3 Iconic Japanese Street Foods (That You Can Make At Home)

takoyaki

🥗Healthier: grilled octopus

💰Cheaper: chicken pieces

Grilled octopus is lower in calories, while chicken is more affordable.

okonomiyaki flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds nutrients, while all-purpose is easier to find.

katsu sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce with honey

💰Cheaper: homemade ketchup

Soy sauce with honey reduces sugar, while ketchup is budget-friendly.

mochi

🥗Healthier: rice cakes

💰Cheaper: puffed rice

Rice cakes are lower in calories, while puffed rice is cost-effective.

Soak kombu in water overnight or for 30 minutes to make Dashi

Heat the water with kombu on medium heat until it just starts to simmer

Remove the kombu before it boils to avoid bitterness

Add katsuobushi (smoked bonito flakes) to the pot and steep for 2-3 minutes

Strain the Dashi and set aside

In a bowl, combine Dashi, mirin, and 2 eggs, and whisk until combined

Add all-purpose flour gradually while whisking to create a smooth batter

Mix in thinly sliced cabbage, Tokyo negi, and tempura scraps

Add a pinch of salt to the batter and mix until chunky

Heat a pan and add oil, then pour in the batter to form a pancake

Place pork belly strips on top of the pancake

Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip carefully

Cook the other side until golden and the pork belly is cooked through

Drizzle with okonomi sauce and mayonnaise

Sprinkle with dried fish flakes and dried seaweed before serving

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens