Crispy Scallion Pancake Recipe: A Flaky, Savory Delight You’ll Love

The Scallion Pancake Recipe is a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine, bringing together just a few simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both savory and satisfyingly crispy. Known as Cong You Bing in China, this flaky pancake is filled with fresh scallions, which add a mild onion flavor and a delightful crunch. Perfected through generations, the recipe captures the essence of traditional Chinese street food with its layered texture and golden-brown exterior. Whether enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, this scallion pancake recipe is your go-to for authentic taste and unbeatable crispiness, right from your kitchen.

Why Is It Called Scallion Pancake?

Scallion pancakes, or Cong You Bing in Mandarin, derive their name from the primary ingredient, scallions, and their flat, pancake-like shape. Rooted in Chinese cuisine, they are widely believed to have originated in the northern regions of China, where wheat-based foods are more common than rice-based dishes. Scallions, with their bold, oniony flavor, are abundant and popular in Chinese cooking, adding a unique, aromatic taste that elevates the simple dough base. Scallion pancakes have since gained popularity worldwide as a beloved appetizer or side dish in Chinese restaurants and street food stalls.

How Should Scallion Pancake Taste?

Scallion pancakes are known for their layered, crispy yet chewy texture. The outer layer is golden brown and crisp, while the interior holds delicate layers filled with scallions, delivering a savory, slightly peppery flavor. The scallions provide a fresh, mild onion taste that complements the salty, umami undertones of the dough. Each bite should be a satisfying mix of crunch and chew, with a hint of toasty flavor from the browned surface, making scallion pancakes a deliciously savory snack or appetizer.

How to Make Scallion Pancakes Super Yummy?

Here are some tips to perfect your scallion pancakes:

Rest the Dough: After kneading, let the dough rest. This relaxes the gluten and makes the pancakes easier to roll thinly without shrinking back.
Use Hot Oil: Brushing hot oil on the dough before sprinkling the scallions helps create flaky layers as the oil separates the dough during cooking.
Thin Layers and Tight Rolling: Roll the dough thinly and tightly after adding the scallions to create multiple layers that will crisp up beautifully in the pan.
Cook on Medium Heat: This allows the layers to cook evenly, ensuring a golden-brown, crispy outside and tender, layered inside.

Scallion Pancake Recipe

Scallion pancakes, also known as Cong You Bing in Chinese, are savory, flaky pancakes filled with fresh green onions (scallions) that pack a delightful crunch with every bite. These traditional Chinese street food favorites are a blend of simple ingredients and clever technique, creating an authentic dish bursting with flavor. In this blog, we'll take you through the origin of scallion pancakes, the taste journey you can expect, and expert tips to make your pancakes irresistibly flaky and crisp.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 pancakes

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Rolling Pin
Pastry brush
Non-stick skillet
Spatula

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup hot water
1 cup scallions thinly sliced
1/4 cup vegetable oil divided
1/2 teaspoon salt for sprinkling

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and hot water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll one piece into a thin circle, brush with a thin layer of oil, sprinkle with scallions, and add a pinch of salt.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, then coil it into a spiral. Flatten gently with your palm, then roll out again into a thin pancake.
Repeat with remaining dough.
Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Cook each pancake for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, serve with soy sauce or a tangy dipping sauce.
If you prefer extra crispy pancakes, cook them slightly longer on a lower heat.

Conclusion

Scallion pancakes are an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings the taste of Chinese street food right into your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a flaky, flavorful pancake that’s perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer. Give this recipe a try to impress your family and friends with a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine. Enjoy every crispy, savory bite!