The Secret to Perfect Yorkshire Puddings: A Last-Minute Ingredient Addition
Yorkshire puddings remain an indispensable component of the traditional British Sunday roast, proudly accompanying roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and generous servings of rich gravy. Despite their cherished status, achieving consistently perfect results can prove challenging for many home cooks, with common pitfalls including poor rising, inconsistent batter texture, and lacklustre crispness.
The Viral Method That's Transforming Yorkshire Pudding Results
Anji Prior, known online as Anji Cooks, has captivated TikTok audiences with her foolproof technique for creating magnificent Yorkshire puddings. Her approach centres on a simple yet crucial timing adjustment that many enthusiasts swear by for superior results.
The fundamental Yorkshire pudding recipe requires just three basic ingredients: plain flour (avoiding self-raising varieties entirely), eggs, and either milk or water. These components combine to form a smooth batter that's traditionally poured into a muffin tray or roasting tin before baking.
The Critical Timing of Salt Addition
Anji's revolutionary insight involves delaying the addition of seasoning until the absolute last moment before baking. In her popular demonstration video, she explains: "I don't put salt in this until it's just ready to go into the pan. I'm sure it doesn't make a difference but I have heard it does make a difference so I just wait."
This technique has gained traction among Yorkshire pudding aficionados who believe that withholding salt until the batter meets the sizzling fat creates optimal conditions for that coveted perfect puff and golden crispness.
The Science Behind the Method
The reasoning behind this timing strategy relates to batter chemistry. Adding salt too early can potentially affect the batter's consistency, potentially hindering its ability to rise properly during baking. By incorporating salt at the final moment, the batter maintains its ideal structure, maximising its potential for impressive vertical growth rather than disappointing flatness.
Step-by-Step Execution of the Method
Anji's complete process involves several carefully timed stages:
- Combine one cup each of eggs (approximately four), plain flour, and milk, whisking thoroughly
- Refrigerate the unseasoned batter mixture
- Place small portions of lard or beef dripping into each compartment of a non-stick muffin tin
- Heat the tin in an oven at maximum temperature until the fat becomes bubbling hot
- Retrieve the chilled batter, give it a final stir, and only then add salt and pepper
- Carefully ladle the seasoned batter into the hot fat-filled compartments
- Bake initially at 250°C, then reduce to 200°C for approximately twenty minutes
The finished Yorkshire puddings emerge from the oven as towering, golden-brown creations with the ideal combination of crisp exterior and soft interior.
Social Media Reaction and Validation
The TikTok video showcasing this method has generated significant engagement, with fellow cooking enthusiasts expressing both admiration and curiosity about the technique's effectiveness.
One commenter noted: "I do [the] exact same method as you with the same tray and also refrigerate but [mine] don't look as good as yours, so I'm gonna avoid salt till the end [and] see if that is the key."
Additional responses included praise such as "They look phenomenal," "Wow," "Absolutely delicious," and recognition of Anji's culinary skills with comments like "You are such an amazing cook."
This simple timing adjustment represents a potentially transformative approach for home cooks seeking to elevate their Yorkshire pudding game, offering a practical solution to common baking frustrations while honouring this beloved British culinary tradition.
