Craving Osaka teppan classics at home? Make my Tonpeiyaki recipe for the September 2026 JOC Cooking Challenge! This pork and cabbage omelette is a favorite at okonomiyaki restaurants and izakaya, yet easy to make at home in 20 minutes. Join the fun, and enter to win!
This Month’s Recipe Challenge
Summer is winding down, and everyone’s back to school or work. With the fall transition upon us, Tonpeiyaki (とん平焼き) is the perfect recipe for this month’s JOC Cooking Challenge!
This Osaka-style silky omelette is a winner when it comes to weeknight dinners. It’s nourishing, comforting, and on the table in 20 minutes.
Inside, it’s filled with sautéed pork belly and tender shredded cabbage. To finish, I top it with the authentic flavors of Osaka: Okonomi sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and aonori (green seaweed).
I’m so excited to introduce this new recipe. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Vegetarian Variation
For a vegetarian version, swap the pork belly for mushrooms, firm or fried tofu, plant-based meat, or other veggies.
Why I Love Tonpeiyaki
Here’s why I love this recipe, and why I think you will, too:
- Satisfies your okonomiyaki cravings: Tonpeiyaki features the same savory toppings and similar ingredients as the famous Japanese savory pancake. It really hits the spot!
- Naturally low-carb: Swapping out okonomiyaki’s dense pancake batter for a tender omelette leaves you feeling full without the heaviness.
- Ready in 20 minutes: It is simple enough to pull together for a busy weeknight meal.
Whether you’ve cooked with us before or are joining the challenge for the first time, I can’t wait to see your creation. Let’s cook together!
The Prizes!
This contest is open worldwide, and we’ll randomly select 3 winners from all completed submissions at the end of the challenge. Each winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.
We will contact the winners directly via email and officially announce them in this post, as well as in our newsletter, within two weeks after the challenge closes.
Please note: Winners are not chosen based on the dish’s appearance. However, your submission must follow the recipe and meet the challenge requirements below.
Before You Start
- Read the full recipe post before you start cooking.
- Recipe question? Ask directly on the recipe post, and we’ll answer soon!
- Questions about the challenge? Leave your comment below. We’re happy to help.
How to Join the Challenge
- Make my Tonpeiyaki recipe, following it closely so your final dish looks similar to mine.
- Email one photo of your final dish to contest@justonecookbook.com by 12:00 PM (Pacific Time) on September 30, 2026; and
- Leave a star rating and a comment on the Tonpeiyaki recipe post using the same email address.
- One entry per person.
- We’d love to see your photo on social media! Share it and tag us @justonecookbook.
FAQ
Is it okay to use substitutions?
Yes, we understand you may need to modify ingredients based on dietary restrictions or ingredient availability—for example, using mushrooms or tofu instead of meat for a vegetarian version. As long as you follow the general recipe instructions, your entry is accepted.
How do you choose the winners?
We keep track of all entries and use a random number generator (random.org) to select 3 winners within 2 weeks after the Challenge month. Winners are not chosen based on the dish’s appearance—but your submission must follow the recipe and meet the challenge requirements above. Yes, it’s like a lucky draw!
When are the winners announced?
We pick the winners within 2 weeks after the Challenge closes and announce them in this post, as well as in our Friday Newsletter.
Past Cooking Challenges
This is a quarterly online event on Just One Cookbook. We host the challenge every March, June, September, and December.
- March 2022 – Mosaic Sushi
- June/July 2022 – Shokupan (Japanese Milk Bread)
- September 2022 – Shio Ramen
- December 2022 – Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding)
- March 2023 – The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House
- June/July 2023 – Shoyu Ramen
- September 2023 – Cook for Maui (choose from 5 recipes including Poke Bowl)
- December 2023 – Chocolate Gateau
- March 2024 – Okonomiyaki
- June 2024 – Chicken Teriyaki
- December 2024 – Matcha Checkerboard Cookies
- March 2025 – Yamitsuki Cabbage
- June 2025 – Easy Tonkotsu Ramen
- September 2025 – Salmon in Foil
- December 2025 – Matcha Brownie
- March 2026 – Yakitori Don
- June 2026 – Zaru Udon or Zaru Soba
- September 2026 – Tonpeiyaki
