Taro Pancakes
Fluffy, slightly sweet pancakes made with earthy taro root and coconut milk. A unique Hawaiian-inspired breakfast that brings a taste of the islands to your table, perfect with a drizzle of coconut syrup.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Taro Root
- b.Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation. Peel the taro root and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- c.Place the taro cubes in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- d.Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the taro is very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- e.Drain the taro completely and transfer it to a large bowl. Mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of mashed taro for the recipe and set aside to cool slightly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Pancake Batter
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- c.In a separate medium bowl, whisk the cooled mashed taro, egg, coconut milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- d.Pour the wet taro mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold them together until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- e.Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and the baking powder to activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Pancakes
- b.Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1/2 tablespoon of butter and swirl to coat the surface.
- c.Once the butter is melted and lightly bubbling, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake, leaving space between them.
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You'll know it's time to flip when bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look dry and set.
- e.Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
- f.Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the griddle as needed between batches.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve and Enjoy
- b.Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate. Keep them warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the batch.
- c.Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as coconut syrup, fresh pineapple chunks, toasted macadamia nuts, or a dollop of coconut cream.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Wear gloves when handling raw taro as it can cause skin irritation for some people.
- 2For the smoothest taro mash, you can use a potato ricer or push the cooked taro through a fine-mesh sieve.
- 3Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the pancakes tough instead of fluffy.
- 4Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- 5If the batter seems too thick, you can add another tablespoon or two of coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-Free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
SpicedSpiced
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Extra CoconutExtra Coconut
Fold 1/4 cup of toasted shredded coconut into the batter for added texture and coconut flavor.
VeganVegan
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) to make the recipe vegan.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Taro root is rich in dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Promotes Gut Health
Taro contains a significant amount of resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut and supporting a healthy microbiome.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in taro provide a slow and steady release of energy, helping to keep you energized throughout the morning without a sugar crash.
Rich in Nutrients
Taro is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including potassium, manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two taro pancakes contains approximately 380-420 calories, depending on the amount of butter used and toppings added.
