Osaka Silk Pancake

Osaka Silk Pancake, known as "Okonomiyaki" in Japan, is a popular Japanese savory pancake. This dish is a staple of Osaka's street food culture and has grown in popularity across the globe. Okonomiyaki translates to 'grilled as you like it', which perfectly encapsulates the customizable nature of this diverse dish. The origins of Okonomiyaki can be traced back centuries, with influences from Chinese culinary techniques and further developments during Japan’s Edo period. Modern Okonomiyaki started to take its current form in the early 20th century. It became particularly popular in the post-war days of Japan when essential ingredients were scarce, and innovative cooks started using flour batter with mixed fillings. These pancakes are typically cooked on a hot iron griddle, known as a 'teppan', and topped with a variety of condiments.

Ingredients

• All-purpose Flour - 1 cup
• Dashi or water - 2/3 cup
• Egg - 1 large
• Cabbage - 2 cups, finely shredded
• Green Onion - 2 stalks, finely chopped
• Tempura Scraps (Tenkasu) - 1/4 cup
• Pork Belly (thinly sliced) - 4 oz
• Okonomiyaki Sauce - 3 tbsp
• Japanese Mayonnaise - 2 tbsp
• Aonori (dried seaweed) - 1 tsp
• Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) - 1 handful

Preparation

Once you have all your ingredients gather, you're ready to start preparing your Osaka Silk Pancake. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect pancake.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and dashi. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the egg into the bowl and mix well.
3. Fold in the shredded cabbage, green onions, and tempura scraps. Ensure all ingredients are well coated with the batter.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet on medium heat, and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
5. Spoon half of the batter onto the skillet, spreading it to form a round pancake about 1 inch thick.
6. Lay the pork belly slices across the top of the pancake.
7. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the pancake to cook for another 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to press the pancake gently to ensure even cooking.

Cooking Process

Timing the cooking process is critical. Be sure to monitor your cooking timer during each step to ensure the pancake is fully cooked. Overcooking may toughen the pancake, while undercooking could leave it soggy.

Finishing Touches

1. Once cooked, transfer the pancake to a serving plate. Drizzle Okonomiyaki sauce liberally over the top.
2. Add a drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise.
3. Sprinkle aonori and katsuobushi over the pancake. The katsuobushi will move slightly from the heat, giving a lively appearance.

How to Enjoy Osaka Silk Pancake

To truly enjoy Osaka Silk Pancake, serve it fresh off the skillet while still hot. The combination of a crispy outer layer with a soft, savory inside is best experienced immediately. This dish pairs well with a refreshing green tea or a light beer. For an authentic experience, use a spatula to cut and serve each portion directly from the cooking pan. Feel free to customize with additional toppings like shrimp, mochi, or even cheese. As the Japanese say before meals, "Itadakimasu!"