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Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancake Recipe (Foolproof Jiggle Secrets)

chef Laya
Discover the magic of ultra-tall, cloud-like Japanese souffle pancakes. Made using a stabilized stiff-peak meringue and gentle stovetop steam cooking, these pillowy hotcakes deliver an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture that turns weekend brunch into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prepr Time 20 minutes
Cooking Time 15 minutes
ToTal Time 35 minutes
Type of plate Breakfast
kitchen Japanese
Serving 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggs cold, separated into yolks and whites
  • 1 1/2 tbsp 22ml whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup 32g cake flour (or all-purpose flour sifted with 1/2 tsp cornstarch)
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp 25g superfine granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar or 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp water for steaming in the skillet
  • 1 tsp neutral cooking oil for greasing the pan
  • Optional Toppings: Salted butter pure maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Separate the cold egg whites into a clean, grease-free stainless steel or glass bowl, and place the yolks into a separate medium mixing bowl. Keep the egg whites in the refrigerator until ready to whip.
  • In the bowl with the egg yolks, add whole milk and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until pale and slightly frothy.
  • Sift the cake flour and baking powder directly into the yolk mixture. Whisk gently until a smooth, lump-free batter forms. Set aside.
  • Take the chilled egg whites from the fridge. Add the cream of tartar. Using a hand mixer with clean beaters, beat on low speed until frothy.
  • Gradually add the superfine sugar in three equal batches while increasing the mixer speed to medium-high. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form that stand upright when the beaters are lifted.
  • Take one large spoonful (about 1/3) of the meringue and fold it into the egg yolk batter using a spatula to lighten the consistency.
  • Pour the lightened yolk batter into the remaining meringue bowl. Very gently fold using an under-and-over motion until just combined. Do not deflate the trapped air.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet over the lowest possible heat setting. Lightly grease the pan with oil, wiping away excess with a paper towel.
  • Scoop tall mounds of batter onto the pan (using an ice cream scoop or piping bag), creating 4 distinct pancake bases. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and add a second scoop of batter directly on top of each pancake to build height. Add 1 teaspoon of water into the empty spaces of the skillet (not on the pancakes) and immediately cover with the lid. Cook on low for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Gently lift and flip each pancake using a wide, thin spatula. Add another teaspoon of water to the pan, cover with the lid, and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Transfer immediately to warm plates. Dust with powdered sugar, top with butter and berries, drizzle with maple syrup, and serve instantly while tall and jiggly.