Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Class How to Make It at Home

Exploring the art of Osaka-style okonomiyaki is a delightful culinary adventure. In this cooking class, you will uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect savory pancake at home. From mastering the batter to perfecting the cooking technique, each step unlocks a new layer of this iconic Japanese dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this class promises to elevate your understanding and appreciation of okonomiyaki. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the vibrant streets of Osaka.

Key Points

• Prepare a savory batter with flour, dashi stock, eggs, and grated nagaimo for the okonomiyaki foundation.
• Shred cabbage and gather common toppings like pork, shrimp, and green onions for the fillings.
• Pour the batter onto a hot griddle, arrange the fillings, and carefully flip the okonomiyaki for even cooking.
• Drizzle the cooked okonomiyaki with a sauce made from Worcestershire, ketchup, and Japanese mayonnaise.
• Finish the dish with katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) and aonori (dried seaweed flakes) for authentic flavor.

What Is Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that originates from the Kansai region, particularly the city of Osaka.

It’s a versatile dish that’s often referred to as a "Japanese pizza" or "Japanese savory pancake." The name comes from the Japanese words "okonomi," meaning "what you like," and "yaki," meaning "grilled" or "cooked."

Okonomiyaki is made with a batter that’s mixed with shredded cabbage, meat, seafood, or vegetables, then cooked on a flat griddle.

It’s topped with a savory sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, pickled ginger, and dried fish flakes, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki

The foundation of Osaka-style okonomiyaki is a savory batter made from flour, dashi stock, eggs, and shredded cabbage.

The batter is then topped with a variety of ingredients, often including thinly sliced pork belly, shrimp, squid, pickled ginger, and green onions.

The okonomiyaki is cooked on a flat griddle and drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce, typically made from Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Japanese mayonnaise.

Finally, it’s topped with katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) and aonori (dried green seaweed flakes) for an authentic Osaka flavor.

The result is a delicious, customizable savory pancake.

Preparing the Okonomiyaki Batter

To begin the okonomiyaki cooking process, you will first need to prepare the savory batter.

The instructor will demonstrate how to mix the flour, dashi stock, eggs, and grated nagaimo (a type of yam) to create the perfect consistency. Guests will then have a chance to measure and blend the ingredients themselves, ensuring the batter is neither too thick nor too thin.

With the batter ready, the class will move on to shredding the cabbage and preparing the other fillings, transforming this simple dish into a delicious and satisfying meal.

Assembling the Okonomiyaki

Next, you will assemble their okonomiyaki on the griddle.

They’ll start by pouring a ladle-full of batter onto the hot surface, then arrange cabbage, pork, or other preferred fillings on top.

The instructor will guide them in shaping the pancake and flipping it gently when the bottom is golden brown.

As the okonomiyaki cooks, participants can drizzle their preferred sauces, sprinkle on dried seaweed, and add a generous helping of pickled ginger.

The completed dish is then slid onto a plate, ready to be enjoyed with chopsticks.

Assembling the okonomiyaki is the final step in creating this savory Japanese specialty.

Cooking the Okonomiyaki

Once the ingredients are assembled, you will begin cooking their okonomiyaki on the hot griddle.

The instructor will demonstrate how to ladle the batter onto the griddle, then add the cabbage, pork, and other fillings. Participants will carefully turn the okonomiyaki to ensure even cooking on both sides.

The instructor will guide them on the ideal cooking time and temperature to achieve a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

As the okonomiyaki cooks, the aroma of the savory pancake will fill the air, whetting the appetite of the eager learners.

Finally, the okonomiyaki will be plated and garnished, ready to be enjoyed.

Toppings and Sauces

After the okonomiyaki has been cooked to perfection, participants learn how to top and sauce their savory pancakes.

The instructors demonstrate a variety of traditional toppings, including pickled ginger, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes. They also guide students through making the signature okonomiyaki sauce – a sweet and savory blend of Worcestershire, ketchup, and other seasonings.

Trainees then customize their okonomiyaki with the desired toppings and sauce. The hands-on experience allows them to experiment and discover their favorite flavor combinations.

With the toppings and sauces mastered, participants can recreate the authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki at home.

Making Takoyaki

After mastering the okonomiyaki, the class turns its attention to making takoyaki. Takoyaki are savory dough balls filled with octopus, ginger, and green onion. The instructor demonstrates the proper technique, guiding students through the steps.

Step	Description
1	Pour the batter into the takoyaki pan’s circular molds.
2	Add the octopus, ginger, and green onion pieces.
3	Rotate the balls continuously with skewers to achieve their signature round shape.

Students practice rolling and rotating the takoyaki, ensuring each ball cooks evenly. The class enjoys the freshly made, piping hot takoyaki, topping them with signature sauces and garnishes.

Tips for Recreating Osaka Okonomiyaki at Home

How can one recreate the delicious Osaka okonomiyaki at home? The key is to use the right ingredients and techniques.

Start with a savory pancake batter, then add shredded cabbage, green onions, and your desired fillings like pork belly or seafood.

Cook it on a griddle or in a skillet, flipping it to get both sides crispy.

Top it with signature sauces like Worcestershire-based okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise.

For an authentic touch, garnish with bonito flakes and aonori seaweed.

With a little practice, you can enjoy this iconic Osaka street food right in your own kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Alcoholic Beverage Options Included in the Class?

The class includes Japanese sake and beer for travelers 20 years old and above. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for minors.

Is Private Transportation Available to the Meeting Point?

Private transportation is available for the Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Class. The class meeting point is located in central Osaka, but travelers can arrange for private transportation to get there if needed.

Can the Class Be Conducted in Spanish Upon Request?

The class can be conducted in Spanish upon request. According to the details provided, Spanish-speaking instructors are available for this Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Class if participants make the request.

What Is the Maximum Number of Travelers per Class?

The maximum number of travelers per class is 8. The class is designed to accommodate a small group, allowing for personalized instruction and a more intimate cooking experience.

Can Infants Attend the Class?

According to the information provided, infants are welcome to attend the Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Class. They must sit on laps during the class, as the class can accommodate a maximum of 8 travelers.

The Sum Up

Mastering the art of Osaka-style okonomiyaki at home takes practice, but the results are worth it. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a crispy, savory pancake that’s a true taste of Japan. Top it off with the classic sauces and toppings for an authentic okonomiyaki experience. Keep experimenting to perfect your homemade version of this beloved Osaka specialty.