Kimchi Okonomiyaki (Savoury Cabbage Pancake)
A thick, fluffy cabbage pancake with spicy kimchi and crisp bacon, brushed with sauce and drizzled with mayo.
Made with Dashi stock and Kimchi. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £4.88 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mix the flour and your ready made dashi stock (see the base recipe) in a large bowl to a smooth batter. Beat in the eggs.
1 min - 2
Use your ready made kimchi (see the base recipe), chopped. Fold the cabbage, kimchi and spring onions into the batter until everything is coated. The mixture should be thick, not runny.
- 3
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non stick frying pan over a medium heat. Pour in half the mixture and shape it into a round, about 2 cm thick. Lay 2 bacon rashers on top.
- 4
Cook for 5 minutes until the base is deep golden, then flip carefully using a plate or a wide spatula. Cook the bacon side for 5 minutes more until the middle is firm and the bacon is cooked.
10 min - 5
Repeat with the remaining oil and batter.
- 6
Brush with tonkatsu sauce, then drizzle over the mayonnaise in zigzags. Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Tips
- Keep the pancakes thick and cook over a medium heat so the middle cooks before the outside burns.
- Do not press down while cooking, or the pancake turns dense instead of fluffy.
- Swap the bacon for prawns or thin pork belly slices for a different topping.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh and hot. Keep leftover cooked pancakes in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in a dry frying pan until steaming hot. Freeze for up to 1 month between sheets of baking paper.
Questions
Can I make it without dashi?
Yes, use water, but the flavour will be flatter. Dashi gives the pancake its savoury Japanese character, so it is worth using.
Is okonomiyaki gluten free?
No, this version uses plain flour, and tonkatsu sauce contains wheat. Use gluten free plain flour and a gluten free brown sauce for a free-from version.
Why is my pancake falling apart?
Too little batter or not enough egg. Add a spoonful of flour, mix well, and flip with a wide plate or spatula once the base is firmly set.
Which kimchi works best?
Aged, sour kimchi brings the most flavour. Squeeze it lightly first to avoid a soggy batter.
More made with dashi stock
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.