They are so cottony and creamy that they even make the best buttermilk pancakes look bland. With a bit of a trick, you can make these authentic fluffy Japanese pancakes at home. Topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and maple syrup, these delightful creations are going to be the new favorite breakfast item for your family and friends.
What are Fluffy Japanese Pancakes?
Japanese pancakes are more like “souffle pancakes.” The secret trick to creating them is to separate the egg yolk and the egg white when making them. Instead of mixing the egg regularly as you do with your regular pancakes, the Japanese recipe beats egg whites separately to make a fluffy meringue. This meringue is what makes Japanese pancakes so fluffy! So make sure you beat the egg whites long enough that they become stiff and “peak,” which means that they hold shape on their own. This gives the pancakes a completely different texture than the pancakes that are popular in the west.
Best Fluffy Pancakes in Tokyo
Pancakes have become a craze in Japan, and of course, the best place to explore this is in the capital! When in Tokyo, try eating real fluffy Japanese pancakes at these places:
Chaka
Located near the Kita-Senju Station, this coffee shop is famous for the delectable pancakes, many topped with ice cream. Super light and fluffy, yet also jiggly, they have a definite local following, meaning you might have to wait a bit to get service here – but it will be worth it!
Shiawase no Pancake
Also known as “Happy Pancake,” this Japanese chain has more than 20 different restaurants across the country. They claim to offer the fluffiest pancakes in the world! Is it true? Only one way to find out!
Rainbow Pancake
Locally run Rainbow Pancake makes them as thick as they get, but they are still light and fluffy! Located in the hip and artsy Harajuku district of Tokyo, the pancakes get a creative twist!
Cooking Tips
- If your pan is small or if you want to be careful, use two or more pans so that the pancakes don’t touch each other when you are flipping them.
- Wetting the spatula will make it much easier to flip the pancakes. You might want to use two different spatulas to be extra careful!
- Have fun with toppings. Sprinkle green tea or kinako soybean flour instead of powdered sugar to add a bit more of Japanese flair. You can even place red bean paste on top! So many options!
Fluffy Japanese Pancake
Ingredients
- 2 Egg
- 4 tsp Milk
- ¼ cup Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
- Butter for cooking
Toppings
- Whipped Cream
- Strawberries
- Powdered Sugar
- Mint Leaves
- Maple Syrup
Instructions
- Separate egg yolk and white. Keep the egg whites in the refrigerator.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks. Add milk and sift in flour and baking powder. Mix well.
- Take the egg whites from the refrigerator and whip up using electric hand mixer. As you mix, add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Beat the meringue until stiff peaks form.
- In the bowl with egg yolk, milk and flour, scoop about 1/3 of meringue using a whisk and mix.
- Then, pour the entire meringue into the mixture using a spatula and mix while trying not to crush meringue bubbles.
- Heat up plenty of butter in a pan and melt over low heat. Make about 3.5-4 inch round with the pancake batter. Place plenty of batter on top to make a mountain-shape. This recipe makes three pancakes.
- Over very low heat, cook for 7 minutes.
- Wet the slotted spatula and carefully flip the pancakes.
- Once flipped, add about a half of tablespoon of water into the pan and place the lid. Continue cooking for 7 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pancakes while you wait, and keep adding ½ tablespoon of water when the water evaporates. Touch the side of the pancake and if batter doesn’t stick to your finger, it’s done! If you overcook them, they’ll shrink and won’t be as fluffy as you’d like.
- Plate the pancakes and decorate them with powdered sugar, whipped cream, strawberries, and a mint leaf! Pour maple syrup if you’d like and enjoy!
