Chef Eleanor guides you through this authentic Japanese Monjayaki Recipe, delivering gooey, umami-rich street-food magic with five delicious variations and pro tips to make it your own at home.
Author:Eleanor
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course / Street Food
Method:Pan-fried / Griddle-cooked
Cuisine:Japanese
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Base
1cupall-purpose flourfresh for best results
1.5cupsdashi brothhomemade or instant
0.5cupwatercold for smooth mixing
Vegetables and Fillings
2cupscabbagefinely chopped
4tbspgreen onionschopped
0.5cupseafood or meatsshrimp, squid, or pork, thinly sliced
0.25cuptenkasu (tempura bits)optional, for crunch
0.25cupmochioptional, cubed for chewiness
Seasonings
2tbspsoy saucelow-sodium preferred
2tbsppickled ginger (beni shoga)optional, for tangy contrast
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cold dashi broth, and water. Whisk gently until you have a smooth, runny batter consistency. This is essential for authentic Monjayaki texture.
Stir in finely chopped cabbage, green onions, seafood or meats, tenkasu, and mochi if using. Mix well to evenly distribute the fillings.
Preheat your non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it to prevent sticking and achieve the signature gooey finish.
Pour a ladleful of batter onto the griddle. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, uneven circle approximately 6–8 inches wide. Let it cook slowly, stirring gently as it firms up to create the classic sticky, stretchy consistency.
Drizzle soy sauce over the cooking Monjayaki for added umami flavor. Once cooked and slightly crispy on the edges, serve hot with pickled ginger or dipping sauces if desired.
Notes
Chef Luna’s Pro Tip: Don’t overload the batter with too many fillings at once. Keep it balanced to maintain the authentic texture and flavor of this Japanese street-food classic.
Nutrition
Serving Size:~1 cup cooked monjayaki (approx. 250g)