Scallion pancakes, also known as “cong you bing” (葱油饼), are a savory Chinese flatbread made from a simple dough, flavored with chopped scallions (green onions), and pan-fried to perfection. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these pancakes are packed with layers of flavor and texture. Though they are often found in Chinese restaurants, scallion pancakes are easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make scallion pancakes from scratch, including tips for achieving the perfect layers and crispiness.
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How to Make Scallion Pancakes
Ingredients for Scallion Pancakes
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1-2 tablespoons of cold water (optional, for adjusting dough texture)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup scallions (chopped, both green and white parts)
- 1/4 cup sesame oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sprinkling over the filling)
Cooking:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Scallion Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1.1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. This creates the base for your dough.
1.2. Add Boiling Water
Slowly pour the boiling water into the flour mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon or chopsticks. The hot water helps create a more pliable dough, making it easier to roll out.
1.3. Knead the Dough
Once the mixture cools enough to handle, knead the dough with your hands until it forms a smooth ball. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water as needed. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.
1.4. Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. Resting allows the gluten to relax, which will make the dough easier to roll out later.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
2.1. Divide the Dough
After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Each piece will become one pancake.
2.2. Roll the Dough
Take one portion of dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a thin circle, about 8-10 inches in diameter. Brush the surface with sesame oil and sprinkle it with chopped scallions and a pinch of salt.
2.3. Create the Layers
To create flaky layers, roll the dough into a log from one end to the other. Then, coil the log into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath. Lightly flatten the spiral with your hand and then roll it out again into a 6-8 inch circle.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Scallion Pancakes
3.1. Heat the Oil
Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of vegetable oil, enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
3.2. Fry the Pancakes
Carefully place one of the rolled-out pancakes into the hot pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. The goal is to get a crispy exterior with a soft, slightly chewy interior.
3.3. Drain and Serve
Once the pancake is cooked, remove it from the pan and drain on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining dough pieces.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Cut the scallion pancakes into wedges and serve them hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or with dipping sauces like soy sauce, chili oil, or a combination of soy sauce and vinegar.
Tips for Perfect Scallion Pancakes
1. Use Hot Water for the Dough
The key to soft and pliable dough is using hot boiling water. This creates a dough that’s easy to roll out and leads to a tender interior once cooked.
2. Roll Thin for Crispier Pancakes
If you prefer crispier pancakes, make sure to roll the dough out as thin as possible without tearing it. The thinner the dough, the crispier the layers will be after frying.
3. Adjust the Oil
Don’t be afraid to use enough oil in the frying pan. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color and crunchy exterior. You don’t need to deep fry them, but a light, even coating of oil is essential.
4. Experiment with Fillings
While scallions are the traditional filling, feel free to experiment with other ingredients like sesame seeds, garlic, or even finely chopped herbs to add extra flavor.
FAQs About Scallion Pancakes
1. Can I make scallion pancakes in advance?
Yes, scallion pancakes can be made in advance. You can prepare the dough and roll out the pancakes ahead of time, then freeze them before frying. When you’re ready to eat, just fry them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
2. How do I store leftover scallion pancakes?
If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pan-fry them again on low heat or warm them in the oven to regain their crispiness.
3. Can I make scallion pancakes without sesame oil?
Yes, if you don’t have sesame oil or don’t like the flavor, you can substitute it with another type of oil like vegetable oil or olive oil. However, sesame oil gives the pancakes an authentic, rich flavor that complements the scallions.
4. Are scallion pancakes vegan?
Yes, scallion pancakes are naturally vegan as they contain no animal products. The basic ingredients are flour, water, oil, and scallions.
5. What should I serve with scallion pancakes?
Scallion pancakes are delicious on their own but can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as soy sauce, black vinegar, or a mixture of soy sauce and chili oil. They can also be served alongside soups or stir-fried dishes as part of a larger meal.
Conclusion
Scallion pancakes are a flavorful and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. With their crispy edges, tender interior, and savory flavor from the scallions and sesame oil, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Best of all, they require just a few simple ingredients and can be made quickly at home.
Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with friends and family, scallion pancakes are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade scallion pancakes!
Image Courtesy: thekitchn
