You’re Flipping Pancakes Too Much
After watching TikTok about flipping pancakes , I wondered if I had been doing it wrong all my life. I turn my wrist, but I don’t get the horrible splash like in the video. Turns out it’s more about the strength of the movement than whether you’re using the correct part of your hand. A light flip from the right height is all you need for a perfect splatter-free pancake.
No matter what recipe you use, we’re all looking for the same thing – fluffy, light, round pancakes. In case you didn’t know it already, the little bubbles that form during cooking are essential to your success. Most pancakes are leavened with chemical leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda) or beaten egg whites, and while the bubbles they create are copious for a while, they’re also tender. In most recipes, the right time to flip is after the outer edges are dry and the center is still sticky and full of bubbles. Turning too hard will destroy these fluff-forming air pockets and result in jagged side splatters of the raw (and now unleavened) dough.
If you’re scooping and tossing tender bread while twisting your whole arm (let’s be honest, some of you use your shoulder as well), you’re likely putting too much effort into the movement. It’s mostly subconscious, but you’re using a lot more of the big muscles than the pancake requires, popping all those tender bubbles. Instead, gently twist the spatula with your wrist and the pancake will flip completely without spatter, keeping the bubbles intact. With a little practice, you will be able to turn only your index and thumb to master an easy somersault. Keep in mind that as you try to train yourself to work delicately, there is a tendency to turn the pancake closer to the pan. Resist. You still need the same height to flip it; if you turn the spatula too close to the surface, you will most likely roll the pancake. Mornings are heavy enough as it is, so conserve your energy and roll over a little.