Fragrant Garlic Chive and Shrimp Pancakes
ChineseBrunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

These traditional Chinese garlic chive and shrimp pancakes are a beloved breakfast and brunch staple throughout China, particularly popular in northern regions. The combination of aromatic garlic chives with succulent shrimp creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and elegant. The dough is made with a mixture of boiling water and cold water, creating a tender yet crispy texture when pan-fried. Each bite delivers the fresh, pungent flavor of garlic chives perfectly balanced with sweet shrimp, all encased in a golden, slightly chewy wrapper. This dish is traditionally served hot with a simple dipping sauce of black vinegar and soy, making it an ideal brunch centerpiece that can be prepared ahead and cooked just before serving. The pancakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their spiral shape and golden-brown exterior.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour with 3/4 cup boiling water, stirring quickly with chopsticks or a fork until shaggy. Add 1/4 cup cold water and mix until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.

  2. While dough rests, prepare filling: finely chop garlic chives and place in a bowl. Roughly chop shrimp into small pieces. Add shrimp to chives along with 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

  3. Divide rested dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin oval or rectangle about 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.

  4. Brush rolled dough lightly with sesame oil. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll up tightly from the long side like a jelly roll.

  5. Coil the rolled dough into a spiral, tucking the end underneath. Gently flatten with your palm to about 1/2 inch thickness.

  6. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place pancakes in the pan without overcrowding (work in batches if necessary).

  7. Pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are golden and filling is cooked through.

  8. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm while cooking remaining pancakes.

  9. Cut each pancake into quarters and serve immediately with dipping sauce made from equal parts soy sauce and black vinegar.

Fragrant Garlic Chive and Shrimp Pancakes

4.8 (24)

Crispy golden pancakes filled with fresh garlic chives and tender shrimp, pan-fried to perfection. A beloved dim sum classic that makes an impressive yet simple brunch dish with a delightfully savory aroma.

medium
50 min
4 servings

Ingredients

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Dough

  • 2 cups flour, all-purpose

Filling

  • 300 grams shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 3 teaspoons sesame-oil, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons soy-sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoons black-pepper, ground

Cooking

  • 4 tablespoons vegetable-oil

Dipping Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vinegar-balsamic (optional)

Chef Tips

expert advice
For best results, use fresh garlic chives (also called Chinese chives or jiu cai) available at Asian markets—they have a more delicate, garlicky flavor than regular chives.
If unavailable, substitute with a combination of regular chives and finely minced garlic.
The key to crispy pancakes is using medium heat—too high will burn the exterior before cooking the filling.
You can prepare the pancakes up to step 5 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with finely diced firm tofu or mushrooms seasoned with extra soy sauce.
The dough technique of using both boiling and cold water creates the perfect texture—the hot water gelatinizes some of the starch for tenderness while cold water adds structure.
These pancakes pair beautifully with hot jasmine tea or a light cucumber salad.
Fragrant Garlic Chive and Shrimp Pancakes | Cuisinao