Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

These delightful fluffy Japanese pancakes are a breakfast treat that will impress anyone! With their airy texture and sweet flavor, they are perfect for a special brunch or a cozy morning at home.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
• Cooking spray or additional oil for the pan

For Serving:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas)
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil (or melted butter) until well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

4. In a clean, dry bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add a tablespoon of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

5. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the pancake batter in three additions. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the egg whites without deflating them. The batter should be light and fluffy.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

6. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over low heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
7. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the batter onto the skillet. For extra height, you can stack two or three scoops of batter on top of each other.
8. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are set. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, covered, until the other side is golden brown and the pancakes are cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

9. Remove the pancakes from the skillet and serve immediately. Top with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy!

These fluffy Japanese pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle. Their light and airy texture will make them a favorite for breakfast or brunch!
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