Okonomiyaki Japanese Vegetable Pancake

Directly translated, okonomiyaki is derived from two words, yaki (meaning “grilled”) and okonomi (meaning “as you like it”), a testament to its customizable nature. In Japan and in Japanese-inspired street food scenes across the globe, these savory pancakes can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, including different veggies, proteins, and cheeses, and topped with everything from mayo to seaweed to dried, shaved fish flakes. For Trader Joe’s Okonomiyaki, our supplier in Japan has opted for a relatively simple, yet sublimely satisfying combination of cabbage, yam, and green onion held together in an eggy batter. When prepped at home, it takes on a crisp texture on the outside and a light and creamy texture on the inside. And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also included a packet of sweet and savory okonomi sauce and delicate tuna flakes so that you can enjoy your Okonomiyaki, appropriately enough, exactly as you like it. 

Simply heat your Okonomkiyaki in the microwave or crisp it up on the stovetop, add your desired toppings, and enjoy. It makes an excellent appetizer for all sorts of meals, serves as a particularly hearty snack, and acts as an excellent entrée in its own right—especially when paired with an ice-cold beer.