As a food writer, I’m always on the hunt for unique flavor combinations that truly excite the palate. This Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger is precisely that—a delicious fusion that brings the savory, comforting essence of Japanese street food to the beloved American burger. Imagine a juicy burger patty topped with a vibrant, savory cabbage pancake (okonomiyaki-style!), crispy bacon, and a generous drizzle of tangy okonomiyaki sauce and creamy mayonnaise. It’s an explosion of umami in every bite, and trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your burger rotation immediately.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about taking two universally adored comfort foods and smashing them together into one incredible dish? This Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a genuinely delicious and surprisingly harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The crisp-tender cabbage pancake adds a fresh, textural contrast to the rich burger, while the bacon brings that irresistible salty crunch. Then there are the sauces: the sweet and savory okonomiyaki sauce and the creamy mayo create that signature Japanese street food finish that pulls it all together. It’s a burger that feels both familiar and excitingly new, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your very own Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage (green cabbage works best)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg (large)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions), plus more for garnish if desired
• 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 4-6 slices before cooking)
• 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce (available in Asian markets or the international aisle of many supermarkets)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie is fantastic if you can find it)
• 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame seed buns are great)
• 4 burger patties (your favorite kind, beef or even a vegetarian option)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Cabbage: While green cabbage is traditional for okonomiyaki, you could experiment with a mix of red and green cabbage for color.
• Bacon: If you don’t have bacon, you could use pancetta or even thinly sliced deli ham, cooked until crispy.
• Okonomiyaki Sauce: If you can’t find okonomiyaki sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of sugar.
• Mayonnaise: Kewpie mayo has a richer, tangier flavor, but any good quality mayonnaise will work.
• Protein: Feel free to swap beef patties for chicken, turkey, or even a hearty mushroom or black bean burger for a vegetarian version.
• Extra Toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a dash of togarashi (Japanese chili powder), or a few pickled ginger slices for an authentic touch.

Steps for the Recipe

Creating these unique Okonomiyaki Bacon Burgers is a fun and straightforward process:

1. Prepare the Okonomiyaki Batter: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, flour, water, egg, chopped green onions, and cooked and crumbled bacon. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and forms a thick batter. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook the Okonomiyaki Pancakes: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it if needed. Take about a quarter of the cabbage mixture and add it to the hot skillet, flattening it gently with the back of a spoon to form a round pancake, roughly the size of your burger buns. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The pancake should be firm enough to handle. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make 4 cabbage pancakes.
3. Cook the Burger Patties: In the same skillet (or a separate one if preferred), cook the burger patties according to your desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper as they cook.
4. Assemble the Burgers: To assemble your Okonomiyaki Bacon Burgers, start by spreading a generous tablespoon of okonomiyaki sauce on the bottom half of each burger bun.
5. Layer It Up: Place one of your freshly cooked cabbage pancakes on top of the okonomiyaki sauce.
6. Add the Patty: Carefully place a cooked burger patty on top of the cabbage pancake.
7. Sauce it Up: Drizzle more okonomiyaki sauce over the burger patty, followed by a zig-zag of mayonnaise.
8. Finish and Serve: Close the burger with the top half of the bun. Serve hot and immediately enjoy your delicious Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the okonomiyaki batter just until combined. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
• Medium Heat is Key: Cook the cabbage pancakes over medium heat. Too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through; too low, and they won’t get that nice golden crust.
• Crispy Bacon is Crucial: Make sure your bacon is nice and crispy before crumbling it. This adds vital texture to the okonomiyaki pancake.
• Toast Your Buns: Lightly toasting the burger buns adds another layer of texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
• Warm it All Up: Assemble the burgers right after cooking the patties and pancakes to ensure everything is warm and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let its unique flavors shine.

Consider serving it with:

• Crispy Fries or Tater Tots: A classic burger companion that can’t be beaten.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette would offer a nice fresh contrast.
• Pickled Ginger: A small side of pickled ginger can cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.
• Beverage Pairings: A cold Japanese beer, a crisp sake, or even a refreshing iced green tea would complement the flavors.

Storage and Leftover Tips

These Okonomiyaki Bacon Burgers are best enjoyed fresh, as the cabbage pancakes can soften over time. If you have leftover cooked burger patties or okonomiyaki pancakes, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat the pancakes, a toaster oven or air fryer will help crisp them up again. Reheat burger patties until warmed through. Assemble just before serving.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the unique and satisfying fusion of this burger, you might like exploring other creative takes on classics:

• For another fun and easy party food idea, check out my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you’re looking for more crowd-pleasing, easy-to-eat options, my Sheet Pan Quesadillas are a fantastic choice.
• And for a truly versatile and fun way to feed a group, my Walking Taco Bar offers endless customization.

Final Thoughts

The Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger is a testament to culinary creativity, proving that sometimes the most unexpected combinations yield the most delicious results. It’s a delightful journey for your taste buds, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami. Don’t be shy about trying this unique burger; it might just become your new obsession!

What’s the most unusual but delicious burger topping you’ve ever tried? Share your thoughts in the comments below!