Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (2024)

(updated June 18, 2021) // by Phoebe Lapine // 2 comments

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I like to think of this okonomiyaki recipe as the Japanese equivalent of latkes, with shredded cabbage instead of grated potato.

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (1)

Though this makes the dish no less pantry friendly, it does certainly make the prep much easier, as grating potatoes is one of my least favorite kitchen tasks, and most likely to land me in the hospital in need of stitches.

I saw this okonomiyaki recipe on my friend Ali of Alexandra’s Kitchen site. She’s one of my absolute favorite follows for pantry inspiration (you may even remember her as the pioneer of this gluten-free bread). Like latkes, the cabbage-scallion pancakes don’t require much more than egg and flour—so little of it that really any gluten-free variety will do. I used white rice flour, but you could easily substitute chickpea, AP, or whatever else you have on hand.

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (2)Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (3)Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (4)Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (5)

Cabbage is one of the most underappreciated pantry vegetables. Even in non-pandemic times, I usually have at least half a head lying around the crisper drawer for up to a month. Sometimes the cut ends start to become a little grey and gnarly, but all you have to do is shave it off when you’re ready to use it. It’s no wonder that so many peasant dishes from various cultures rely on it for humble, comforting dishes.

This recipe uses an entire head of cabbage, but you can easily halve it if you only have part of a head. Any remaining cabbage would be great for making a slaw when your salad provisions are running low, or mixing into soups, stir-fries and stews.

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (6)Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (7)

These cabbage pancakes have a little hint of tamari and sesame oil in the batter, but you could easily omit and make a non-Japanese version that’s paired with yogurt or aioli instead of the soy-sesame dipping sauce. You can even top them with some leftover Passover horseradish!

For frying, simply use a neutral oil. I love those with higher burning temperatures like grapeseed, avocado or coconut. Fritters like these also make for good make-ahead options, even if you wouldn’t think of them as such. Simply re-crisp in a 425F degree oven until sizzling and serve immediately.

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (8)

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (9)

What pantry vegetable or plant have you been eating the most of lately? Tell me in the comments!

With health and hedonism,

Phoebe

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (10)

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes)

These classic Japanese cabbage-scallion pancakes get a gluten-free, easy makeover in this Okonomiyaki Recipe. They are a great way to use up leftover cabbage, and an easy method for getting more veggies in your diet even with only access to your pantry. I like to think of them as Japanese latkes! I adapted the original recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen, so if you're not GF feel free to pop over to her site for her version!

To make these low FODMAP, simply use only the green parts of the scallion and limit your serving to 2 pancakes.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 16 pancakes

Author Phoebe Lapine

Ingredients

For the pancakes:

For the dipping sauce:

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, tamari, sesame oil, and salt. Fold in the flour until incorporated and all the lumps are out. Stir in cabbage and scallions.

  • In a large heavy skillet (I like cast iron), warm a couple tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until glistening. Add the cabbage batter in heaping tablespoons to the skillet, frying about 4 at a time. Lower the heat to medium. Cook on each side for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate and season lightly with salt. Repeat with the remaining cabbage, making sure to re-mix before each round, as the egg tends to fall to the bottom.

  • While the cabbage is frying, make the sauce: combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of water. Set aside.

  • Serve the pancakes immediately with the sauce on the side. Alternatively, you can make them in advance and recrisp on a baking sheet in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes before eating.

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (12)If you make this, tag @phoebelapine and #feedmephoebe - I'd love to see it!

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (13)

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Comments

  1. Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (14)Mark Phloyd says

    Thank you for this recipe! Okonomiyaki is another favorite food among the Japanese and other individuals around the world. The meal is famous in parts like Hiroshima and Osaka which are in the western part of Japan. Preparation of Okonomiyaki requires a griddle that facilitates its preparation. You can find more facts about Okonomiyaki here: https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-cultural-presentation-of-sushi-and-okonomiyaki-recipes/

    Reply

Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Cabbage-Scallion Pancakes) (2024)

FAQs

What kind of flour do you use for okonomiyaki? ›

Okonomiyaki flour is made of unbleached wheat and soy flours, leavening and spices such as kelp for flavor. It's designed to rise naturally on its own, meaning you don't need to add extra ingredients like nagaimo to get thick, fluffy pancakes.

What is okonomiyaki pancake made of? ›

The batter is made of flour, grated nagaimo (a long type of yam), dashi or water, eggs, shredded cabbage, and usually contains other ingredients such as green onion, meat (usually thinly sliced pork belly or American bacon), octopus, squid, shrimp, vegetables, konjac, mochi, or cheese.

What is okonomiyaki sauce made of? ›

Like ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, okonomiyaki sauce is made from fruits and vegetables, sugar, and vinegar, along with the additions of kelp, soy sauce, and shiitake mushrooms.

What are the two types of okonomiyaki? ›

The main difference is in how they are prepared and the relative amounts of each ingredient. In Osaka style okonomiyaki, all of the ingredients are mixed together and cooked together. In Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, all of the ingredients are layered almost like a cake.

What is a substitute for Japanese yam in okonomiyaki? ›

If you find it impossible to get your hands on Japanese Mountain Yams (Yamaimo), they can be substituted by White Rice Flour, but then your Okonomiyaki will in fact turn into Korean Pancakes instead. Perhaps just check a normal Okonomiyaki recipe, and if you are gluten intolerant, keep looking for those Mountain Yams.

What is the English name for okonomiyaki? ›

Okonomiyaki is sometimes translated into English as "as-you-like-it pancake". However, this may be misleading. Though it does consist of batter cooked on a griddle, okonomiyaki has nothing of the sweetness or fluffiness of pancakes, not to mention that it is usually filled with octopus, shrimp, pork, yam or kimchi.

What does okonomiyaki mean in English? ›

The word "okonomiyaki" is derived from "okonomi" meaning "as you like" and "yaki" meaning "grilled. It's commonly referred to as being a Japanese pancake. Accurate to its name, okonomiyaki can be served with a variety of toppings which include everything from meat and seafood to vegetables and cheese.

Why does my okonomiyaki fall apart? ›

Okonomiyaki Recipe Tips

These come out best when they're made with really thin shreds of cabbage. If your cabbage is too chunky, they won't hold together well, and they'll have a denser, less delicate texture.

What can I use instead of okonomiyaki sauce? ›

Okonomi Sauce Substitutes: If you don't have Okonomi sauce on hand you can make your own. Easy Okonomi Sauce Recipe: Mix 3 tbs of ketchup, with 1 tbs of Worcestershire sauce, with 1 tsp of Soy Sauce.

What is the cousin of okonomiyaki? ›

A close cousin to okonomiyaki is hiroshimayaki, or Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

Is Okonomi Sauce gluten free? ›

Post-production inspections ensure no gluten is detected.

What kind of yam is used in okonomiyaki? ›

Yamaimo is Japanese mountain yam, a long root vegetable with thin, light brown skin and a slippery internal texture. (It can be omitted.) Hondashi is granulated dashi powder. (Water can be used in its place.)

What is that flaky stuff on okonomiyaki? ›

Katsuobushi (Japanese: 鰹節) is simmered, smoked and fermented skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis, sometimes referred to as bonito). It is also known as bonito flakes or broadly as okaka (おかか).

What is the flavor of okonomiyaki? ›

Okonomiyaki has a delightfully complex flavor that is sweet, spicy (from pickled ginger), savory, and smoky. It has a delicious crispy, creamy texture. The ingredients and toppings combine to create a distinct flavor that will make you want to order okonomiyaki as often as possible.

Is there flour in okonomiyaki? ›

At its simplest, okonomiyaki batter is just flour, eggs and water, though dashi, an intensely savoury, seaweed-based stock often replaces the last.

What kind of flour is used in Japan? ›

Hard wheat produced in the US and Canada is mainly used to produce the bread flour sold in Japan. Medium-hard wheat produced in Australia and Japan is mainly used to produce the all-purpose flour sold in Japan. Soft wheat produced in the US is mainly used to produce the cake flour sold in Japan.

Is pancake flour the same as self rising flour? ›

No they are absolutely not the same. Self rising flour would typically be the same as All Purpose flour with a little salt and baking powder in it. Cake Flour has a lower protein/gluten count than All Purpose.

What flour do Japanese use? ›

Aside from noodles, in Japan, we use wheat flour for sweets, bread, and tempura too. Commonly, hakurikiko (soft flour) is used for sweets and tempura batter, churikiko (medium flour) is for udon noodles, jun-kyorikiko (semi-hard flour) is for ramen noodles, and kyorikiko (hard flour) is used for bread.

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