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Chinese Scallion Pancakes

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting time)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 pancakes (serves 6-8) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, these traditional Chinese scallion pancakes are a savory delight. Made with simple ingredients, they offer layers of flavor and texture, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil, plus extra for brushing
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:

    • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
    • Gradually add the hot water, stirring with a spoon or chopsticks, until a shaggy dough forms.
    • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Shape the Pancakes:

    • Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion into a thin circle, approximately 8 inches in diameter.
    • Brush a thin layer of sesame oil over the surface.
    • Sprinkle a quarter of the chopped scallions evenly over the oiled dough.
    • Roll the dough into a tight log, then coil it into a spiral shape.
    • Flatten the spiral gently with your palm, then roll it out into a 6-inch pancake.
    • Repeat with the remaining dough portions.
  • Cook the Pancakes:

    • Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Place one pancake in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
    • Remove and drain on paper towels.
    • Repeat with the remaining pancakes, adding more oil as needed.

Notes

  • Resting the Dough: Allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and resulting in a tender texture.
  • Hot Water Dough: Using hot water helps create a dough that’s pliable and yields a chewy pancake.
  • Layering Technique: Rolling and coiling the dough creates the signature flaky layers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 399mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g