Mochi Okonomiyaki, Savory Japanese Pancakes Made with Leftover Mochi

If you love mochi, you’ll understand the urge to add it to everything — including okonomiyaki.

This Mochi Okonomiyaki is a fun and delicious twist on the classic Japanese savory pancake, where mochi takes center stage. The mochi naturally binds the ingredients together, so there’s no need for flour, and it cooks up golden on the outside with an irresistibly chewy, stretchy texture inside. Each bite delivers that comforting mochi goodness, making this an easy, satisfying dish for mochi lovers and okonomiyaki fans alike.

RECIPE

Servings: about 4 pcs pancake

Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

3 pieces mochi (kirimochi or cut mochi)
1/3 cup water
2 eggs
1/2 tbsp dashi powder
1/4 head cabbage
1 small carrot
2 pcs scallion
4–6 slices pork belly
3 tbsp tempura flakes (agedama or tenkasu)

For topping:

Okonomi sauce
Japanese mayonnaise
Aonori (dried green seaweed flakes)
Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)

Instructions:

Prepare the Mochi:
Place the cut mochi pieces and water in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave for about 2 minutes until the mochi becomes soft.
Stir well to create a sticky, smooth base.
Make the Batter:
Add the eggs and dashi powder to the mochi mixture.
Stir until everything is well combined.
Add Vegetables:
Fold in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, chopped scallions, and tempura flakes.
Mix gently so that the batter is evenly coated.
Cook the Okonomiyaki:
Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
Scoop the okonomiyaki batter.
Place a few slices of pork belly over the batter, shaping it into a thick pancake.
Pan Fry:
Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
Flip one more time.
Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring the mochi cooks through.
Add Toppings:
Once cooked, transfer the okonomiyaki to a plate.
Drizzle generously with okonomi sauce and Japanese mayonnaise.
Sprinkle with aonori and a handful of katsuobushi.

Shop More

Tips

Microwave time may vary depending on your mochi type and microwave. Make sure the mochi is soft and stirrable before mixing with eggs.
Want extra crispiness? Pan-fry a little longer at lower heat to get the pork belly edges nice and crispy!
Customize the filling with shrimp, squid, cheese, or green onions if you like.