Have you had okonomiyaki? It’s a savory Japanese cabbage pancake that offers a delightful level of freedom for customization. This okonomiyaki is inspired by the ones I had in Osaka. It is easy to make– simply make the batter, mix in your ingredients, and cook it over the stovetop– and is the perfect way to get in a lot of veggies! In addition, the use of sourdough discard gives the okonomiyaki a nice tangy depth of flavor that complements the umami-rich flavors of classic okonomiyaki.

So, why make sourdough discard okonomiyakis?

1. It’s an awesome way to get in your daily dose of veggies without feeling like you are eating “healthy”
2. It is the perfect way to reduce waste and use the sourdough discard you have been collecting in bulk!
3. Okonomiyaki offers a wonderfully playful canvas for customization– you can pretty much mix anything you like in, so the flavor combinations are endless!
4. It is super quick and easy to make, perfect for a beginner as well as a seasoned cook!

The process

1. Combine all the ingredients for the okonomiyaki batter in a mixing bowl. Then, prepare the fillings and mix them into the batter. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps make the batter crispy.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, drizzle with oil. Then, pour half the batter into the skillet and evenly spread it out. Cover, and let the batter cook until the top starts to set and the edges look crisp (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Flip the pancake and cook the other side uncovered for about 3 minutes or until the bottom has browned.
4. Transfer to a plate and load it with toppings of your choice & enjoy!

Traditional toppings

You can honestly top your okonomiyaki with anything you find delicious (or none at all!), but for those who want to try something more traditional, here are some suggested toppings!

Kewpie Mayonaise Creamy and slightly sweeter than its American counterpart, in okonomiyaki, it is often zigzagged over the top for a delightful contrast to the savory elements.

Bonito Flakes Thin, wispy shavings of dried and smoked skipjack tuna that appear to “dance” as they react to the heat of the dish.

Okonomiyaki Sauce A savory and slightly sweet sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce, drizzled generously over the pancake.

Pickled Ginger Aka Beni Shoga is a sweet and tangy ginger slices that provide a zesty, refreshing note.

Looking for more savory sourdough discard pancake ideas?

1. Szechuan Peppercorn and Chili Scallion Pancake (Pajeon)
2. Sourdough Caramelized Onion Sesame Flatbread (Zhima Dabing)
3. Sourdough Chinese Bacon & Chive Pancake
4. Sourdough Haemul Pajeon: Seafood Scallion Pancake