Okonomiyaki sauce has this magic way of pulling everything together. The first time we made okonomiyaki, we didn’t have any sauce and thought, “How hard could it be to find?” Spoiler—it wasn’t in our pantry or the store.
No sauce? No problem. There are some quick and tasty swaps that will totally work. These substitutes use ingredients you probably already have at home.
We’ve thrown these substitutes on homemade okonomiyaki, and guess what? They worked great. No more stressing over missing ingredients.
This list is all about keeping things simple and making sure you still get those savory, sweet flavors that make okonomiyaki awesome.
6 Easy Substitutes for Okonomiyaki Sauce
Here are six easy substitutes for okonomiyaki sauce that you can use in a pinch:
1 – Tonkatsu Sauce
Did you know you can swap in tonkatsu sauce for okonomiyaki sauce? It’s so similar, we almost didn’t notice the difference. The taste is bold, savory, and slightly sweet, just like okonomiyaki sauce. It’s thick too, so it coats your pancake perfectly. Use it at a 1:1 ratio.
You probably already have it if you’re into Japanese cooking. It has that same rich vibe that brings toppings together. If your recipe needs a little extra kick, tonkatsu sauce delivers.
Still curious about other substitutes? Check out this list of tonkatsu sauce substitutes for more ideas.
2 – Worcestershire Sauce and Ketchup Mix
You’ll never believe how easy it is to make a substitute with Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Mix them together in equal parts, and you’re done. This combo nails the tangy and slightly sweet profile you want.
It’s thinner than okonomiyaki sauce, but it still works great. Brush it on and watch it soak in beautifully. The acidity from Worcestershire balances the sweetness of the ketchup. Perfect for a quick fix.
Use it at a 1:1 ratio to replace okonomiyaki sauce. If you’re curious about more ways to use Worcestershire sauce in substitutes, check out this handy Worcestershire sauce substitutes guide!
3 – Soy Sauce and Honey
It all started when I ran out of okonomiyaki sauce, and guess what saved the day? Soy sauce and honey. This combo is as simple as it gets—mix three parts soy sauce with one part honey. That’s it.
The soy sauce brings the saltiness, and the honey adds a touch of sweetness. Together, they balance each other out perfectly. The texture is thinner than regular okonomiyaki sauce, but it sticks well enough to your favorite dishes.
Use it at a 1:1 ratio as a substitute. If you want more ideas for soy sauce substitutes, check out the guide to soy sauce substitutes.
4 – BBQ Sauce with a Dash of Soy Sauce
You’ll never believe how easy it is to tweak BBQ sauce into an okonomiyaki sauce substitute. Just mix BBQ sauce with a splash of soy sauce. That splash of soy sauce gives it the savory kick BBQ sauce lacks.
Use a 2:1 ratio—two parts BBQ sauce, one part soy sauce. It’s thicker than the original sauce, so it clings well to whatever you’re making. The tanginess from BBQ sauce adds a fun twist while keeping the overall profile close enough.
Keep in mind, it’s slightly sweeter, which might make it even better for some. Got extra BBQ sauce to spare? You might also want to check out ideas in this guide to BBQ sauce substitutes.
5 – Hoisin Sauce and Vinegar Mix
This one substitute will save your recipe if you’re out of okonomiyaki sauce. Mix hoisin sauce with a splash of vinegar for a quick fix. Hoisin brings sweet-savory depth, and vinegar adds that much-needed tang.
Combine hoisin and vinegar at a 3:1 ratio. It’s thicker than traditional okonomiyaki sauce, so it sticks nicely to whatever you’re making. The vinegar cuts through the sweetness, keeping the balance spot on.
It’s a little sweeter and punchier than the classic sauce, but it’s close enough to work. Plus, hoisin’s bold flavor makes it versatile for other dishes too. For more ideas, you might like this guide to hoisin sauce substitutes.
6 – Teriyaki Sauce
Some recipes insist on teriyaki sauce, but what if you’re fresh out? Combine soy sauce, honey, and a splash of mirin to nail that savory-sweet balance. The honey adds sweetness, soy brings umami, and mirin gives that subtle tang.
Use this substitute at a 2:1:1 ratio (soy:honey:mirin). Mix well until smooth. It blends easily and sticks perfectly to stir-fries or glazed chicken. It’s slightly thinner than store-bought teriyaki, so it’s easier to brush on.
It works well for marinades, dipping sauces, and even as a glaze. Feeling curious? Check out this guide to teriyaki sauce substitutes for even more ideas.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.