Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

Japanese pancakes, also known as “soufflé pancakes”, are incredibly fluffy, jiggly, and airy, thanks to the meringue-based batter they’re made from. Here’s how you can make them at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 large egg yolks
• 3 large egg whites
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp sugar (you can adjust based on your preference)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• A pinch of salt
• Butter or oil, for frying
• Maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or other desired toppings for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:
   • Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a large bowl.
   • In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract together until well combined.
   • Gradually add the egg yolk mixture to the flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, until you have a smooth batter.
2. Make the Meringue:
   • In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they become foamy.
   • Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff peaks form. This meringue mixture should be glossy and thick.
3. Fold in the Meringue:
   • Carefully fold the meringue into the batter in three separate additions. Do this gently to maintain the airiness of the meringue. Your final batter should be light and airy.
4. Cook the Pancakes:
   • Heat a non-stick frying pan over low heat. Lightly grease with butter or a small amount of oil.
   • Pour a small amount of batter into the pan to form a pancake. You can use a mold to achieve a perfect round shape, but it’s not necessary. The batter should be thick enough to maintain its shape.
   • Cover the frying pan with a lid and cook the pancake for about 5 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
   • Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until cooked through.
   • Remove the pancake from the pan and repeat with the remaining batter.
5. Serve:
   • Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve with your choice of toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy your fluffy Japanese pancakes with a nice cup of coffee or tea!

Note: Due to the delicate nature of these pancakes, it’s essential to cook them over low heat and be patient. This ensures they cook through without burning on the outside.