Making Okonomiyaki
By Katherine Hsin-Ting Hsieh, Web Design Editor (2023)
Image courtesy of J-Club
The Japanese Club made Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, at a J-Club meeting on 10/12. While the officers prepared the food, members of the club watched a video on how to make okonomiyaki and played a trivia game of Asian cuisine. Everyone was able to enjoy a small pancake with unique sauces.
Image courtesy of J-Club
Image courtesy of J-Club
The Japanese club was able to make okonomiyaki from start to finish. The officers started off by mixing the ingredients. While the officers were cooking the food, members of the club learned about Japanese cuisine and culture through watching videos and games. With the small price of one dollar, everyone was able to have okonomiyaki.
Students have shared their thoughts saying:
“10 out of 10,” said Tyler Prescott, class of 2026.
“I wanted to eat a lot more,” said Benjamin Hsieh, class of 2026.
Images of Uchiyama Sensei with the first two okonomiyaki.
Image courtesy of J-club
Following the club meeting, Uchiyama sensei answered a few questions regarding the activity and her connection to the the food:
Q: Why did the club choose to make okonomiyaki?
A: Many people think of Sushi and Ramen when it comes to Japanese food, but they are difficult to make without certain skills and equipment. Okonomiyaki is fairly easy to make as long as you have an electric cooking plate. Our okonomiyaki was very simple but people in Japan usually add more vegetables, ginger, pork and squid as they like and that's why it's called "O konomi (favorite) Yakli (grilled).
Q: Does okonomiyaki remind you of any memories?
A: When I was a little child, my family (my parents, a younger brother and me) lived next to a small candy shop where an Obachan (old woman) made okonomiyaki on a small table for the customers. I often went there to get some candies. Okonomiyaki was a special food for me that my mother let me buy once in a while. It's my memories from 4-5 years old.
Image courtesy of J-club
The links to the recipe that the club followed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y33iFBt1_PA
For hungry bears, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki will be the best!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJZtefnr1GY