Okonomiyaki Veggie Waffles

This is what happens when husband and wife start competing over the waffle iron.

My dear hubby has been on a waffle kick lately – stuffing everything imaginable into the sizzling jaws of his new favorite small appliance. You wouldn’t believe the kinds of things this guy wants to waffle.

Things like meatloaf – I kid you not.

His man-waffle obsession inspired me in a different direction. This shredded veggie waffle uses the same recipe I shared a while back for Japanese Okonomiyaki, a simplified spin on the veggie pancakes I used to enjoy in my restaurant days. It isn’t super crunchy, but the texture is fun and serves as an excellent vehicle for Sriracha.

What more could you ask?

More Mary-inspired waffles are on the way. I’m thinking crab cakes next, or maybe pad thai? Scott Bobleo insists on keeping his own waffle recipes top secret for now. Don’t ask me why. If I told you I would have to kill you.

Okonomiyaki Waffles
Makes about 3 waffles, enough to serve six

These simple vegetable waffles are made with an easy, flour-based batter and a cup of shredded vegetables. I used a mix of carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini, but I would encourage you to experiment with other veggies too. Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and onions are a few other ideas. Garnishing the waffles with Japanese mayo, Sriracha sauce, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeno, and scallion gives this recipe its real flavor. Sometimes I like to add a splash of soy sauce or lime juice as well.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups shredded vegetables
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeno
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions (green parts only)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Japanese mayo, to taste
• Sriracha sauce, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat waffle iron to medium heat.
2. Beat eggs and water together.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir the egg and water mixture into the vegetables.
5. Add the flour mixture to the vegetables and stir until well mixed.
6. Grease the waffle iron well, then drop about 3/4 cup of batter into it. Spread the batter evenly before closing the iron.
7. Cook the waffle for 4-6 minutes. It should be golden brown when it is finished.
8. To garnish, drizzle with Japanese mayo and Sriracha sauce, then top with scallion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if you dare).

I used a new app called Simmer to record a quick video tutorial for this recipe. Simmer lets you watch and record step-by-step recipes using your smartphone. Pretty neat, and surprisingly easy to use. You can join me on Simmer here.