Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

Step 1
Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form.

Step 2
Butter enough 3 1/2-inch ring molds to fill your frying pan. Place molds in the pan over low heat. Cover.

Step 3
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.

Step 4
Combine buttermilk, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture and stir until batter is fairly smooth.

Step 5
Fold egg whites into the batter until combined. Small bits of egg whites still showing is ok.

Step 6
Pour about 1/2 cup of batter into each mold and cover the pan. Cook until bubbles start forming at the top, about 5 minutes. Flip pancakes in their molds and cook until set, 3 to 4 minutes more.