Savor the Layers of Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is a culinary masterpiece from Japan’s Hiroshima region, often described as a savory pancake stacked with layers of flavor. Unlike its Osaka-style counterpart, which mixes ingredients into the batter, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki builds distinct layers of batter, cabbage, pork belly, yakisoba noodles, and a perfectly fried egg, all topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce and creamy Japanese mayonnaise. The result is a textural symphony—crisp, soft, chewy, and rich—that captures the heart of Hiroshima’s vibrant food culture. This dish, born in the post-war era as a hearty, affordable meal, is now a beloved street food and izakaya staple, perfect for sharing with friends over a cold beer or sake. This Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki recipe is customizable (with vegetarian and vegan options), takes about 40-50 minutes, and serves 4. Let’s dive into this iconic Japanese dish and bring Hiroshima’s flavors to your kitchen!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Batter
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
- ¼ tsp granulated sugar¼ tsp aluminum-free baking powder Amazon
- ¾ cup (180ml) dashi (Japanese soup stock, or vegan kombu dashi) Just One Cookbook
- 1 tsp soy sauce
For the Okonomiyaki
- ½ head (480g) green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup (100g) bean sprouts
- 40g green onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup (30g) tenkasu (tempura bits, optional for crunch) Amazon
- ½ lb (225g) sliced pork belly (optional, omit for vegetarian)
- 8 oz (225g) yakisoba noodles (pre-cooked, available at Asian markets or Amazon)
- 4 large eggs (or vegan egg substitute like JUST Egg, JUST Egg)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Toppings
- Okonomiyaki sauce (Otafuku brand or homemade) Amazon
- Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise) Amazon
- Aonori (dried green seaweed) Amazon
- Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes, optional) Amazon
Equipment
- Large griddle or teppanyaki pan Amazon
- Two wide spatulas for flipping Amazon
- Salad spinner for cabbage Amazon
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Servings: 4 pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp sugar, ¼ tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp soy sauce. Gradually add ¾ cup dashi, stirring until smooth to form a thin, crepe-like batter. Unlike Osaka-style, Hiroshima-style uses a thinner batter for a delicate base layer. Set aside at room temperature while you prep other ingredients. For the best dashi, check out this guide from Just One Cookbook.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables and Noodles
Finely shred ½ head of green cabbage into ½-inch (3cm) pieces and drain using a salad spinner to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture Chopstick Chronicles. Rinse 1 cup bean sprouts and pat dry. Chop 40g green onions finely. If using pre-cooked yakisoba noodles, loosen them in a bowl and set aside. These noodles add a chewy layer that’s iconic to Hiroshima-style.
Step 3: Cook the Crepe Base
Heat a large griddle or frying pan over medium heat (350°F/180°C). Brush with 1 tsp vegetable oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake, spreading it into a thin, 6-inch circle (like a crepe). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges set but the center is slightly soft. This thin base is the foundation of the layered structure.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
On each crepe, pile a handful of shredded cabbage (about 1 cup), a small handful of bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of green onions and tenkasu (if using). Lay 3-4 slices of pork belly (if using) over the vegetables. Drizzle 1-2 tbsp of batter over the top to help bind the layers. Cook for 3-4 minutes, covered, to steam the vegetables slightly.
Step 5: Add Yakisoba Noodles
While the vegetables cook, heat another section of the griddle with 1 tsp oil. Stir-fry 2 oz yakisoba noodles per pancake for 1-2 minutes until warmed and slightly crispy. Place the noodle layer on top of the pork or vegetables. The noodles add a chewy texture that sets Hiroshima-style apart Serious Eats.
Step 6: Flip and Cook
Using two wide spatulas, carefully flip the entire stack (crepe, vegetables, pork, noodles). This can be tricky, so move confidently but gently. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, uncovered, pressing lightly with the spatula to compact the layers. The pork should crisp up, and the vegetables should soften.
Step 7: Add the Egg
In a separate section of the griddle, fry 1 egg per pancake, sunny-side up, for 1-2 minutes until the white is set but the yolk is runny. Slide the egg onto the top of the flipped Okonomiyaki (noodle side up). Alternatively, flip the Okonomiyaki onto the egg to fuse it with the noodles. Cook for 1 more minute to meld the flavors.
Step 8: Top and Serve
Transfer the Okonomiyaki to plates. Generously drizzle okonomiyaki sauce over the top, followed by a zigzag of Kewpie mayonnaise. Sprinkle with aonori and katsuobushi, which will dance in the heat for a dramatic effect. Serve hot, sliced into wedges, with a side of Japanese beer Asahi or miso soup for an authentic experience. Learn more about Hiroshima’s food culture at Japan Guide.
Nutritional Information (Per Pancake)
- Calories: ~800 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 45g
Note: Values vary based on toppings and portion size. For a lighter version, skip pork or reduce oil.
Variations to Explore
- Vegetarian/Vegan Hiroshima-Style: Omit pork and katsuobushi, use vegan dashi, and swap eggs for a plant-based substitute like JUST Egg. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for depth Love and Lemons.
- Seafood Twist: Replace pork with shrimp or squid for a coastal variation, popular in Hiroshima’s coastal areas.
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or shichimi togarashi for heat.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Wrap in foil and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Thaw if frozen, then reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 15-20 minutes (refrigerated) or 25-30 minutes (frozen) to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Tips for Hiroshima-Style Success
- Thin Batter: Keep the batter thin for a crepe-like base, as Hiroshima-style relies on layers rather than a thick pancake.
- Layering Precision: Pile vegetables evenly to prevent the stack from collapsing during flipping.
- Flipping Confidence: Use two spatulas for stability when flipping the layered stack Just One Cookbook.
- Noodle Prep: Lightly stir-fry yakisoba noodles to enhance texture before adding them to the stack.
- Griddle Space: Ensure your griddle is large enough to cook multiple components (noodles, eggs) simultaneously.
Hiroshima’s Culinary Legacy
Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is a testament to the city’s resilience, emerging after World War II as a nourishing dish using simple ingredients. Today, it’s a cultural icon, served in Hiroshima’s “Okonomiyaki Village,” where dozens of stalls offer their unique takes. The layered technique reflects Hiroshima’s love for bold, hearty flavors, often enjoyed in communal settings with friends and family. For a deeper dive into Hiroshima’s food scene, check out Visit Hiroshima.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Hiroshima and Osaka-style Okonomiyaki?
Hiroshima-style layers ingredients with yakisoba noodles and an egg, while Osaka-style mixes everything into the batter for a uniform pancake Japan Guide.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour, gluten-free yakisoba noodles, and ensure dashi and sauce are gluten-free No Recipes.
Where can I find specialty ingredients?
Asian grocery stores or online retailers like Amazon carry yakisoba noodles, okonomiyaki sauce, and aonori.
Conclusion: A Taste of Hiroshima at Home
This Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki recipe captures the soul of Japanese street food with its vibrant layers and bold flavors. From the crispy crepe base to the chewy yakisoba noodles and runny egg, every bite is a celebration of texture and taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or experimenting with vegetarian twists, this dish is sure to impress. Share your creations in the comments, and explore more Japanese recipes like Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki (#) or Miso Soup (#) to keep the culinary journey going!
