Picture this: It’s dinner time, and you’re ready to whip up a batch of okonomiyaki—the ultimate Japanese comfort food. The batter is mixed, the cabbage is shredded, and the grill is hot.
But just as you’re about to drizzle that iconic tangy-sweet sauce over your pancake masterpiece, you realize the bottle is empty. Panic sets in. Without that signature okonomiyaki sauce, your dish feels incomplete.
But don’t worry—this isn’t the end of your culinary adventure. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative.
Okonomiyaki sauce, with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors, is the soul of this dish. But whether you’re out of sauce, avoiding store-bought condiments, or just looking to try something new, there are plenty of ways to replicate its magic.
From pantry staples to unexpected twists, these substitutes will keep your okonomiyaki night on track—and might even introduce you to a new favorite flavor combo.

7 Easy Substitutes for Okonomiyaki Sauce
Okonomiyaki sauce’s charm lies in its tangy sweetness and umami depth. These substitutes mimic its flavor while adding their own flair. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, stir-fries, or even grilled meats, here’s how to pivot without missing a beat:
1. Worcestershire Sauce + Ketchup: The Classic Combo
Worcestershire sauce brings the tangy umami, while ketchup adds the sweetness. Mix 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce with 1 tablespoon ketchup and 1 teaspoon sugar for a quick okonomiyaki sauce stand-in.
This blend is a lifesaver for last-minute meals. I once used this combo for a family dinner, and no one noticed the missing bottle. For a thicker consistency, simmer the mix on low heat for a few minutes.
Pro tip: Add a splash of soy sauce for extra depth.
Need more Worcestershire ideas? Try these Worcestershire sauce substitutes.
2. Tonkatsu Sauce: The Close Cousin
Tonkatsu sauce, often used for Japanese fried pork cutlets, is very similar to okonomiyaki sauce. It’s slightly sweeter but works beautifully as a 1:1 substitute.
This swap is perfect for those who already have tonkatsu sauce in their pantry. My friend, a Japanese food enthusiast, swears by this for her okonomiyaki nights. For a tangier twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Fun twist: Mix in a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Explore more in our tonkatsu sauce substitutes.
3. Soy Sauce + Honey + Vinegar: The Pantry Trio
Soy sauce provides the umami, honey adds sweetness, and vinegar brings the tang. Mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar for a balanced okonomiyaki sauce alternative.
This blend works well for both okonomiyaki and other Japanese dishes. I used this combo for a quick lunch, and the flavors were spot-on. For a smokier taste, add a dash of smoked paprika.
Pro tip: Use apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar.
Love soy sauce swaps? Check out these soy sauce substitutes.
4. Hoisin Sauce + Rice Vinegar: The Sweet & Tangy Fix
Hoisin sauce is sweeter and thicker than okonomiyaki sauce, but it’s a great base. Mix 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce with 1 teaspoon rice vinegar to balance the sweetness.
This substitute is ideal for those who love a richer, sweeter sauce. My cousin used this blend for a fusion okonomiyaki night, and the result was a hit. For extra tang, add a squeeze of lime juice.
Watch out: Hoisin is potent, so start with less and adjust.
Discover more in our hoisin sauce substitutes.
5. BBQ Sauce + Soy Sauce: The Bold Blend
BBQ sauce brings the sweetness and smokiness, while soy sauce adds the umami. Mix 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce with 1 tablespoon soy sauce for a quick okonomiyaki sauce alternative.
This combo works well for those who enjoy a smoky twist. I used this blend for a backyard okonomiyaki party, and the smoky flavor was a crowd-pleaser. For extra depth, add a dash of garlic powder.
Fun twist: Use a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick.
Get creative with these BBQ sauce substitutes.
6. Oyster Sauce + Sugar: The Umami Bomb
Oyster sauce is rich and savory, making it a great base for okonomiyaki sauce. Mix 2 tablespoons oyster sauce with 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon water to thin it out.
This substitute is perfect for seafood okonomiyaki or stir-fries. My neighbor, a seafood lover, swears by this combo for her shrimp okonomiyaki. For extra tang, add a splash of vinegar.
Pro tip: Use a vegetarian oyster sauce if you’re avoiding seafood.
Explore more in our oyster sauce substitutes.
7. Teriyaki Sauce: The Sweet & Savory Swap
Teriyaki sauce is sweeter and thicker than okonomiyaki sauce, but it’s a great stand-in. Use it straight from the bottle or thin it with a splash of water for a lighter consistency.
This swap is ideal for those who already have teriyaki sauce on hand. My brother used this for a quick dinner, and the sweet-savory flavor was a hit. For a tangier twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Bonus: Drizzle leftovers over grilled chicken or veggies.
Find more ideas in our teriyaki sauce substitutes guide.

Kimberly Baxter is the proud owner of the food blog Eatdelights.com. A self-proclaimed foodie, Kimberly loves to cook and share her recipes with others. She has been blogging about food since 2010 and has amassed a following of loyal readers.
Her recipes are creative, delicious, and easy to follow. In addition to her blog, Kimberly also enjoys writing for other publications.