Vegan Okonomiyaki

Looking for Japanese vegan food? At Heroes Made in Asia, Japan Fan Martine discovered okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake that can easily be made vegan by substituting the traditional ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Here is a simple recipe for vegan okonomiyaki:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dashi powder (or vegetable bouillon powder)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
  • 1/4 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Toppings of your choice (such as vegan mayonnaise, katsu sauce, vegan bonito flakes, and nori)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, water, baking powder, salt, and dashi powder until smooth.
  2. Stir in the cabbage, carrot, green onion, and mushrooms until well combined.
  3. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  4. Scoop about 1/2 cup of the pancake batter into the skillet and spread it out into a circle.
  5. Cook the pancake for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
  7. Serve the pancakes topped with vegan mayonnaise, katsu sauce, vegan bonito flakes, and nori, if desired.

Enjoy your vegan okonomiyaki!

P.S.
Looking for a nice “pandessert” to finish dinner? We’ve got you covered, as okonomiyaki can also be made into a sweet dessert!

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that can easily be made vegan. Japan Fans. Japanese Arts & Culture from the Centre of Utrecht. Japans Cultureel Centrum Utrecht.
The teppanyaki known as Okonomiyaki! Picture by Daniel Hooper

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