Okonomiyaki Quiche

 
Okonomiyaki Quiche
 

Okonomiyaki Quiche (Easy Baked Japanese Savory Pancake)

Whenever I ask my kids, “What do you want for dinner?”, the answer is always the same:

“Okonomiyaki”

No hesitation. No debate. Just okonomiyaki!

So instead of standing at the stove flipping pancakes one by one, I decided to turn their favorite Japanese comfort food into a baked, sliceable version, something you can pop into the oven and walk away from. This Okonomiyaki Quiche keeps all the familiar flavors we love, but with no flipping required and much less hands-on time.

Try this savory, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Okonomiyaki Quiche

  • Oven-baked & hands-free – no pan frying

  • Kid-approved Japanese comfort food

  • Easy to slice and serve like a quiche

  • Great for dinner, lunch boxes, or leftovers

What is Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese savory pancake made with cabbage, protein like pork or seafood, and a batter, then topped with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayo.

This version transforms it into a baked quiche-style dish, making it easier and more practical for everyday cooking—especially if you're cooking for a family.

Tips for Best Results

  • Reduce cabbage moisture: After sautéing, let the cabbage cool slightly and gently press out excess liquid for a firmer texture.

  • Cheese swap: Parmesan adds umami, but shredded mozzarella or Swiss also work well.

  • Make it kid-friendly: Cut into small slices and serve with extra mayo on the side.


RECIPE

Servings: 4-5

Time: 60 min

Ingredients:

  • 3 slices bacon or pork belly

  • 1/2 small cabbage (about 3 cups shredded)

  • 3 green onions, chopped

  • 3 eggs

  • 3/4 cup milk

  • 2 oz grated parmesan cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Okonomi sauce

  • Japanese mayo

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven

    Preheat the oven for 375°F (190°C)

  2. Prep the vegetables

    Shred the cabbage

    Chop the green onions

    Cut the bacon or pork belly into small pieces.

  3. Cook the filling

    In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until lightly crisp.

    Add the cabbage and green onions, and sauté until softened.

    Season with salt and pepper. Let cool slightly.

  4. Mix the custard

    In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese.

  5. Combine & bake

    Add the cabbage mixture to the egg mixture and stir well.

    Pour into a greased pie pan.

    Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until set in the center.

  6. Finish & serve

    Drizzle generously with okonomi sauce and Japanese mayo before slicing.

 

My Kitchen Tool:

I used this Japanese grater for the cheese

 

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store in the fridge and reheat slices when needed.

Can I freeze Okonomiyaki Quiche?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish. Because of the high moisture from the cabbage and milk, the texture can become watery and soft after thawing.

What can I substitute for pork?
You can use ham, turkey bacon, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian.

Is this similar to traditional okonomiyaki?
It has the same flavor profile but a softer, quiche-like texture and is baked instead of pan-fried.

What kind of cabbage should I use?
Regular green cabbage works best for texture and sweetness.

Find More Meal Ideas:

 
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Chikuzenni (Nishime)

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Ozoni Mochi Soup