Japanese Okonomiyaki – Savory Cabbage Pancakes Under $5

Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.

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Ready to explore a delicious, budget-friendly dish from Japan that’s savory, customizable, and incredibly satisfying? Let me introduce you to Okonomiyaki—Japanese savory cabbage pancakes that can easily feed your family for under $5. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks, these pancakes are a versatile addition to your meal rotation!

What is Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki, often referred to as a Japanese pancake or pizza, literally translates to “grill as you like.” This dish combines shredded cabbage, a simple batter, and various fillings like vegetables, seafood, or meat, cooked on a griddle or skillet. Popular throughout Japan, especially in Osaka and Hiroshima, Okonomiyaki is comfort food at its finest.

Why You’ll Love This Budget-Friendly Dish

• Affordable: The main ingredients—cabbage, flour, and eggs—are incredibly cheap and readily available.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with leftovers or whatever you have in your fridge.

For more affordable cooking tips, check out my post: 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality.

How to Make Okonomiyaki at Home (Serves 4 for under $5!)

Ingredients:

• 1 small head cabbage, shredded ($1)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour ($0.20)
• 2 large eggs ($0.50)
• 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth (Pantry staple)
• 3 green onions, chopped ($0.30)
• Salt and pepper (Pantry staples)
• Vegetable oil for frying (Pantry staple)

Optional Toppings:

• Mayonnaise
• Okonomiyaki sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• Bonito flakes
• Pickled ginger

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, flour, eggs, water, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until you have a thick batter.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spoon a portion of batter onto the skillet, forming a pancake shape.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
4. Transfer to a plate, drizzle with sauce, mayonnaise, and other toppings if using.

Customizing Your Okonomiyaki

The beauty of Okonomiyaki is its endless customization options:

• Add sliced pork belly, shrimp, or tofu for protein.
• Include carrots, mushrooms, or corn for additional veggies.
• Spice it up with a sprinkle of chili flakes or Sriracha sauce.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Okonomiyaki pancakes freeze exceptionally well. Cook extra and freeze them individually for quick future meals. For more meal prep hacks, check out: Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time and Money on Family Dinners.

More Affordable & Flavorful Recipes

If Okonomiyaki sparked your interest, you might also enjoy:

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – A Fresh, Zesty Dinner for $3
• Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – A Healthy Wing Alternative for Less!
• Spicy Black Bean & Avocado Wraps – A 10-Minute Meatless Meal

Helpful External Resources

• Just One Cookbook’s Authentic Okonomiyaki Recipe
• Budget Bytes’ Guide to Budget-Friendly Meals

Final Thoughts

These savory Japanese cabbage pancakes prove that flavorful, nutritious meals don’t have to be expensive. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for families or meal preppers alike.

Give Okonomiyaki a try, and don’t forget to let me know your favorite variations in the comments below!