Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready for a taste adventure that bridges two culinary worlds: the classic American burger meets the vibrant, savory delights of Japanese okonomiyaki. Today, we’re crafting the Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger, a burger unlike any you’ve had before, featuring a savory cabbage pancake, crispy bacon, and those iconic sweet and tangy sauces. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of unexpected flavors and textures that will absolutely blow your mind!
Why I Love This Recipe
I am absolutely thrilled by this recipe because it’s a testament to how creative and delicious fusion cuisine can be. The concept of swapping a traditional bun top for a savory cabbage pancake (the heart of okonomiyaki) is pure genius! You get the familiar comfort of a burger patty, but then you’re hit with the umami-richness of okonomiyaki sauce, the creaminess of mayonnaise, and the irresistible crunch of bacon. It’s a fun, unique, and incredibly satisfying experience that’s perfect for a adventurous weeknight dinner or a truly memorable BBQ. If you love exciting, shareable dishes, you might also enjoy my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or my go-to Crockpot Nacho Dip that always disappears!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredible Okonomiyaki Bacon Burgers:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or napa cabbage)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce (available in Asian markets or international aisles)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayo is fantastic here!)
- 4 burger buns
- 4 burger patties (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Swaps and Notes
- Cabbage: Green cabbage or napa cabbage works best for the pancakes. Ensure it’s finely shredded.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy, the bacon in the pancake adds a lovely savory element. You can also add more crispy bacon as a topping on the burger itself!
- Okonomiyaki Sauce: This is a crucial ingredient for authentic flavor. It’s a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce. If you can’t find it, a mix of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and a touch of honey/sugar can be a makeshift alternative, but it won’t be exactly the same.
- Mayonnaise: Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is highly recommended if you can find it. It’s richer and tangier than regular mayo and perfectly complements okonomiyaki.
- Burger Patties: Use your favorite type of burger patty – beef, pork, or even a vegetarian patty would work beautifully with these flavors.
- Green Onions: Don’t skip them, they add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Optional Toppings: A sprinkle of bonito flakes (katsuobushi) or a drizzle of Japanese mayo in a zig-zag pattern would make these even more authentic and visually stunning!
Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the Okonomiyaki Pancakes: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, all-purpose flour, water, egg, chopped green onions, and cooked and crumbled bacon. Mix until everything is just combined and the flour is incorporated. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Scoop a generous spoonful (about 1/4 of the mixture per pancake) of the cabbage mixture onto the hot skillet, flattening it gently with the back of the spoon to form a round pancake, similar in size to your burger buns.
- Cook the cabbage pancake for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make 4 cabbage pancakes. Set them aside.
- Cook the Burger Patties: In the same skillet (or a separate one if you prefer), cook your burger patties according to your preference (e.g., 4-5 minutes per side for medium). Season with salt and pepper as they cook.
- Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns in a toaster, on a dry skillet, or on the grill until golden.
- Assemble the Burgers: Now for the grand assembly! Spread about a tablespoon of okonomiyaki sauce on the bottom half of each toasted burger bun.
- Place one of the cooked cabbage pancakes on top of the okonomiyaki sauce.
- Carefully place a cooked burger patty on top of the cabbage pancake.
- Drizzle the burger patty generously with more okonomiyaki sauce.
- Top with a dollop or zig-zag of mayonnaise.
- Close the burger with the top half of the bun.
- Serve: Serve your delicious Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger hot and be prepared for a truly unique and satisfying meal!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix Pancake Batter: Just combine until ingredients are wet. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
- Consistent Pancake Size: Try to make the cabbage pancakes roughly the same size as your burger patties for easier assembly.
- Medium Heat for Pancakes: Cooking the pancakes over medium heat ensures they cook through and get golden brown without burning.
- Warm Buns: Toasted buns add a crucial textural element and prevent them from getting soggy from the sauces.
- Quality Sauces: A good quality okonomiyaki sauce and a flavorful mayonnaise (like Kewpie) make a significant difference in the final taste.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger is a hearty and flavorful meal all on its own. For sides, you could keep it simple with some crispy seasoned fries, a light cucumber salad, or a simple edamame side. This burger is definitely the star of the show! For other fantastic party food ideas, my Beer Cheese Dip that disappears in minutes is always a hit. For beverages, a cold Japanese lager, iced green tea, or even a classic cola would complement the rich flavors.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This burger is truly best enjoyed fresh, when the cabbage pancake is crispy and the sauces are vibrant. The individual components can be stored separately: cooked bacon and cooked burger patties in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Leftover cabbage pancake batter might get watery; it’s best to cook all pancakes fresh. Reheat patties and pancakes in a skillet or toaster oven for best results, then assemble.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the creative and delicious fusion of this Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger, you’ll find plenty more exciting inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another crowd-pleasing, cheesy appetizer, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas, my favorite way to feed a crowd fast.
- And if you’re looking for an indulgent sweet treat that’s also an explosion of flavor, you absolutely have to try my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs!
Final Thoughts
The Okonomiyaki Bacon Burger is more than just a meal; it’s an adventurous and utterly delicious culinary journey that brings the best of East and West to your plate. It’s unique, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a memorable experience for anyone who tries it.
I hope you embark on this delicious burger adventure! What other international flavors do you think would make a great burger? Share your ideas and culinary experiments in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy cooking!
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