Mini and Fluffy Japanese Pancakes
Mini and fluffy Japanese Pancakes are filled with air, making them ultra-pleasant to bite into. Try these irresistible clouds of eggs, flour, and maple syrup; your whole family will ask for more.
Every country has its way of making pancakes: the French make them large and paper-thin (crepe), while in the US, they’re smaller but thicker. Ireland makes some with potatoes called Boxty; in Japan, they make them ultra puffy! (Click here to learn more about worldwide pancake styles.) We all love an airy, light, sweet bite first thing in the morning, so these Fluffy Japanese Pancakes are the way to go!
Technique
The technique involves whipping the egg whites into a foam before gently mixing them with the rest of the ingredients. It’s nothing complicated but requires more patience, and the result is highly satisfying souffle pancakes!
Folding of the eggs
Once you have fluffed up the egg whites and the yolk mix is done, use a spatula to fold 1/3 of the whites into the yellow mixture while turning in circles gently to keep as much air as possible in the mix. Once the first mixing is done, do the other way around, putting the yellow mixture into the leftover egg whites and folding again gently to keep it airy.
Forming the Pancakes
Then, if possible, add the whole thing to a pipping bag; this helps to calibrate the pancakes and their form. You can also use a big spoon, ice cream scoop or ladle.
I like to make double-deckers ultra-thick, but it’s optional. So, I start by doing the base, adding more midway, and cooking it again before turning it. This way, you get an ultra-thick version. But this is up to you; a simple layer can do, too.
Vapour to Cook
Add a tablespoon of water between the souffle pancakes before covering it to cook with vapour. This means you’ll need a lid that covers your pan properly.
Tips and Tricks
You must know a few tricks to nail these Fluffy Japanese Pancakes. It’s not complicated, but you must know these few details to avoid messing things up.
- When separating the egg whites from the yolks, make sure that no yellow bits from the yolks are in the whites; otherwise, they will not puff up.
- The bowl you’ll use for the egg whites should be spotless, with no moisture, and, if possible, cold. Keeping your eggs cold will help them puff up properly.
- Use cold eggs for this recipe to help fluff the whites.
- The whisk to whisk the egg white should also be spot clean.
- Add a 1/2 tsp of tartar or lemon in the egg white to stabilize them, although not mandatory.
- While cooking, keep the heat low; don’t be tempted to make it faster and crank up the heat.
Toppings
Here are a few ideas for toppings on your souffle pancakes:
- Good old Maple Syrup
- Powdered Sugar
- Berries or any fruits
- Whipped Cream
- Chocolate coulant
- Fruit compote
Other Fun Pancakes
- Mini Banana Pancakes (gluten-free)
- Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Pancakes
- French Canadian Crepes (The FoodOlic Recipes)
Mini & Fluffy Japanese Pancakes
Equipment
- big non-stick pan with a lid
Ingredients
- 3 yolks
- 4 egg whites
- 4 tbsp flour
- 30 g powdered sugar
- 30 ml milk
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- salt
Instructions
- Separate the yolk from the eggs, discarding one yolk.
- In the yolk bowl, add the vanilla extract and milk and whisk.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift the dry ingredients into the yolks, mix, and reserve.
- Whisk the egg whites until soft peak forms, about the consistency of whipped cream. Take a spoon with a spatula and fold it in the yolk mixture gently, then add this yolk mix to the whites and fold gently until homogenous.
- Bring a big non-stick pan to a low temperature, oil it gently, and wipe it off with a paper towel.
- Add with the help of a piping bag, ladle or spoon into the pan, forming small pancakes. Add a tablespoon of water on the side and cover for 3-4 minutes. You can add a double layer on top after 2-3 minutes to make it extra thick, cover it and wait another 2 minutes before turning the pancakes and covering again for another 3-4 minutes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying a full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share your thoughts on it! Leave a comment or share a picture and tag me @littlenomadsrecipes on Instagram.
This is a fantastic recipe for light and fluffy Japanese pancakes! In some photos they look like donuts, and I can’t wait to make them.
Fluffier then donuts, you’ll see.
This is a great recipe for weekend brunch. A nice change from regular pancakes. Perfect with fresh berries.
Yes! A gourmet pancake!
Wow, these mini pancakes are the cutest things I’ve ever seen! I can’t wait to try making them for my family. They’re going to love them!
Enjoy!
looks easy and sounds fun! Thanks
Fairly easy yes, if you know the tricks!
Ooh, I’ve never had Japanese pancakes before. They look delightful and I love the idea of super fluffy mini ones.
A big fav of kids too!
These Mini and Fluffy Japanese Pancakes are the best! They were so easy to make and came out perfectly fluffy. They were a hit at our brunch. I’ll definitely be making these again.
Glad to hear it!
These look so delicious and fluffy!! Would be perfect for weekend brunches and i’m loving the topping with fresh fruits.
Nothing like a fresh fruit to start the day!
My kids were just talking about these the other day and then I see this post! Thank you! We can’t wait to try them.
The fluffier the better! Enjoy guys!
Wow! This was soft, fluffy and delicious! We LOVED it.
Glad you liked it!
Mmmm, such a brilliant recipe!! Love how fluffy these are and the ingredients that create that fluffiness. Such a special pancake recipe; thanks for sharing!
A cloudy bite! Thanks for your comment!
These look and sound absolutely amazing. Going to surprise my son this weekend with these! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
Don t be surprised if he ask for it every weekends for now on! Enjoy!
What a treat! Last weekend I was excited to make these pancakes for my father in law (who is the pancake king!) He loved how fluffy these were and I think we found a new family favourite recipe.
Glad it past the father in law test! Enjoy!
Thank you for this recipe! I love Japanese pancakes, but I never tried to make them at home. I`ll make these mini pancakes this weekend.
Let me know how it goes!
Looks fluffy and delicious!
Like little clouds! Such a fun and delicious variation to the buttermilk pancakes I normally make.
These Japanese pancakes turned out perfectly light and fluffy. Definitely a recipe I would make again.
Love your fluffy yummy pancakes! Just can’t wait to make them. The fact that there is less flour used makes them even more nutritious. Can I cut down on the sugar by half coz I am diabetic, would they still be as fluffy as yours? Thanks for sharing your recipe.