Japanese Pancakes Doriyaki with Soft Custard

Introduction

Japanese Pancakes, also known as Doriyaki, are a delicious and popular treat in Japan. These fluffy and light pancakes are traditionally filled with a sweet red bean paste, but in this recipe, we will take it up a notch and fill them with a creamy and smooth soft custard. The combination of the fluffy pancakes and the rich custard creates a delightful dessert or snack that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you are a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in and learn how to make Japanese Pancakes Doriyaki with Soft Custard!

Ingredients

For the pancakes:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups of milk
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the soft custard:

1 cup of whole milk
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the pancakes.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense pancakes.

4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil.

5. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

6. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while you prepare the soft custard.

7. In a saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream for the soft custard over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

8. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.

9. Slowly pour about half of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.

10. Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Return to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

11. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.

12. Let the custard cool for a few minutes, then cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled.

13. To assemble, take one pancake and place a spoonful of the chilled custard in the center. Top with another pancake to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining pancakes and custard.

14. Serve the Japanese Pancakes Doriyaki with Soft Custard immediately and enjoy!

Variations

If you want to experiment with different flavors and fillings, here are a few variations you can try:

– Matcha Doriyaki: Add 1 tablespoon of matcha powder to the pancake batter for a vibrant green color and earthy flavor. Fill with red bean paste or matcha-flavored cream.

– Chocolate Doriyaki: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder in the pancake batter. Fill with chocolate ganache or Nutella.

– Fruit Doriyaki: Add diced fruits like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries to the pancake batter. Fill with whipped cream or fruit jam.

Tips

– Make sure to use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent the pancakes from sticking.

– When cooking the pancakes, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning them.

– Do not skip the step of straining the custard to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

– Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the custard by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.

– Serve the pancakes and custard immediately for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

Japanese Pancakes Doriyaki with Soft Custard are a delightful treat that combines the light and fluffy texture of pancakes with the creamy richness of custard. This recipe allows you to experience the flavors of Japan in a sweet and satisfying way. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, these pancakes are sure to impress your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. Your family and friends will thank you!