
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsScallion pancakes, known as cong you bing in Mandarin, are a beloved Chinese street food and snack that showcases the art of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. These savory flatbreads feature a unique laminated dough technique that creates multiple flaky layers, similar to French pastry but with a distinctly Asian twist. Fresh scallions are rolled into the dough, infusing each bite with their mild onion flavor and pleasant aroma. The pancakes are pan-fried in oil until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these versatile pancakes can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in a simple soy-vinegar sauce. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender, layered interior makes each bite a textural delight that keeps you reaching for more.
Instructions
step by stepIn a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3/4 cup of boiling water. Stir with chopsticks or a wooden spoon until the mixture forms shaggy clumps. Add 2 tablespoons of cold water and knead for 5-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough rests, prepare the scallions by washing and thoroughly drying them. Finely chop the green parts and white parts separately, yielding about 1 cup total. Set aside.
After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter. Brush the surface generously with sesame oil (about 1 teaspoon per pancake).
Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of salt evenly over the oiled surface, followed by a generous handful (about 1/4 cup) of the chopped scallions. Press the scallions gently into the dough.
Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a long cylinder, like a jelly roll. Then coil the cylinder into a spiral, tucking the end underneath. Gently flatten the coil with your palm.
Roll the flattened coil into a 6-7 inch circle, being careful not to press too hard or the scallions will break through. Repeat with remaining dough portions.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place one pancake in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown spots appear on the bottom.
Flip the pancake and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Transfer to a cutting board.
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining pancakes, adding more oil as needed between batches.
Cut each pancake into 6-8 wedges and serve immediately while hot and crispy. Accompany with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil.
Scallion Pancakes
Crispy, flaky Chinese scallion pancakes with layers of savory green onions. These golden-brown flatbreads are pan-fried to perfection, creating a delightfully crunchy exterior with tender layers inside.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups flour, all-purpose
- 1 teaspoons salt
Filling
- 6 pieces onions, scallions, finely chopped
- 4 teaspoons sesame-oil
Cooking
- 6 tablespoons vegetable-oil
Dipping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy-sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoons vinegar-white, rice vinegar preferred (optional)
- 1 teaspoons ginger, fresh, minced (optional)