To make pancakes that don't stick and are fluffy, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Preheat your cooking surface: Whether you're using a griddle or a non-stick skillet, make sure it is properly preheated before adding the pancake batter. A medium heat setting is usually ideal. If the surface is too hot, the pancakes may brown too quickly on the outside before cooking through.
Use a non-stick surface or cooking spray: If your cooking surface is not non-stick, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will help prevent the pancakes from sticking.
Let the batter rest: Allow the pancake batter to rest for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This resting time allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.
Don't overmix the batter: When mixing the pancake batter, it's important to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in tougher pancakes. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined, leaving some small lumps in the batter.
Adjust the consistency of the batter: If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve a pourable consistency. If it's too thin, add a small amount of flour until you reach the desired thickness. The consistency of the batter affects the fluffiness of the pancakes.
Use a ladle or measuring cup for consistent portioning: For evenly sized pancakes, use a ladle or a measuring cup to pour the batter onto the cooking surface. This will ensure that each pancake cooks evenly and for the same amount of time.
Flip at the right time: Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancakes before flipping them. The edges should also appear set. This indicates that it's time to flip. Cook the other side until it turns golden brown.
Avoid pressing down on the pancakes: When flipping the pancakes, resist the temptation to press them down with a spatula. This can compress the air pockets and result in denser pancakes. Instead, allow them to cook undisturbed.
By following these tips, you should be able to make pancakes that are both fluffy and don't stick to the cooking surface. Enjoy your delicious pancakes!