Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Authentic Flavor

Discover the Unique Charm of Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki

If you’ve ever visited Japan, you may have heard of the famous dish, okonomiyaki. While this savory pancake has different regional variations, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki stands out with its distinctive layered preparation. Unlike the Osaka-style version, where ingredients are mixed together, Hiroshima okonomiyaki features thin layers of batter, cabbage, pork, and yakisoba noodles, topped with a rich okonomiyaki sauce. This layered approach enhances the texture and creates a more complex flavor profile that makes it truly special.

Are you craving the taste of authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki? In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe to recreate this delicious dish at home with all the essential techniques and tips to achieve an authentic taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 100g (1 cup) all-purpose flour

• 150ml (2/3 cup) water

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Other Ingredients:

• 200g (about 1/4 head) finely shredded cabbage

• 100g fresh bean sprouts

• 50g green onions, finely chopped

• 100g thinly sliced pork belly

• 1 portion yakisoba noodles

• 1 egg

• Okonomiyaki sauce (Otafuku brand recommended for authenticity)

• Japanese mayonnaise

• Aonori (seaweed flakes)

• Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)

• Vegetable oil for cooking

  
  

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, salt, and baking powder. Stir well until smooth, then set aside. The batter should be thin, as it serves as a light base rather than the main component. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to develop a better texture.

Step 2: Cook the First Layer

Heat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Pour a small ladle of batter onto the pan, spreading it thinly into a circular shape (about 20 cm in diameter). This will be the base for your okonomiyaki.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Other Ingredients

Immediately place a generous amount of shredded cabbage over the batter, followed by bean sprouts and green onions. Then, carefully lay the slices of pork belly on top. Adding the ingredients in layers ensures an even cooking process.

Step 4: Flip Carefully

Once the bottom layer is firm and slightly browned, use a large spatula to flip the entire stack over so the pork belly is now touching the pan. Press lightly to keep the shape intact and cook for a few more minutes. This step requires patience—take your time to avoid breaking the layers.

Step 5: Prepare the Yakisoba Noodles

In another section of the griddle, heat a little oil and add the yakisoba noodles. Stir-fry them for about a minute and season with a bit of okonomiyaki sauce. Spread them out slightly and place the flipped okonomiyaki stack on top. This step adds a satisfying chewy texture unique to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Step 6: Cook the Egg

Crack an egg onto the pan and spread it out into a thin layer. Quickly place the entire okonomiyaki stack on top of the egg before it fully sets. This creates a delicious, rich layer that binds the dish together.

Step 7: Final Flip and Topping

After a minute, flip the entire okonomiyaki one last time so the egg layer is on top. Drizzle generously with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise, then sprinkle aonori and bonito flakes over it. Watch as the bonito flakes move from the heat—a signature visual delight of okonomiyaki!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer your Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki to a plate and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Enjoy it hot with chopsticks or a small spatula. Pair it with a refreshing drink like iced green tea or a cold beer for the full Hiroshima experience!

Why Try Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki?

Hiroshima okonomiyaki is not just a delicious dish—it’s a representation of Hiroshima’s culinary culture. Its distinct layered preparation makes it unique compared to other types of okonomiyaki, and its combination of crispy noodles, tender pork, and savory sauce creates an irresistible flavor.

Making it at home allows you to experience the depth of this dish and customize it to your liking. Plus, it's a fantastic way to introduce friends and family to authentic Japanese flavors!

Expert Tips for the Best Hiroshima Okonomiyaki

• Use a large spatula to make flipping easier and avoid breaking the layers.

• Don’t overcook the egg—it should be slightly runny for a smooth texture.

• Choose high-quality okonomiyaki sauce for the best flavor; Hiroshima-based Otafuku sauce is highly recommended.

• Preheat your griddle properly to ensure even cooking.

• Experiment with toppings like cheese or mochi for a creative twist.

  
  

Conclusion: Try Making Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Today!

If you’re looking for a delicious and fun Japanese dish to make at home, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a great choice. With its rich layers of cabbage, crispy noodles, and savory sauce, it’s a dish that will impress your family and friends.

Have you tried making Hiroshima okonomiyaki? Let us know in the comments! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!