Dorayaki (Red Bean Pancake Sandwiches)
Local name: どら焼き
In short: Two fluffy honey pancakes sandwiching sweet red bean paste, a classic Japanese teatime treat that is simple to make in a regular pan. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 290 kcal
Confectionery shops and convenience stores across Japan sell dorayaki, two small, soft pancakes with sweet red bean paste in between, as a favorite teatime snack. The pancakes are made from eggs, sugar, honey and flour, with a splash of mirin that adds a faint caramel scent. The trick is a low heat and a short rest for the batter, which gives pale golden tops with an even color. The finished sandwiches are best after they have sat for an hour, when the pancakes soften.
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs, sugar, honey and mirin in a large bowl for 2 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is pale.
- Sift the flour and baking powder over the eggs and fold gently. Add 80 ml (1/3 cup) of the water and mix until the batter is smooth. It should fall from a spoon in a thick ribbon. Add more water if needed. Rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium-low heat. Wipe it with a paper towel dipped in the oil so it is barely coated.
- Drop 3 tablespoons of batter into the pan from a height of about 5 cm (2 in) so that it spreads into a round about 8 cm (3 in) wide. Cook for about 2 minutes, until small bubbles appear and the top looks dry.
- Flip and cook for 30 to 45 seconds on the second side. Move the pancake to a plate, cover it with a damp towel and repeat with the rest of the batter to make 12 pancakes.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of red bean paste on the underside of 6 pancakes and cover each with another pancake, golden side out. Press gently.
- Serve at room temperature, or wrap each sandwich in plastic and let it rest for an hour so the pancakes soften.
Tips
- Keep the heat low and consistent. High heat browns the pancakes too fast, giving spotty color and a dry texture. Wipe the pan between batches if it gets dark.
- Fill dorayaki with chestnut paste, whipped cream or custard for variety. Wrap well, and eat cream-filled versions the same day.
Questions and answers
Can I make dorayaki ahead?
Yes. Wrap the filled sandwiches individually in plastic and keep them at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze dorayaki?
Yes. Wrap each one tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or microwave briefly.
Where do I find red bean paste?
Asian groceries sell it in cans and tubs, smooth (koshian) or chunky (tsubuan). You can also make it by simmering azuki beans with sugar until thick.
How long does it take to make Dorayaki (Red Bean Pancake Sandwiches)?
About 35 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Dorayaki (Red Bean Pancake Sandwiches)?
About 290 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 58 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 290 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
