Just about every culinary culture has pancakes. You know that chain pancake place over by the highway? They claim to be 'International', but they only offer us French Toast and Belgian Waffles. What other international delights are they keeping from us?


Dorayaki

Dorayaki

Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dorayaki_001.jpg

Dorayaki is a stuffed pancake with Adzuki 'red bean' filling. The pancake is soft and fluffy, with a mild sweetness. They're sold in packages like a moon pie, at room temperature. You can buy them from 711.

The legend goes that a samurai left his gong behind while traveling, and a local farmer took that gong and used it as a pan to make pancakes. Thus: 'dora' = 'gong' => 'dorayaki'.

The cartoon character Doraemon loves dorayaki.

Doraemon

Dorayaki Recipe (Japanese Pancake Sandwich)

Ingredients (Makes about 6 Dorayaki)

For the Pancakes:

  • All-purpose flour – 1 cup
  • Sugar – 2 tablespoons
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Milk – 2 tablespoons
  • Honey – 1 tablespoon
  • Vegetable oil – For greasing the pan

For the Filling:

  • Sweet red bean paste (anko) – 1 cup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, honey, and milk until smooth.
  2. Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl and whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
  3. Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes to ensure it thickens slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
  2. Pour a small ladleful (about 2 tablespoons) of batter into the skillet to form a round pancake, about 3 inches in diameter.
  3. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds on the other side.
  4. Transfer the pancake to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter, ensuring each pancake is similar in size.

Step 3: Assemble the Dorayaki

  1. Take one pancake and spread a generous amount of sweet red bean paste on the flat side.
  2. Top with another pancake, flat side facing the filling, to create a sandwich.
  3. Press gently to seal the edges slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Dorayaki is traditionally served as a snack or dessert. You can also enjoy it with:

  • Green tea or matcha
  • A drizzle of honey or syrup for extra sweetness
Name_ Dorayaki
Origin_ 🇯🇵 Japan
Morphology_ ☰ flat
Flavor_ sweet
Filling_ adzuki bean paste
Topping_ none
Recipe_ Dorayaki Recipe
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