Japanese Crepes: A Mouthwatering Recipe You Can’t Miss!

What is the difference between French and Japanese crepes?

Come on an epic journey through the world of Japanese crepes with us! This blog post is your ultimate guide to making delicious Japanese crepes that’ll make you crave more. Join us on this culinary adventure and discover the secrets to making drool-worthy treats that transcend borders and make your taste buds dance with joy. 

Imagine a harmonious balance of flavors, a delightful combination of textures, and a culinary experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Join us as we explore the intricacies of this skillful creation and discover the exceptional thickness and irresistible chewiness that sets Japanese crepes apart.

Prepare to enhance your home cooking skills with our thoughtfully selected recipe. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this is your chance to create a culinary masterpiece that reflects the streets of Japan. Each bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and pure indulgence!

Crepes folded into cones and filled with fruits and whipped cream
Crepes folded into cones and filled with fruits and whipped cream

Table of Contents

What are Japanese Crepes?

Folded strawberry crepes with strawberry sauce
Folded strawberry crepes with strawberry sauce

Japanese crepes are a delightful variation of the classic French crepes, providing a unique culinary experience with distinct characteristics. 

A Japanese crepe is thicker and chewier compared to the thin and delicate French ones, offering a heartier bite. In terms of fillings and toppings, Japanese crepes are known for their creative and diverse range, while French crepes typically feature classic combinations of sugar, Nutella, or fruits.

They differ from French crepes by being crispier, with fewer egg yolks and more egg whites. Consequently, they are ideal for serving in a cone shape and have a firmer texture compared to French crepes. Additionally, they make it easier to hold the filling.

These tasty treats are renowned for their imaginative fillings, including fresh fruits, whipped cream, ice cream, and unique options like cheesecake or matcha-flavored delights. Japanese street crepes combine different textures and flavors, showcasing a creative culinary style that makes them a distinctive and irresistible street food delicacy in Japan.

Japanese crepes on display in Harajuku
Japanese crepes on display in Harajuku

Japanese Crepes Recipe

These Japanese crepes are like thin, big pancakes that you can grab and go. They’re cone-shaped and absolutely perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on the move. Picture this: they’re filled with fluffy whipped cream, and juicy berries, and drizzled with chocolate sauce. It’s a mouthwatering dessert you don’t want to miss!

Crepes folded into cones
Crepes folded into cones

Ingredients

To prepare these tasty Japanese crepes, you will need:

Flour: You can use any type of white flour you have at home, such as all-purpose flour, cake flour, gluten-free flour, or low-carb flour alternatives.

Eggs: Choose free-range eggs for a tastier option.

Egg Whites: Save the egg yolks for another recipe.

Milk: You can use milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk.

Sugar: For a sugar-free alternative, opt for sugar-free crystal sweeteners.

You will also need Vanilla Extract and Melted Butter.

Here are the exact measurements of the ingredients for this recipe:

  • 2 cups Almond Flour
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 2 large Egg Whites
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter 
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 ¼ cups Almond Milk

Instructions

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk to thoroughly mix the ingredients. 

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and egg whites. Set it aside for the time being.

Mix dry ingredients and create a well, add beaten eggs, half of the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter to create a delicious batter.

Whisk the batter while gradually adding the rest of the milk. The batter should become smooth and thin. It’s okay if small lumps form.

Heat up a crepe pan or pancake griddle, then spread butter or oil evenly on the surface using absorbent paper.

Once the pan is hot, simply pour the crepe batter right into the center of the pre-heated pan. Then, just give it a little tilt and rotation to spread the batter evenly across the surface.

After a minute, you’ll notice the edges turning golden brown and getting all crispy. Just grab a flat spatula, lift those edges of the crepe, and gently slide it right under.

Flip the crepe real quick and let it cook for another minute on the other side. You’ll notice some small round brown spots on the crepe.

Remove the crepe from the heat and let it cool on a plate. As the crepes sit at room temperature on the plate, they will gradually cool down.

To keep the crepes warm, cover the plate with foil while you cook the rest of them.

Fill each crepe with the ingredients you prefer. Experiment with sweet and savory fillings!

Nutrition

Using low-carb alternatives like almond flour and unsweetened almond milk, each serving of this Japanese crepe without fillings contains:

  • Calories: 213
  • Carbohydrates: 6.4g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 1.3g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 8.5g

What to Serve With Japanese Crepes

Folded crepes with berries and chocolate sauce
Folded crepes with berries and chocolate sauce

To assemble Japanese-style crepes, place the filling on one-quarter of the crepe’s surface. Avoid overstuffing. Fold the crepe in half and roll it from one end to form a cone shape. 

Dessert crepes usually consist of fruit slices or jam, whipped cream, and ice cream, topped with chocolate or caramel sauce, as well as Kuromitsu syrup, a traditional Japanese syrup. 

Here are some filling suggestions you can try:

  • Strawberry crepe with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, strawberry slices, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
  • Fresh whipped cream, a small scoop of chocolate ice cream, slices of banana, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
  • Chocolate Nut Party with chocolate truffles, whipped yogurt, almonds, chocolate custard cream, chocolate sauce, crushed pistachio, chocolate gelato, and chocolate pearls.
  • Caramel Fuji Apple, with caramelized apples, custard cream, whipped yogurt, raisins, caramel sauce, and granola.
  • For a savory option, mix a small amount of thinly sliced cabbage, 2 tablespoons of canned tuna, a drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise, and a dash of sweet chili sauce.
Snack crepe filled with chicken and veggies
Snack crepe filled with chicken and veggies

Japanese Crepes FAQs

What are savory crepes in Japanese?

If you’re craving a savory snack, Japanese crepe shops often offer snack crepes made with a spinach base and a layer of cheese, usually cream cheese, spread inside. The main ingredient is typically a protein like tuna salad, ham, or boiled chicken.

What are the flavors of Harajuku crepes?

Harajuku crepes, originally from Tokyo’s vibrant Harajuku district, offer a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. These Japanese street crepes feature a thin, slightly chewy texture, perfect for a variety of imaginative fillings. Enjoy classic combinations like strawberries and whipped cream or venture into matcha or cheesecake-infused options. Harajuku crepes showcase a wide range of delicious flavors.

Harajuku crepes on display in a Tokyo street
Harajuku crepes on display in a Tokyo street

Final Thoughts

Exploring the world of Japanese crepes, especially the flavors inspired by the lively Harajuku district, is a delightful culinary journey. The combination of textures, from the slightly chewy crepe to the decadent fillings, creates a harmonious taste experience. 

Harajuku crepes offer a wide range of flavors, from classic combinations to more adventurous options. Popular choices include chocolate and banana, custard with fresh berries, or savory options with a blend of vegetables, meats, and sauces. Harajuku crepes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a must-try street food experience in Tokyo’s Harajuku district.

Whether enjoying the sweet embrace of chocolate and berries or savoring the savory fusion of vegetables and meats, Harajuku crepes offer a diverse and imaginative treat. As you embark on your own crepe-making adventure, remember that these treats not only taste great but also celebrate creativity and tradition with every bite.

If you liked this recipe, try our keto crepes and coconut flour pancakes.