Okonomiyaki Sauce Recipe

I recently whipped up a batch of this versatile sauce, perfect for drizzling over savory pancakes like Okonomiyaki or just about any grilled delight. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of umami makes it a go-to condiment in my fridge, ready to elevate any dish I dream up.

The sauce I make for Okonomiyaki is a tangy, savory delight that elevates any dish. I love how the rich interplay of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce combines to make primitive art on the plate, balanced by a hint of sweetness from honey or sugar that usually stays behind the scenes.

Okonomiyaki Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor; rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami depth with a slight tang; contains anchovies and spices.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes salty, savory notes; a fermented sauce high in umami.
• Oyster Sauce: Delivers a rich, savory taste; made from oyster extracts for depth.
• Honey or Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the sauce; balances savory elements; honey offers antioxidants.
• Rice Vinegar (Optional): Adds a mild acidic lift; enhances flavors with subtle sour tang.

Okonomiyaki Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)

How to Make this Okonomiyaki Sauce Recipe

1. Collect all the components: 3 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey or granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar (optional).

2. In a little mixing bowl, mix the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.

3. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined, with no lumps whatsoever.

4. Incorporate the honey or granulated sugar into the mixture.

5. Stir until the sweetener is completely dissolved and integrated, yielding a glossy sauce.

6. Should rice vinegar be used, add it to the sauce and mix thoroughly.

7. Sample the sauce and modify the sweetness or sourness to taste, adding more honey or vinegar if need be.

8. Decant the completed sauce into a jar or container that is both clean and airtight.

9. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least 10 minutes in the sauce.

10. Use Okonomiyaki sauce to top Japan’s version of the pancake, or place it in the fridge to keep it for up to two weeks.

Okonomiyaki Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Measuring spoons
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk or spoon for mixing
4. Airtight jar or container for storage

FAQ

• What is Okonomiyaki Sauce?Okonomiyaki Sauce is a sweet and salty condiment typically used to dress Okonomiyaki, the Japanese savory pancake. Its flavor is rich and goes well with a number of different dishes.
• Can I substitute any ingredients?Indeed, you can replace honey with granulated sugar when you need something sweet. If you don’t have any soy sauce on hand, you can use tamari instead—it’s gluten-free.
• What is the purpose of rice vinegar in the recipe?If you want the sauce a little milder, you can skip the rice vinegar. It has a slight tang to it that helps balance the sweetness and saltiness.
• How long does Okonomiyaki Sauce last?This sauce can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Can I make the sauce spicier?You can definitely add just a touch of chili powder or a few drops of hot sauce to kick it up a notch. And when it comes to dryness, don’t be afraid to use a good amount of cream to up the moisture factor!
• Is oyster sauce necessary?Although it imparts added flavor, if you are allergic to shellfish or would rather not eat it, you can use mushroom sauce instead. It works beautifully with this dish.
• Can this sauce be used for other dishes?Certainly! It complements well with barbecued meats, veggies, and can even be used as a fry dip.

Okonomiyaki Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tomato paste: Ketchup can be replaced with a mixture of tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar.
Worcestershire sauce—soy sauce with a bit of lemon juice and sugar.
Soy sauce. Gluten-free alternatives include tamari or coconut aminos.
Vegetarian/vegan substitute for oyster sauce: Hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce.
Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey or granulated sugar to provide a different flavor of sweetness. You can experiment with different proportions of these unrefined sweeteners.

Pro Tips

1. Adjust Flavor Balance Taste the sauce after combining the main ingredients. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or sugar. For more tang, increase the rice vinegar gradually and taste as you go.

2. Enhanced Umami Add a small splash of fish sauce or a pinch of dashi powder for an extra layer of umami flavor, which complements traditional Japanese dishes beautifully.

3. Consistency Tuning If you find the sauce too thick, thin it out with a tiny bit of water until you reach the desired consistency. Add a little at a time to avoid over-diluting.

4. Spice Option For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. This is not traditional but can elevate the flavor profile for spice lovers.

5. Marination Tip The sauce can also double as a marinade for meats or tofu. Allow the protein to soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to impart a rich, savory flavor before cooking.