How to Make Adzuki Bean Pancake (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Adzuki Bean Pancake is a beloved breakfast treat often spotted at Singapore’s bustling kopitiams and hawker centres. This dish beautifully reflects Singapore’s East Asian influences while embracing the local flair for fusion cuisine. The pancake features a pillowy-soft batter enveloping a sweet, earthy adzuki bean paste, creating a satisfying bite that’s naturally vegetarian and can be made healthier with a few tweaks. Traditionally enjoyed as a morning snack or breakfast alongside kopi or teh, Adzuki Bean Pancake is a nostalgic comfort food for many Singaporeans. Its popularity lies in the balance of textures—the crisp golden crust giving way to a smooth, mildly sweet bean filling. The dish is also a testament to Singapore’s multicultural food scene, blending East Asian ingredients with local techniques and tastes. Whether bought freshly made from your neighborhood kopitiam or prepared at home, this pancake is a wholesome way to start your day, offering a unique taste of Singaporean heritage.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Soak adzuki beans overnight or for at least 6 hours
Soak adzuki beans overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain, then simmer in fresh water for 40-50 minutes until soft. Drain and mash the beans with brown sugar and a pinch of salt to form a smooth paste.
Step 2 · In a mixing bowl
In a mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, low-fat milk, and vanilla extract.
Step 3 · Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the pancakes tender.
Step 4 · Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and brush lightly with vegeta...
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and brush lightly with vegetable oil. Pour half the batter to form a round pancake (about 12cm).
Step 5 · Spoon a generous layer of adzuki bean paste onto the pancake
Spoon a generous layer of adzuki bean paste onto the pancake. Cover with more batter to seal the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
Step 6 · Flip the pancake carefully and cook for another 2 minutes until gol...
Flip the pancake carefully and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7 · Repeat with remaining batter and filling
Repeat with remaining batter and filling. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving, if desired.
Why this recipe is healthy
This Singaporean Adzuki Bean Pancake recipe is a health-conscious breakfast option as it combines high-fiber beans with whole grains and minimal added sugars or fats. By baking or pan-frying with just a touch of oil, the recipe minimizes unnecessary calories while maximizing satiety and nutrition. Its balance of protein, complex carbs, and low glycemic index ingredients makes it suitable for weight management and blood sugar control.
A note on tradition
Adzuki Bean Pancake is often seen at Singaporean hawker stalls and kopitiams, especially in neighborhoods with strong East Asian influences. It’s a fusion food that speaks to Singapore's openness to culinary adaptation, typically enjoyed as a quick breakfast or snack. The dish is also popular during school holidays and festive gatherings, when families seek out comfort foods that are both nostalgic and satisfying.