Okonomi sauce, a popular Japanese condiment typically used on okonomiyaki (a type of savoury pancake), has a distinct, sweet, and tangy flavour. If you’re looking for substitutes, here are options across various categories:
Best: Worcestershire Sauce Mixed with Ketchup and Honey
A blend of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and honey can closely mimic the flavour profile of Okonomi sauce. Worcestershire sauce provides a similar umami and tangy base, ketchup adds sweetness, and honey balances the tanginess with its natural sugars.
How to Use
- Mix equal parts Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, then add honey to taste.
- Adjust the proportions to match the sweetness and tanginess of Okonomi sauce.
- This mix works well as a topping for savoury pancakes, grilled meats, and as a marinade.
Cheapest: Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a more affordable and readily available substitute. While it has a distinct flavour, it shares the sweet and tangy characteristics of Okonomi sauce. Its consistency and flavour profile can work well in many dishes that call for Okonomi sauce.
How to Use
- Use barbecue sauce directly in place of Okonomi sauce.
- It’s best suited for grilled dishes, marinades, and as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches.
Tastiest: Hoisin Sauce with Vinegar and Sugar
Combining hoisin sauce with a bit of vinegar and sugar can create a delicious alternative to Okonomi sauce. Hoisin sauce offers a complex blend of sweet and savoury flavours, while vinegar adds tanginess and sugar enhances sweetness.
How to Use
- Start with hoisin sauce as the base, add a small amount of vinegar for tanginess, and sugar to taste.
- Adjust the balance of ingredients according to your preference.
- Ideal for stir-fries, as a dipping sauce, and in marinades.
Most Accessible: Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is widely available and offers a similar balance of sweet and umami flavours, though it is generally thinner and less tangy than Okonomi sauce. It can be a suitable alternative in many recipes, especially in Asian-inspired dishes.
How to Use
- Use teriyaki sauce as a one-to-one substitute for Okonomi sauce.
- It works well as a glaze for meats, in stir-fries, and as a dipping sauce.
Most Unusual: A1 Steak Sauce Mixed with Honey and Soy Sauce
A mix of A1 steak sauce, honey, and soy sauce creates an unusual but effective substitute for Okonomi sauce. A1 steak sauce provides a tangy and slightly spicy base, honey adds sweetness, and soy sauce brings in umami and saltiness.
How to Use
- Combine A1 steak sauce with a small amount of honey and soy sauce.
- Adjust the proportions to get a balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavours.
- This combination is great for grilling, as a dip, or in various meat-based dishes.