Japanese Beer Pancakes
Japanese Beer Pancakes
I tried to make this as easy as possible for you. Because I know that although I really like to spend all day in the kitchen, you probably don’t. The first run-through I tried a blender because it’s how I make crepes. I was hoping the blade would blend the egg whites enough to be fluffy. It doesn’t, don’t try it. But the blender batter rose really well and the pancakes were beautiful, but they were tough. You don’t need that.
Then I wondered if I really need to make you whip the egg whites. How necessary is it in this recipe? SO I just mixed all the ingredients in a bowl and hoped it would be fine. And they were. The were just…fine. Better than the blender method but not as good as they could be. You don’t need that either.
On round three, I made them with meringue whites and they were by far the best version. I know you might be looking at this recipe thinking, "but do I really NEED to whip the egg whites? Like, how much does it matter?" a lot. A. Lot. Trust me, I’m as lazy as the next guy and I wouldn’t ask you to do it if it didn’t matter. Who needs more work and more dishes? Only a person who wants really good pancakes.
I even tested ring-mold-alternatives because I wasn’t sure if you owned a ring mold. Most people don’t, honestly. And I have some options for you. Biscuit cutters will work, and so will all-metal cookie cutters. The only one I had was in the shape of a gingerbread man, and it was unseasonably adorable. A mason jar lid will work, but it’s not ideal, you will have short pancakes. But you will have pancakes, and as they say, short pancakes are better than no pancakes. They say that, I swear.
Japanese Beer Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cups (120g) all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup (50g) plus one tablespoon (15g) sugar
- 3 large eggs separated
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup (122g) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60g) pale ale
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Syrup or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Set out two medium-sized mixing bowls.
- In one bowl stir together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and ¼ cup sugar.
- In the other bowl add the egg whites. Put the yolks into the bowl with the flour.
- Add the milk, beer, and vanilla extract into the flour/yolk bowl. Stir until just combined.
- Add the salt and cream of tartar to the egg whites and beat on high with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Add the remaining tablespoon sugar and beat until well combined (adding sugar to the egg whites makes them more stable and able to hold up to being folded into the batter).
- Fold the egg whites into the flour mixture.
- Spray the inside of a round ring mold* with cooking spray, add to a skillet over medium/low heat or a griddle set at 275°F.
- Pour the batter into the mold until it’s 2/3 full. Cook until the batter on top looks mostly dry. Flip while still in the mold until the bottom is golden brown. Remove from heat, remove mold.
- Re-spray the mold with cooking spray and repeat until all batter is used.
Comments
Jodi Meekins April 9, 2020 um 6:58 am
I have used a cleaned out tuna fish can (both ends removed) as a ring mold to make English muffins. Should work here as well.
Jackie April 9, 2020 um 8:11 am
I’ve heard rumor of this, but never done it. I went to the store and looked at tuna cans to see if I could make it happen. All the brands I found have a rounded bottom so I wouldn’t be able to remove it with a standard can opener. Do you have any advice on how to remove the bottom of the can with a standard opener? or a brand that has a bottom that’s easy to remove?
Terrence Langlois April 9, 2020 um 7:11 am
This I have to try! Thanks!
Pancakes4Lyfe April 10, 2020 um 6:02 pm
What about removing the label from a crowler, cutting it in half with metal snips (an Exacto knife would do the trick, too, but more dangerous), then snipping off the top and bottom? You can then cut slits around the perimeter of the top and bottom and fold a small amount of the aluminum down all around to remove the sharp edges.
Also, how do these taste? What does pale ale add to the flavor?
Chefcart April 17, 2020 um 5:04 am
Did you use honey? or it’s use only for photography or decoration.
Jackie April 17, 2020 um 8:48 am
that’s syrup 🙂
Calico Quies December 15, 2020 um 7:36 am
This was absolutely amazing!!
Md. April 15, 2021 um 1:40 pm
This recipe looks juicy and yummy.