Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Japanese

Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

Tall, cloud-light Japanese soufflé pancakes with tender centers, delicate vanilla flavor, and a lightly golden crust. A gentle covered-cook method gives them their signature lift without drying the middle.

38 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Whisk the egg yolks, 20 g of the sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then mix just until no dry streaks remain; do not overwork the batter.
2
In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites and lemon juice on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 30 g sugar, then whisk on medium-high until glossy, firm peaks form that hold their shape with slightly curved tips.
3
Fold one-third of the meringue into the yolk batter to loosen it. Gently fold in the remaining meringue in two additions, using broad strokes from the bottom of the bowl until only a few faint white streaks remain.
4
Lightly grease a large nonstick skillet and wipe away excess oil. Heat it over the lowest setting for 2 minutes; the surface should feel warm but should not smoke or aggressively sizzle when a drop of batter touches it.
5
Spoon four tall mounds of batter into the skillet, leaving space between them. Add a second spoonful to each mound, then add 1 teaspoon of water to an empty area of the skillet. Cover immediately and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until the bottoms are pale golden and the tops begin to hold their shape.
Tall Japanese soufflé pancakes rising in a covered skillet AI-generated image
6
Slide a thin spatula carefully under each pancake and turn it in one confident motion. Cover again and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the pancakes are springy to the touch and the centers reach about 74°C when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
7
Transfer the pancakes to plates and repeat with the remaining batter, regreasing the skillet lightly if needed. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve immediately with the mixed berries.
Stack of Japanese soufflé pancakes with berries and confectioners sugar AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Separating the eggs and folding a stable meringue into a thick yolk batter creates the characteristic soufflé-like structure. Covered cooking traps gentle steam while low heat sets the center before the exterior overbrowns.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

These pancakes are best eaten immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over very low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or warm briefly in a microwave; the texture will be less airy.

Nutrition / serving

252kcal
8.99 gprotein
36.24 gcarbs
7.92 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026