Japanese Okonomiyaki Coleslaw

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If you are tired of the same reliable yet boring coleslaw, and are looking for something completely new to try, this Japanese Okonomiyaki Coleslaw is just what you might be looking for! Inspired by Okonomiyaki, which is a popular savory pancake in Japan, this coleslaw doesn’t have the sweet and tangy flavor like you’d expect from a typical mayonnaise-based coleslaw.

It’s savory and packed with flavor. If you’ve ever tried okonomiyaki, it tastes exactly like it! And if you love okonomiyaki, you’ll find yourself loading up on this like it’s a main dish!

How to serve okonomiyaki coleslaw

The fun part of this dish might be how you decide to serve it. “Okonomi” means “the way you like” in Japanese. So, just in the name, you can serve the base coleslaw on the large serving bowl first. Then serve all the toppings separately for everyone to add as desired on the individual servings. Or you can add all the toppings in the serving bowl then mix them right before serving.

Okonomiyaki coleslaw without optional toppings — Okonomiyaki coleslaw without any toppings except bacon. It’s great as is but may not taste exactly like okonomiyaki.

Japanese Okonomiyaki Coleslaw individually served with all the garnish — Coleslaw served individually then added all the toppings. Now it totally tastes like okonomiyaki!

Either way, the more optional toppings from the recipe below you add to the coleslaw, the more it’ll taste like Okonomiyaki. This coleslaw without any of the toppings still tastes great, but it may not taste exactly like Okonomiyaki.

Adjusting the coleslaw dressing

Whether you use fresh cabbage or pre-cut coleslaw mix to make this, gradually add the mayo dressing to get the consistency you want. Since the cabbage and coleslaw mix sizes vary, if you add all the mayo dressing, it might be way too much for your taste. It could get runny with too much dressing. So, gradually add the dressing into the cabbage mixture, noting that the cabbage will wilt a bit the longer it is chilled.

To make the traditional okonomiyaki, I only use the Japanese mayonnaise. But for this coleslaw, I mostly used the regular mayonnaise except for about a tablespoon of it I replaced with the Japanese mayo. Using 100% Japanese mayo made the dressing too heavy. It’s up to you to use Japanese mayo at all to give it a little more authentic flavor.