Osaka Soul Food the Ultimate Tonpeiyaki Recipe

Osaka Tonpeiyaki My Quick Easy Pork Belly Omelette

By Amara Vitalis September 13, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of Osaka without the plane ticket? This tonpeiyaki recipe is your fast track! It is a delicious savory pancake with juicy pork belly and tangy sauce that will knock your socks off.

Seriously, it's that good!

Brief Overview

Tonpeiyaki originates from Osaka, Japan, and it's basically the king of Osaka street food . It's a super easy dish and will take you around 35 minutes to make.

This recipe makes 2 servings, perfect for a quick lunch.

Main Benefits

This pork belly omelette recipe isn't just tasty; it's packed with protein. Healthy Japanese Recipes that are as convenient as this don't come around often.

Serve this bad boy up for a fun weekend brunch. This particular tonpeiyaki is special because it strikes that perfect balance of salty, savory, and just a hint of sweetness you have to try it to believe it.

Let's talk ingredients, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Tonpeiyaki Adventure!

So, you want to make tonpeiyaki ? Ace! It's surprisingly easy, even if you're not a pro in the kitchen.

This Osaka street food is all about simple ingredients done right. Let's dive in, shall we?

Main Players: What You Need

For the Scrumptious Batter:

2 large eggs (the base, innit?)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour ( 25g ) plain flour works a treat.
2 tbsp dashi stock ( 30ml ) (or water with a pinch of dashi powder) Dashi adds that umami kick. If you don't have it, chicken stock is a cheeky substitute.
1 tsp soy sauce ( 5ml ) dark or light, your call!
1/4 tsp salt ( 1.5g )
1/4 tsp black pepper ( 0.5g )

For the Fillin' Good Stuff:

4 oz ( 115g ) pork belly, thinly sliced gotta love that pork belly! The better the quality the better.
1 cup shredded cabbage ( 85g ) finely shredded is best for cooking evenly.
1/4 cup bean sprouts ( 25g )
1 tbsp vegetable oil ( 15ml ) for sizzlin' action!

Toppings, Because Why Not?

Okonomiyaki sauce, to taste this stuff is magic. It's the secret to that authentic flavour. I find it easily in any Asian market.
Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie), to taste Trust me, get this. It’s a game changer .
Aonori (dried green seaweed flakes), to taste for that sea-salty vibe.
Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), to taste those wiggly fish flakes! So cool.
Pickled ginger (beni shoga), optional a bit of zing!

Seasoning Like a Pro

The magic is in the balance. Soy sauce, salt, and pepper are obvious. But the dashi... that's the secret ingredient for that Japanese appetizer recipes touch.

No dashi? Chicken stock works, but it's not quite the same, you know?

Gear Up: The Equipment You'll Need

You don't need fancy kit for this. Just the basics will do!

Large non-stick skillet or griddle this is crucial. No sticking, please!
Mixing bowl for whisking that batter.
Whisk a fork will do in a pinch, though.
Spatula for flipping like a boss.

Honestly, that's it! You are now ready to make easy Japanese recipes at home! Time to get cooking this savory Japanese pancake !

Let's Cook: Mastering Tonpeiyaki, Osaka Style!

Fancy a taste of Osaka street food right in your kitchen? I was wandering the streets of Osaka last year.

I stumbled across this small restaurant that had the best Tonpeiyaki . Honestly, it was an epiphany! So, let’s make some healthy Japanese recipes and make this delicious dish! It's easier than you think.

Trust me!

Prep Like a Pro

First, get your mise en place sorted. It’s like prepping for battle, but with cabbage. Shred 1 cup of cabbage and gather 1/4 cup of bean sprouts.

Slice 4 oz of pork belly super thin it cooks quicker that way! Don't rush. This helps avoid mishaps.

step-by-step Tonpeiyaki Magic

Mix the batter: Whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp dashi, 1 tsp soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Easy peasy!
Crisp that pork: Fry the pork belly in 1 tbsp oil until golden and crispy. Set aside. This usually takes 3- 5 minutes .
Sauté veggies: Toss the cabbage and bean sprouts in the pork fat. It adds flavor! Sauté for 3- 5 minutes until tender.
Pour the batter: Lower the heat to medium. Pour half the batter over the veggies.
Add pork and fold: Arrange the pork on top. Cook 2- 3 minutes , then fold in half.
Golden perfection: Cook another 2- 3 minutes until golden brown.
Top it off: Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce uses and Japanese mayo. Sprinkle with aonori and katsuobushi.
Enjoy: Repeat for the second serving and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Epic Tonpeiyaki

Want next level Vegetarian Japanese ? Add shiitake mushrooms! Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the pork in batches for crispy goodness. My secret weapon? A dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.

Remember that time I tried to rush this Pork belly omelette recipe ? The middle was still runny! Avoid my mistake.

Also, this is best fresh, but you can prep the veggies ahead for a quicker weeknight dinner. Get the authentic taste of Easy Japanese Recipes now!

Now, go forth and make amazing Japanese food dishes ! It's a savory Japanese appetizer recipes you'll be craving every week.

Get ready to make this Savory Japanese pancake . Until next time, happy cooking!

Recipe Notes for Your Osaka Street Food Adventure

Right then, let's talk about nailing this Osaka street food delight, the tonpeiyaki ! I've made this pork belly omelette recipe countless times, and honestly, it's all about those little tweaks that make it sing .

Trust me, these tips will help you create a seriously delicious, authentic experience.

Serving Up Some Style

So, you've got this amazing tonpeiyaki ready. What's next? Forget fancy plating. Keep it real! I like to slice it in half, pop it on a plate, and generously drizzle it with okonomiyaki sauce uses and Japanese mayo.

A sprinkle of aonori and katsuobushi is essential, you know?

For sides, think simple. Maybe some edamame or a light miso soup . And to drink? A cold beer, like Asahi, is the perfect complement . Trust me, it’s a game changer.

Storage Know How

Leftovers? Seriously? Okay, if you must ... Let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in cling film and pop it in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 2 days. Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave works, but honestly, a skillet is better.

Just a few minutes on each side to warm it through. Freezing? Nah, I wouldn’t recommend it. It'll get a bit soggy.

Tweaks and Twists: A Little Something Extra

Fancy a change? Easy peasy! For a vegetarian Japanese option, swap the pork for mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable stock instead of dashi.

Bam! You've got a delicious vegetarian tonpeiyaki . Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick.

You know, just to spice things up! For healthy Japanese recipes , just go easy on the sauce and mayo!

Nutrition Bits: Feel Good Food

Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly health food. But it's packed with protein from the eggs and pork. The cabbage adds some fibre.

Think of it as a treat! Each serving is roughly 550 calories. It's got about 28 grams of protein, and about 40 grams of fat.

So enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

So there you have it! My easy Japanese recipes are designed to make you smile! Japanese food dishes like tonpeiyaki are easier than you think, and so worth the effort.

Don’t be afraid to have a go. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is tonpeiyaki, anyway? Is it like an okonomiyaki?

Tonpeiyaki is a savory Japanese omelette, kind of like okonomiyaki's simpler, porkier cousin! It's made with a thin egg batter filled with sautéed cabbage and pork belly, then drizzled with delicious sauces. Think of it as Osaka street food, served up on a plate it's proper tasty!

Can I make tonpeiyaki if I don't have all the authentic Japanese toppings?

Absolutely, don't you worry your socks off! While the okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayo (Kewpie) add an authentic touch, you can use regular mayonnaise and even a bit of Worcestershire sauce mixed with ketchup as a substitute for okonomiyaki sauce in a pinch.

Aonori and katsuobushi are wonderful if you have them, but they aren't deal breakers it'll still be a cracking meal!

My tonpeiyaki is sticking to the pan! What am I doing wrong?

A sticky situation, indeed! The key to avoiding a stuck tonpeiyaki is using a good non-stick pan and making sure it's properly preheated before adding any ingredients. Also, make sure there's enough oil in the pan. If it's still sticking, try adding a touch more oil or butter to the pan.

No one wants a right royal mess!

I'm vegetarian (or trying to eat less meat). Can I still enjoy tonpeiyaki?

Of course, you can have a bash at a veggie version! Simply omit the pork belly and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even some grated carrot. To maintain that umami flavor, use a vegetarian dashi (made from kombu seaweed) or even just a good quality vegetable stock.

How long does tonpeiyaki last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?

Tonpeiyaki is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave; the texture won't be quite the same, but it'll still be a tasty snack. Remember to add fresh toppings when serving for the best flavour.

Is tonpeiyaki healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Tonpeiyaki can be part of a balanced diet, but it's worth considering the nutritional content. It contains protein from the eggs and pork, but also fat, particularly if using pork belly. The sauces can be high in sugar and sodium, so use them in moderation.

Adding lots of vegetables can make it a more nutritious meal, Bob's your uncle!