These delightful Japanese fluffy pancakes are light, airy, and incredibly delicious. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, they are sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25g) 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
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In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil (or melted butter) until well combined.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
- 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 pinch of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Fold in the Egg Whites
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the pancake batter in three additions. Use a spatula to carefully combine, being cautious not to deflate the egg whites. The batter should be light and fluffy.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
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Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over low heat. Lightly grease with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
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Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the skillet. For extra height, you can stack two or three scoops of batter on top of each other.
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Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the top is set. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, covered, until the other side is golden brown and the pancakes are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the pancakes from the skillet and serve
