On Pancake Day, celebrated on March 4, 2025, culinary experts have shared their top tips for making the perfect pancake, ensuring no one is left with disappointing breakfast outcomes.
Renowned chef Gordon Ramsay took to Facebook to share his perfected flipping technique, which has captivated many aspiring cooks. He emphasized the importance of starting with hot oil, spraying it generously before placing the pan back on the heat. His consistent technique consists of using one ladle of batter, scraping it around the pan for even distribution, resulting in crispier pancakes. Ramsay also suggests letting the batter rest for about 15 minutes before cooking to allow the flour to absorb moisture for optimal texture.
Ramsay's flipping technique includes tapping the pan, shaking it lightly to loosen the crepe, and executing the flip with confidence by pushing it away and then flipping it back with the wrist. Once flipped, the pancake requires only about 30 seconds of cooking time to finish. For his batter, he uses 100g of flour, 300ml of milk, and two eggs, creating what he described as the ultimate pancake composition.
Meanwhile, MasterChef judge John Torode shared his pancake wisdom on the set of ITV’s This Morning, reminiscing about his early days where he would prepare crepes daily during his culinary apprenticeship. Torode's advice echoed Ramsay’s sentiments about letting the batter rest, as it prevents the pancakes from being too thin. Interestingly, he advocates for using kitchen towel to grease the pan instead of pouring oil directly, which he notes can lead to undesirable frying results.
His classic recipe calls for 3 eggs, 150ml of milk, 100g of flour, and a pinch of salt. The lemons and sugar served alongside suggest his focus on balancing flavors and enhancing the natural sweetness of the pancakes. The preparation involves mixing all ingredients until smooth, straining through to avoid lumps, and allowing it to rest for five minutes before cooking – yielding six to eight beautiful crepes.
Both chefs highlight the significance of patience and technique when crafting pancakes, encouraging home cooks to embrace the simple yet rewarding process.
With these expert tips, pancake enthusiasts are assured of turning out light, fluffy, and perfectly flipped pancakes this Pancake Day. The methods shared by Ramsay and Torode clearly demonstrate how small adjustments can lead to delicious improvements on such classic fare.