What to Serve with Okonomiyaki? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Okonomiyaki is where it's at when you're craving a slice of Japanese street food heaven.

This savory pancake pulls you in with its versatile flavors, making every bite a surprise.

The real magic happens when you pair it with the perfect side dish. Here's the scoop on seven killer sides that will turn your okonomiyaki meal into a feast to remember.

These aren't your average sides; they're custom-picked to complement and improve your pancake experience, making sure a meal that's as balanced as it is delicious.

Slide these on your plate next to okonomiyaki, and watch the ordinary transform into extraordinary.

Ready to make your meal a hit?

7 Ideal Accompaniments for Okonomiyaki

Here are some good ideas when not sure what to serve with okonomiyaki.

If changing the pancake itself appeals, okonomiyaki flour swap suggestions lists five solid substitutes to try.

1. Crunchy Pickles

This is one of the simplest combos in Japanese cuisine when it comes to okonomiyaki.

It will not make your meal feel too heavy, but actually refreshing.

While fulfilling because of the pancake, the meal will feel healthy and light.

Pickles can be anything - cucumbers are the most common choices in Japan.

You can prepare everything yourself - yet, this is a long-term process.

Unless you have homemade pickles around, you can also buy them from the nearest grocery store; for a sense of flavor profiles, see bread-and-butter pickle flavor guide.

The crunchy and refreshing aroma will work wonders with the pancake.

2. Crunchy French Fries

Save for Later!

This is the westernized option when unsure what to serve with okonomiyaki.

Unless you are having dessert, chances are you can bring French fries for pretty much anything - this Kapanese pancake makes no exception either; for a breakfast-style pairing, consider French toast side ideas for brunch.

French fries take 15 minutes to prepare - more if you peel and cut them yourself instead of using frozen fries.

They are crunchy and crispy - great for the relatively soft pancake.

You do not have to bring in too many spices or condiments - a bit of salt on your fries is more than enough.

3. Garlicky Chicken Thighs

Save for Later!

This is the type of side dish that could easily become the main dish in the combo; for hearty accompaniments that stand up to bold poultry, see beer-can chicken side list for hearty combos.

Chicken is quite heavy and will make the okonomiyaki look like a side - no problems with that, as the combo is delicious.

Regardless of what you use for the pancake - seafood, meat, or cabbage, it will work well with the chicken thighs.

The texture is not to be overlooked either.

Based on what you choose for the pancake, the chicken can complement or contrast the texture - either way, you have a winning dish that will not disappoint.

4. Garlicky Sauteed Greens

Save for Later!

Some people can devour a dozen pancakes within minutes.

For others, the dish may feel a bit too heavy due to what is inside.

Now, if you are not into heavy meals, sauteed greens are excellent as a side dish - see turnip greens side ideas for light meals for similar leafy options.

They take less than 20 minutes to prepare, and they bring in a refreshing aroma.

The combo is great for light lunches or dinners.

Plus, despite being sauteed, greens will still maintain a bit of crispiness.

When cooking them, make sure you use some crushed garlic too for even more flavor.

A bit of ginger will also add a tangy profile to your dish.

5. Sweet Orange Salad

Save for Later!

This is the type of meal you would get in a fancy restaurant.

After all, mixing sweet and salty sweets is not for everyone - a simple mistake could ruin everything.

However, a slightly sweet salad will not disappoint.

You only need a few ingredients, such as oranges, sweet onions, and a light dressing - the same simple approach appears in sweet-and-sour meatball side ideas for balance.

The purpose is not to experience sweetness, but a bit of sourness and the strong aroma of onion.

No matter what your little pancakes are filled with, this side salad is refreshing and will make them feel lighter.

6. Asian Spare Ribs

Save for Later!

This combo would turn both the okonomiyaki and the spare ribs into complementary main dishes; similar pairing principles apply to seafood pairings like Asian salmon side suggestions for bold mains.

Both of them are quite heavy and deserve the title.

However, this combo is great for a heavy meal - be it lunch or dinner.

It is fulfilling and provides a nice mix that will blend softly in each bite.

The smoky and hearty aroma of beans will go with the neutral pancakes, while the interior will work in this mix regardless of what you choose.

Even seafood will work with spare ribs and the right dressing.

7. Scrambled Eggs

Save for Later!

This is simple and straightforward - not the most popular combo in Japan, but definitely a good choice in any western cuisine.

Scrambled eggs are soft with a bit of crust and can go with the okonomiyaki in terms of texture,.

It makes no difference if you use cabbage, seafood, or meat for your pancakes - each of these options will work well with scrambled eggs.

Preparing the side dish should take less than 15 minutes, depending on how many people you cook for.

There is no need to improve the eggs with any sophisticated spices or condiments - a bit of salt and pepper will do.

If the menu changes, okonomiyaki sauce substitutes guide suggests five alternative sauces. okonomiyaki flour swap suggestions lists five flour alternatives when the recipe needs a tweak.