Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

Make the pancake batter:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks, sugar, milk, oil and vanilla extract.
2. Add in the flour, baking powder and mix with a spatula until just combined. (Don't overmix). Set aside.
3. Add the 3 room temperature egg whites into a clean stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment.
4. Whip the egg whites, first starting on low speed and gradually increasing.
5. When until bubbles appear, add in cream of tartar (or lemon juice) and gradually add in the granulated sugar.
6. Continue whipping the egg whites until it reaches stiff peaks. (When the whisk is pulled out, the meringue sticks straight up, or you can turn the bowl upside down and nothing will drip).
7. Working in 3rds, with a spatula, fold in ⅓rd of the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture to lighten.
8. Continue folding in the remaining egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture until homogenous, but be careful not to overmix.

Cook the soufflé pancakes:

1. Heat a flat griddle pan over medium-low heat.
2. Lightly grease with vegetable oil and use a paper towel to dab off any excess.
3. Using a large ice cream scoop with trigger, place 1 scoop of the pancake batter onto the griddle, leaving 2-3" of space in between pancakes.
4. Spray the pancakes with water (using a spray water bottle) and cover with a lid. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
5. Remove the lid and add a second scoop of pancake batter ON TOP of the pancakes.
6. Again, spray the pancakes with water and cover with the lid. Cook for another 4-5 minutes.
7. Remove the lid and carefully flip the pancakes with a spatula.
8. Give the pancakes another few spritzes of water and cover with the lid. Cook for 5-8 more minutes.
9. Remove the lid and carefully transfer the pancakes to a plate.
10. Repeat with the remaining batter.
11. Enjoy the soufflé pancakes immediately.