet, stiff shoulders/swelling, or hair loss.

We offer a superb relaxation menu, such as slimming machines, oil massages, head spas, hair loss care, and hair growth care menus.

Since it is a treatment that is close to each person in a private room, you can receive it with peace of mind.

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Osaka/ “Watanabe Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chiropractic Clinic”

If you are looking for high quality acupuncture and manipulative treatment, I recommend this salon.

We are good at improving constitution and treating pain and numbness, and we provide safe treatment for people with various problems.

Please experience our careful treatment and high technical skills.

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Fukuoka/ “Nailsalon epi” *women only

A 3-minute walk from Meinohama Station on the Fukuoka Metro Airport Line, this is the perfect nail salon for those looking for trends.

The color can be changed according to the wishes of each customer, and it is popular for its good durability and beautiful finish.

You can also enjoy a movie during the treatment in the stylish store, so you can spend a relaxing time.

Enjoy fashion from your fingertips at this popular nail salon.

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