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The Magic of Japanese soufflé pancakes

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and stopped in awe at impossibly tall, jiggly pancakes, you’ve likely encountered Japanese soufflé pancakes. These airy, cloud-like delights have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a fresh twist on the classic pancake experience.

What sets these pancakes apart? It’s all about the technique. Instead of a traditional batter, soufflé pancakes incorporate whipped egg whites, creating a structure that rises into delicate, fluffy stacks. Cooked slowly on low heat, they develop a golden exterior while maintaining a melt-in-your-mouth softness inside.

Served with fresh fruit, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar, they make for an indulgent breakfast or an Instagram-worthy treat. Whether you’re savouring them in a cosy Tokyo café or attempting them at home, Japanese soufflé pancakes are a delightful fusion of technique and taste. Proof that sometimes, food can feel as light as air.

What is Shrove Tuesday?
Shrove Tuesday, often simply called Pancake Day in the UK, falls on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent and is rooted in Christianity.

The date changes each year, as pancake day must take place exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday – the date of which is determined by the first full moon after the Spring equinox. It is a complex calculation dating back to the Roman Empire. It has recently been simplified to take place on the next Sunday, following the first full moon, which falls after March 21st.(still pretty complicated) As such it can occur anywhere from early February to early March.

valentine


Shrove Tuesday is the day when Christians confess their sins to prepare for Lent, during which Christians give up luxuries to show solidarity for the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert.

Those who observe lent abstain from something as a sacrifice and to show humility, with Christians often giving up tasty foods such as butter, eggs, sugar and fat. As such, Shrove Tuesday traditionally became the last chance to enjoy such treats and a time to clear perishable ingredients like eggs and milk from the pantry, making pancakes a natural choice. The season also focuses on repentance, self-reflection and charitable acts.

With evidence of their history dating back to Ancient Greece, over 2,000 years ago, pancake day is marked around the world, from Europe to South America, and is known by many names, with ‘Shrove Tuesday’, ‘Mardi Gras’ and ‘Fat Tuesday’ among the most well known.

Despite holding no religious significance in Japan (Christianity is a minority religion there), pancakes are now a popular treat, simply because they are delicious. It is now common to find them on breakfast buffet menus and they are also popular for lunch or dessert. Speciality pancake restaurants have also started to crop up across the country.

Japanese pancakes come in all flavour profiles, both sweet and savoury. From matcha or chocolate pancakes with sweet toppings like sugar, honey or maple syrup, to savoury pancakes with omelette-style toppings like bacon, salmon, soft cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes, to more Japanese-inspired fillings like cabbage, meat, seafood, seaweed flakes and pickled ginger.

Pancakes are also celebrated much more frequently in Japan. According to this blog, the Japan Anniversary Association registered a ‘pancake day’ on the 10th of every month, reminding the nation to enjoy the pleasures of this simple, wholesome treat every month.

Quick & Easy Japanese Soufflé Pancake Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients:
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 30g granulated sugar
  • 40g all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 30ml milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions:
  1. In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites and lemon juice until frothy. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  2. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk, and vanilla. Sift in flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth.
  3. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture in three additions, keeping the batter light and airy.
  4. Heat a non-stick pan over low heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Spoon batter into small, thick rounds.
  5. Cover and cook for about 4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 3 minutes until golden and fluffy.
  6. Serve immediately with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar.

Or how about a bubble tea flavoured twist…

Try our recipe here…?