Leave it to the Japanese to turn any basic dish into an exceptionally fluffy masterpiece, and their cloud-like Soufflé Pancakes are a prime example.
These heavenly treats, as soft as an angel's cheek, redefine the pancake experience with their feather-light texture and subtle, yet satisfying sweetness. Although making these melt-in-your-mouth pancakes demands precise techniques and measurements, it's surprisingly manageable if you stick to the recipe.
Ready to whip up a Japanese morning treat? Let's get cracking with those eggs!
Making Cloud-Like Pancakes at Home
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk (60 ml)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup cake flour (90g)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25g)
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar or lemon juice
Tools:
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- mixing bowls
- Fine mesh sieve
- Large non-stick skillet with a lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Metal spatula
Steps:
- Separate Eggs: Carefully separate egg whites and yolks. Place whites in a clean, dry mixing bowl, yolks in another.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the yolks, add milk and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift cake flour and baking powder into the yolk mixture. Gently fold to avoid overmixing, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Beat Egg Whites: Add cream of tartar to egg whites. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks.
- Fold: Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Repeat with remaining whites, folding carefully to retain air.
- Preheat Pan: Heat the skillet over low heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter.
- Cook: Spoon the batter onto the skillet, creating 3-inch wide pancakes. Cover with a lid and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip carefully using a metal spatula and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Bonus Tips
- Temperature Control: Keeping the skillet at a consistent low temperature is crucial for even cooking without burning.
- Airy Batter: Avoid deflating the batter by folding gently and not overmixing.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs at room temperature yield better volume when beaten.
- Sifting: Always sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure a smoother batter.
- Consistency: For uniform pancakes, use a measuring cup or ice cream scoop to pour the batter.
Serving Ideas
Serve these fluffy pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh berries for a classic touch. For a Japanese-inspired twist, try pairing them with matcha powder, azuki beans, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
A side of fruit compote or a scoop of ice cream can also add a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Too Lazy to Cook?
Sure, digging into Japanese souffle pancakes that you've whipped up yourself is a morning joy, but let's be real - not every day is a 'rise and shine for the kitchen' day.
But here's the good news: you can still enjoy Japan's traditional treats on those 'stay-in-bed' days. How? Welcome to ZenPlus - your one-stop shop for ordering all Japanese goodies, delivered to your doorstep at lightning speed, no matter your spot on the map!
With a huge lineup of over 5 million rare Japanese products from 3,000+ authentic retailers across the country, ZenPlus is like a massive Japanese store at your fingertips, minus the travel fatigue and sore feet!
ZenPlus is a Japanese food lover's dream, offering every type of confectionery, snack, and even simple pancake mixes for easy mornings. You'll find everything from Mochi to Dango, Monaka, Manju, Daifuku, Yokan, and Dorayaki, plus savory options like Pretz, chips, and more.
Pile it all into one cart and get set for a joyful Japanese eating experience!