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Chickpeas, please!

Easy Vegetarian Okonomiyaki

Japanese Cabbage Pancakes with Tofu
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pancakes
  • 300 g white cabbage about 10½ oz, finely shredded
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/3 cup potato starch
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version, replace it with chickpea flour
  • 1/3 cup chickpea flour or use more all-purpose flour if preferred
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • oil for frying
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbs[ soy sauce
Toppings
  • 1 block firm tofu diced and pan-fried
  • 1 spring onion sliced
  • 1 sheet nori torn into small pieces
  • black sesame seeds
  • sriracha optional

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, soy sauce, water, potato starch, flour(s), and baking powder until smooth.
  2. Add the shredded cabbage and stir until evenly coated.
  3. Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a 9-inch (23 cm) skillet over medium heat.
  4. Pour in half of the batter.
  5. Cook until the bottom is golden brown.
  6. To flip, slide the pancake onto a large plate, place the skillet upside down over the plate, and carefully turn everything over so the uncooked side lands back in the pan.
  7. Cook until the second side is golden.
  8. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  9. Alternatively, cook one large pancake in a bigger skillet, though flipping it will be more challenging.
  10. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, and soy sauce.
  11. Pan-fry the diced tofu until golden and crispy.
  12. Spread the sauce over the cooked pancakes.
  13. Top with the crispy tofu, torn nori, sliced spring onion, black sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tips for Best Results
  • Shred the cabbage finely so it cooks evenly.
  • Use a smaller skillet to make flipping easier.
  • Cook over medium heat so the inside has time to set before the outside browns too much.
  • Crispy tofu adds wonderful texture, but it's optional if you're short on time.