Dorayaki is a sweet Japanese treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. It consists of two small pancake-like cakes filled with a sweet red bean paste. The traditional recipe is thought to have originated in the Edo period in Japan and has since become popular worldwide.
Brief History and Origin
The history of Dorayaki dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. The first recorded mention of this sweet treat was in 1789 when a man named Usagiya Kamekichi wrote about it in his book “Kurabangashi”. According to folklore, a samurai, Benkei, made Dorayaki from leftover pancakes he had made earlier, thus creating the original recipe.
Since then, Dorayaki has become integral to Japanese cuisine and culture. It is often served at festivals or special occasions such as weddings or birthdays. In modern times, it can be found in convenience stores and supermarkets throughout Japan.
Dorayaki – The Recipe
- Preparation Time: 15 mins
- Cooking Time: 15 mins
- Total time: 30 mins
- Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 150g white sugar
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 120g all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp. milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 350g Anko
Instructions
- In a bowl, add sugar and eggs, and whisk well.
- In another small bowl, mix baking soda and water until dissolved. Pour over the egg mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add flour while keep whisking until the dough is consistent and smooth.
- Pour 1 tsp. of oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, pour a scoop of batter and make a 3 to 4-inch diameter pancake.
- When bubbles begin to appear, flip the side and cook until bubbles appear on this side too.
- When ready, remove from skillet and transfer to the wire rack until cool. Repeat the process until all the batter is utilized.
- Spread Anko on one pancake and top with another pancake. Repeat the process with all the pancakes. Serve and enjoy!
Popular variations
Here are a few ways you can change this basic recipe to adjust it to your liking:
- Custard Cream Dorayaki: Custard Cream Dorayaki has a classic pancake with creamy vanilla custard filling. It is sweet and has delicious floral notes from vanilla cream custard.
- Matcha Dorayaki: These Dorayaki has tradition Anko filling but the Dora pancakes have distinct earthiness from the matcha. If you are a fan of Matcha, then this version a must to try.
- Oreo Dorayaki: It is a recreation of Oreo but as a Dorayaki. The pancake has Oreo in it and the cream filling will taste like just Oreo white cream filling.
- Dorayaki with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: The traditional Dorayaki with chocolate hazelnut filling makes it super scrumptious for the chocolate lovers out there.
- Ice-cream filled Dorayaki: These ice cream filled dorayaki are perfect for summer. The filling is not just all ice cream but also have Anko for traditional touch.
