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Okonomiyaki is a type of Japanese pan-fried batter cake that is
topped with various ingredients. Japanese people often translate okonomiyaki
as Japanese pizza, but this is clearly a misnomer. Okonomiyaki is generally
eaten in okonomiyaki fast food restaurants rather than at home. In Japan
okonomiyaki, is usually associated with Hiroshima and the Kansai region.
There is a similar dish originating in Tokyo called monjayaki.
To make okonomiyaki batter, mix flour, grated yam with water or dashi. Then
add egg and shredded cabbage. This makes a very basic okonomiyaki. There are
many kinds of okonomiyaki which contain items such as Kim chi, mochi,
cheese, and so on.
Common extra ingredients include: Green onion, meat, fish flakes, squid,
shrimp, vegetables--anything one likes. The batter and toppings are spread
on a hot plate (teppan) and fried until done.
Toppings include; mayonnaise (optional), okonomiyaki-sauce, nori, and
katsuoboushi (dried bonito flakes) on the top and Ginger on the side are
common. Okonomi means "what you like", and yaki means "grilled" or "fried"
(c.f., yakitori and yakisoba) in Japanese, so this dish's name means "fry
what you like." As the name shows, you can put anything you like. Some
people make with pork, beef, lots of leek and various foods.
Different regions prefer different toppings and batters for
okonomiyaki. For example, in Hiroshima it is common to add yakisoba (fried
noodles) on top.
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