Japan on your plate: Cook vegan okonomiyaki at home
Okonomiyaki, known as a savory Japanese pancake, is deeply rooted in Japan's culinary tradition. Traditionally packed with ingredients like eggs and seafood, this recipe offers a vegan alternative, preserving the classic's cherished flavors. It caters to plant-based diets without compromising taste. This reimagined okonomiyaki proves the dish's adaptability. Ready your utensils and embrace the art of vegan Japanese cooking. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For vegan okonomiyaki, you'll need one cup of all-purpose flour, one cup of water, and four tablespoons of nutritional yeast for umami. Stir in two cups shredded cabbage, half a cup thinly sliced green onions, and one grated carrot. Season with salt to taste. Fry in oil. Top with vegan mayonnaise, teriyaki sauce, and optionally garnish with nori flakes and sesame seeds.
Prepare the batter
Start by creating your okonomiyaki batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together one cup of all-purpose flour, four tablespoons of nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add in one cup of water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps forming in the mixture. Once your batter is smooth and consistent in texture, let it sit for about five minutes to thicken slightly.
Add vegetables to batter
After the batter has rested, carefully fold in two cups of shredded cabbage, half a cup of thinly sliced green onions, and one grated carrot. Stir the mixture until each vegetable is well-coated with the batter. This step is essential as it not only adds substantial volume to your okonomiyaki but also ensures that each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the fresh vegetables.
Cook your okonomiyaki
Heat some oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Once hot enough, pour half of your vegetable-batter mixture into the pan — shape it into a round pancake using a spatula or spoon. Cook for about four minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.
Add toppings and serve
Place the cooked okonomiyaki on a serving plate. Drizzle it with vegan mayonnaise for a creamy texture, then add teriyaki sauce for its signature sweet and tangy flavor. Sprinkle with nori flakes and sesame seeds, if you choose, to enhance the dish with an authentic Japanese touch. Serve your okonomiyaki warm, allowing guests to experience the full depth of its vegan flavors.
