Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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These savory, very flavorful cabbage pancakes are served with a delightfully spicy dipping sauce.

In this gluten-free version, I use almond flour instead of wheat flour, with excellent results.

Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

I was intrigued when I came across an okonomiyaki recipe online. Cabbage is one of my favorite vegetables, and the idea of making it into savory pancakes sounded really good. But I didn't want to add flour. I wanted a low-carb and gluten-free version that would still taste good.

So I used almond flour. We all loved the result - crispy yet tender and very tasty fritters. They hold their shape beautifully and they keep well for several days in the fridge.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Expert tip
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Variations
  • Serving suggestions
  • Storing leftovers
  • Related recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
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Ingredients

Here's an overview of what you'll need to make these tasty pancakes. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.

For the dipping sauce:

  • Sour cream: You can also use plain full-fat yogurt. But sour cream is better. Another option is to use mayonnaise.
  • Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Or a gluten-free alternative.
  • Hot pepper sauce: It's best to use a sauce where the first ingreident is peppers, not vinegar.

For the pancakes:

  • Shredded cabbage: Shred it yourself or be as lazy as I am and use bagged pre-shredded cabbage or a coeslaw mix.
  • Scallions: I use the green parts.
  • Almond flour.
  • Eggs: I use large eggs in most of my recipes, this one included.
  • More soy sauce or an alternative.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
  • Minced garlic: Mince it yourself, or use the stuff that comes in a jar.
  • Oil for frying: I use either refined coconut oil or avocado oil.

Instructions

Making these cabbage pancakes is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

Your first step is to mix together the sauce ingredients. Then set the sauce aside for later.

Now, mix the pancakes ingredients. Start by mixing the shredded cabbage, scallions, and almond flour. Mix the egg, soy sauce, black pepper and garlic in a small bowl and add them to the cabbage mixture. Mix well.

Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Cook the fritters in hot oil, measuring ¼ cup per pancake and gently flattening them, about 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Serve them with the dipping sauce.

Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)

Expert tip

It's fine to use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix rather than chop a whole cabbage. I do recommend giving the mix an extra quick chop, especially if it's coarsely shredded. You want fairly fine shreds in this recipe.

Frequently asked questions

What is Okonomiyaki?

It's a savory Japanese dish made of batter (flour, water and eggs), shredded cabbage, and various toppings. The pancakes are first cooked on the griddle, then topped with sauces and other savory toppings.

Are cabbage pancakes sweet?

No, not at all. They are decidedly savory and they're part of a savory meal. I suppose you could more accurately describe them as "fritters" to prevent any confusion.

Can you make gluten-free Okonomiyaki?

Yes! This is exactly what I attempted to do here, with great success, I might add. The fritters are tasty, crispy, savory, and they hold their shape well when cooked.

Variations

I love this recipe as is and almost always make it as written. But in case you'd like to vary the basic recipe, here are a few ideas for you:

  • For a more traditional recipe, and if you don't mind purchasing specialty ingredients, top your pancakes with traditional toppings such as okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, bonito shavings, and dried seaweed.
  • Mix some shredded cheese into the batter. Try shredded provolone.
  • Mix a handful of bacon bits into the batter.

Serving suggestions

These pancakes make an excellent appetizer or side dish. But they are also hearty enough to serve as a meatless main dish if you serve four per person instead of two. Sometimes I serve them with fried eggs for a complete meatless meal.

The spicy dipping sauce is phenomenal, by the way. Please do make it and use it! Without it, the pancakes are very good. But with it, they are amazing.

Storing leftovers

Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge, in an airtight container. I either reheat them in the microwave on 50% power, or simply eat them cold. You can also freeze them, separated by wax paper squares.

Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)
  • Cabbage Casserole
  • Roasted Cabbage
  • Asian Cabbage Salad
  • Cabbage Soup

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Recipe Card

Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

4.98 from 346 votes

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Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki)

These savory, very flavorful cabbage pancakes are served with a delightfully spicy dipping sauce.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 253kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce or use a gluten-free alternative
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Pancakes:

  • 8 oz pre-shredded cabbage raw (½ bag)
  • 4 large scallions sliced (½ cup)
  • ½ cup almond flour blanched, finely ground
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce or use a gluten-free alternative
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil for frying

Instructions

  • Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together the raw cabbage, scallions, and almond flour.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic.

  • Stir the egg mixture into the cabbage mixture. Mix well.

  • Heat a nonstick double burner griddle, or two large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat, 2-3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to each skillet and brush to coat.

  • Scoop the mixture onto the griddle with a 4-tablespoon ice cream scoop (or measuring cup) per pancake. Flatten with a spatula.

  • Cook the pancakes until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Video

Notes

It's fine to use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix rather than chop a whole cabbage. I do recommend giving the mix an extra quick chop, especially if it's coarsely shredded. You want fairly fine shreds in this recipe.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 3pancakes | Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 378mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g

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Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (20) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Gloria

    Can these be made in a waffle iron?

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Gloria,
      I haven't tried that, but I suspect they will stick and/or fall apart.

      Reply

  2. April

    Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (21)
    Excellent recipe, thank you!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, April! Thank you for taking the time to write a comment. I appreciate it.

      Reply

  3. lara kizer

    Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (22)
    I made this for the first time for lunch and it was delicious and turned out great! It was easy to make. I had a head of cabbage so I had to take the time to shred but otherwise very quick. I plan to make a second batch with the rest of the cabbage and then freeze them for later and reheat in the airfryer.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Sounds like a great plan, Lara! Glad you enjoyed them.

      Reply

  4. Annio

    Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (23)
    We enjoyed these cabbage pancakes as a low-carb option. We had them with Canadian bacon for breakfast. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed these pancakes, Annio!

      Reply

  5. Judy

    Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (24)
    Thank you so much for this recipe! Instead of cabbages, I used cauliflower rice. I used fresh cauliflower and used the blender until it appeared to be rice crumbles. I used all the other ingredients. This is a great recipe for a hearty breakfast!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      So glad you liked this recipe, Judy!

      Reply

Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki) - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Which cabbage is best for Okonomiyaki? ›

Nappa cabbage has a more prounounced flavor and softer texture while round cabbage has crunchy neutral flavor and texture. But you can throw whatever you want in Okonomiyaki. There is no rule for that, it just ingredients mixed with batter finished with the typical sauce.

Is Okonomiyaki good for you? ›

This fiber increases performance in the stomach and intestines, removes excessive fat, and works to expel cholesterol and salt from the body. Dietary fiber is easily ingested by eating Okonomiyaki, and it is great for your overall health.

Is Okonomiyaki high in carbs? ›

With 44.68g of net carbs per 100g serving, Okonomiyaki is indeed a high-carb dish.

What is a Japanese pancake called? ›

Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancake)

What is the English name for okonomiyaki? ›

This variability is reflected in the dish's name; "okonomi" literally means "to one's liking". The dish is available all over Japan, but is particularly popular in the cities of Hiroshima and Osaka. Okonomiyaki is sometimes translated into English as "as-you-like-it pancake".

Which cabbage is healthiest? ›

However, the purple variety is richer in beneficial plant compounds that have been linked to health benefits, such as stronger bones and a healthier heart. Purple cabbage is also thought to lower inflammation and protect against certain types of cancers.

Why do Japanese eat okonomiyaki? ›

The simplicity of the recipe and the possibility of enjoying it with family and friends were other commonly named reasons. Often dubbed "Japanese pancake", okonomiyaki is a savory dish traditionally prepared by cooking a mixture of cabbage and wheat flour batter on an iron griddle.

Why does my okonomiyaki fall apart? ›

Okonomiyaki Recipe Tips

These come out best when they're made with really thin shreds of cabbage. If your cabbage is too chunky, they won't hold together well, and they'll have a denser, less delicate texture.

What city is famous for okonomiyaki? ›

Okonomiyaki is popular all over Japan, particularly in the Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, and in Hiroshima, some 300km down the Inland Sea coast from Osaka.

Can you eat Okonomiyaki for dinner? ›

It's a fairly staple food the originated in the Kansai region. The two most famous versions are Hiroshima (with the noodles) and Osaka (without, and more eggy/pancakey). It's a common enough dinner and lunch option. Having said that, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is a popular festival street-stall food.

Are pancakes healthy carbs? ›

What are the health benefits and drawbacks of pancakes? Pancakes are a good source of riboflavin, calcium, and iron. However, they're relatively low in protein and fibre and high in carbohydrates and sugars.

Do the Japanese eat a lot of carbs? ›

A Balanced Diet: Japanese Food Is Lighter Than It Looks

As delicious as it is, Japanese food has plenty of carbohydrates and fats that can easily scare away the health-conscious types. However, there's more balance to it than you may think.

What dish is similar to okonomiyaki? ›

Monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き, often called simply "monja") is a type of Japanese pan-fried batter, popular in the Kantō region, similar to okonomiyaki, but using different liquid ingredients.

Can you reheat okonomiyaki? ›

Reheating. Wrap okonomiyaki individually to freeze. When you need a quick lunch, pull one out, put it on a plate, and microwave for four minutes until the center is hot. Kitamura likes to add his sauce and mayonnaise, then microwave it again briefly.

What do they put on top of okonomiyaki? ›

Once cooked, okonomiyaki is topped with a variety of condiments such as okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and dried bonito flakes.

What kind of cabbage do you use for cabbage rolls? ›

You can use any cabbages you like. I used savoy cabbage because it has a beautiful texture and color, but feel free to use any white / green cabbages. You can also use nappa cabbage leaves as well! Make sure to dry out the leaves thoroughly.

What type of cabbage is used in Japanese cooking? ›

Savoy cabbage has gained a certain amount of popularity in Japan over the past ten years.” Cabbage is said to have originated in the Mediterranean region, and became a staple vegetable in Japan along with the spread of Western food after World War II.

Is sweetheart cabbage same as green cabbage? ›

Hispi cabbage is a sweeter, pointy-shaped, green cabbage also known as hearted or sweetheart cabbage. This quick and easy Hispi cabbage recipe from Adam Gray makes a delectable side dish. discover more: Cabbage Recipes.

Which cabbage is the best cabbage? ›

Many people prefer savoy cabbage to regular cabbage because of its milder flavour and tender leaves. This is the perfect cabbage for using raw and thinly sliced in salads, stir-fries, or braised with butter. Savoy cabbage works nicely as a fresh and crunchy wrap – you can substitute it for rice paper or tortillas.

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