Veggie Okonomiyaki Recipe
Introduction
Veggie okonomiyaki is a delightful Japanese savory pancake packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy lime mayo drizzle. This easy-to-make dish combines crisp cabbage, spicy chilli, and spring onions for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 50g plain flour
- 50ml milk
- 4 spring onions, trimmed and sliced
- 1 pak choi, sliced
- 200g Savoy cabbage, shredded
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped, plus extra to serve
- ½ tbsp low-salt soy sauce
- ½ tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 heaped tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
- ½ lime, juiced
- Sushi ginger, to serve (optional)
- Wasabi, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, plain flour, and milk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Step 2: Stir in half of the sliced spring onions, pak choi, shredded cabbage, chopped chilli, and soy sauce until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Heat the rapeseed oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Pour in the batter, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4: Cover the pan and cook the okonomiyaki for 7-8 minutes, allowing it to set and cook through gently.
- Step 5: Carefully flip the okonomiyaki onto a second frying pan and cook for another 7-8 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: While the okonomiyaki cooks, mix the low-fat mayonnaise and lime juice together in a small bowl to create the lime mayo dressing.
- Step 7: Transfer the cooked okonomiyaki to a serving plate. Drizzle over the lime mayo, then top with the remaining spring onions, extra chilli, and sushi ginger if using.
- Step 8: Serve with wasabi on the side for an optional spicy kick.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, substitute plain flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Add grated carrot or sliced mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, keep some seeds in the chilli or add a dash of chilli sauce to the batter.
- Use a larger pan to make a thinner okonomiyaki if you like it crispier.
Storage
Store leftover okonomiyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a non-stick pan over low heat to maintain its texture, or briefly in the microwave. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the pancake.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make okonomiyaki ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and chop the vegetables in advance. Assemble and cook the okonomiyaki just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for pak choi?
If you can’t find pak choi, baby spinach, kale, or Swiss chard work well as green alternatives in this recipe.
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Veggie Okonomiyaki Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Veggie Okonomiyaki is a delicious Japanese-inspired savory pancake packed with fresh vegetables like pak choi, Savoy cabbage, and spring onions. Bound together with eggs, flour, and milk, and flavored with low-salt soy sauce and a touch of chili, this dish is cooked on the stovetop until perfectly golden and tender. Finished with a tangy lime mayonnaise drizzle and optional sushi ginger and wasabi, it’s a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Batter and Vegetables
- 3 large eggs
- 50g plain flour
- 50ml milk
- 4 spring onions, trimmed and sliced
- 1 pak choi, sliced
- 200g Savoy cabbage, shredded
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped, plus extra to serve
- ½ tbsp low-salt soy sauce
Cooking and Garnish
- ½ tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 heaped tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
- ½ lime, juiced
- Sushi ginger, to serve (optional)
- Wasabi, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: Whisk together the eggs, plain flour, and milk in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in half of the sliced spring onions, the sliced pak choi, shredded Savoy cabbage, finely chopped red chili, and low-salt soy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well combined into the batter.
- Cook the okonomiyaki – First side: Heat the rapeseed oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Pour in the batter and cook covered for 7-8 minutes until the bottom is set and beginning to brown.
- Cook the okonomiyaki – Flip and second side: Carefully flip the okonomiyaki onto a second frying pan to help flip it smoothly, then return it to the original pan. Continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes, uncovered, until a skewer inserted comes out clean and the pancake is cooked through.
- Prepare lime mayonnaise: In a small bowl, mix the low-fat mayonnaise with the juice of half a lime until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked okonomiyaki to a plate, drizzle with the lime mayonnaise, and sprinkle with the remaining spring onions and extra chopped chilli. Add sushi ginger on the side if using, and serve with wasabi for an added kick, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure to cook the okonomiyaki on medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring it cooks evenly throughout.
- Flipping the okonomiyaki can be tricky; using a second pan helps to invert it safely without breaking.
- If sushi ginger or wasabi are not available, the dish is still delicious and flavorful without them.
- This dish can be customized with other vegetables such as grated carrot or mushrooms.
- Use low-salt soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate and suitable for low-salt diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Veggie okonomiyaki, Japanese savory pancake, vegetable pancake, healthy okonomiyaki, lime mayo, low-fat mayo, pak choi recipe, cabbage pancake

