Chinese Pancake Recipe: How to Make Delicious Scallion Pancakes

Chinese pancakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are made with a simple dough that is flavoured with green onions and sesame oil, then rolled out and pan-fried until crispy. Chinese pancakes can be served on their own as a snack or appetizer, or used as a wrap for other dishes such as Peking duck or moo shu pork.

To make Chinese pancakes, you will need a few basic ingredients, including flour, water, salt, green onions, and sesame oil. You can also add other ingredients to the dough, such as Sichuan peppercorns or seafood, to give the pancakes a unique flavour. Once you have prepared the dough, you will need to roll it out into thin circles and cook them in a hot pan until they are golden brown and crispy.

Chinese pancakes are a popular dish in China and around the world, and there are many variations of the recipe. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner, you can easily make Chinese pancakes at home and enjoy this delicious and versatile dish.

Understanding Chinese Pancakes

Chinese pancakes are a popular snack and breakfast item in China. They are also commonly served in Chinese restaurants, particularly with Peking duck. Chinese pancakes are typically made from flour, water, and oil, and are often filled with scallions or other ingredients.

History and Varieties

Chinese pancakes have a long history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). They were originally made with millet flour, but over time, wheat flour became the preferred ingredient. Today, there are many different varieties of Chinese pancakes, including scallion pancakes, Mandarin pancakes, and Shou Zhua Bing.

Scallion pancakes are perhaps the most well-known type of Chinese pancake. They are made by mixing flour, water, and oil, and then rolling the dough into a thin sheet. Chopped scallions are then added to the dough, and the pancake is cooked until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Mandarin pancakes are another popular type of Chinese pancake. They are typically served with Peking duck, and are made by mixing flour, water, and oil, and then rolling the dough into thin rounds. The pancakes are then cooked on a griddle until they are lightly browned.

Shou Zhua Bing, also known as crispy Chinese pancakes, are a type of pancake that is made by frying a dough that has been mixed with scallions, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. The result is a crispy pancake that is often served with a dipping sauce.

Cultural Significance

Chinese pancakes are an important part of Chinese cuisine and culture. They are often served during the Chinese New Year, and are also a popular street food in China. In addition, they are a common breakfast item, and are often served with soy milk or congee.

Chinese pancakes are also commonly served in Chinese restaurants, particularly with Peking duck. They are used to wrap the duck meat and other ingredients, such as scallions and hoisin sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your Chinese pancake recipe, you can try adding shrimp or crab meat. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and mix it into the dough before cooking. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to your pancakes, making them even more delicious.

Basic Ingredients and Alternatives

Chinese pancakes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings. The basic ingredients for Chinese pancakes are flour, water, and oil. However, there are alternatives that can be used to give the pancakes a unique taste.

Flour Choices

All-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour for making Chinese pancakes. However, rice flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative. It is important to note that rice flour will produce a pancake with a different texture than all-purpose flour.

Oils and Fats

Vegetable oil is the most commonly used oil for making Chinese pancakes. However, lard or animal fat can be used to give the pancakes a richer flavour. Sesame oil or olive oil can be used for a nutty or fruity taste respectively. Neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil can also be used as an alternative.

Additional Flavourings

Green onions are a popular flavouring for Chinese pancakes. Sesame seeds can also be added for texture and flavour. Soy sauce can be added to the dough for a savoury taste. If you want to add seafood to your pancakes, shrimp or crab meat can be used as a tasty addition.

Chinese pancakes are a simple dish that can be made with basic ingredients. However, there are alternatives that can be used to give the pancakes a unique flavour. Experimenting with different ingredients can lead to a delicious and personalised pancake recipe.

Preparing the Dough

Making Chinese pancakes is not as difficult as it may seem. The key to a successful pancake is in the dough. Here's how you can prepare the dough for your Chinese pancakes.

Mixing and Kneading

To make the dough, you will need all-purpose flour, salt, and water. Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add water to the flour mixture while stirring. You can use hot water or boiling water to make the dough. Hot water helps to activate the gluten in the flour, making the dough more elastic. However, boiling water can make the dough too hot to handle, so be careful.

Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a clean surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, which gives the pancakes their chewy texture. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.

Resting Time

After kneading the dough, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough later. It also helps to prevent the dough from shrinking when you roll it out.

During the resting time, you can prepare your pancake filling. You can use a variety of fillings, such as scallions, seafood, or meat. If you choose to use seafood, you can use shrimp or crab meat as a delicious and flavourful option.

After the dough has rested, divide it into small pieces and roll each piece out into a thin pancake. You can cook the pancakes in a skillet or on a griddle until they are golden brown and crispy.

With these simple steps, you can prepare the perfect dough for your Chinese pancakes. Enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the Perfect Texture

When making Chinese scallion pancakes, achieving the perfect texture is key to a successful dish. You want your pancakes to be crispy and flaky on the outside, while still being slightly chewy on the inside. To achieve this texture, the dough needs to be kneaded until it is smooth and elastic. It is important not to over-knead the dough, as this can result in tough pancakes.

To create the layers in the pancake, the dough needs to be rolled out into a thin circle, brushed with oil, and sprinkled with chopped scallions. The dough is then rolled up tightly, like a Swiss roll, and coiled into a spiral. This spiral is then flattened and rolled out into a pancake shape.

When cooking the pancakes, it is important to use a skillet that is well-oiled and hot. A cast iron skillet is ideal, as it retains heat well and distributes it evenly. However, a nonstick skillet can also be used. Pan-frying the pancakes in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy is the best way to achieve the perfect texture.

Cooking Equipment

When making Chinese scallion pancakes, there are a few essential pieces of equipment you will need. Firstly, you will need a mixing bowl to combine the flour, water, and salt to make the dough. A rolling pin is also necessary for rolling out the dough into thin circles.

When cooking the pancakes, a skillet or frying pan is essential. As mentioned earlier, a cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving the perfect texture, but a nonstick skillet can also be used. It is important to use a skillet that is well-oiled and hot to ensure the pancakes cook evenly and become crispy.

If you want to add seafood to your scallion pancake, you can use shrimp or crab meat. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and sprinkle it over the scallions before rolling up the dough. The seafood will add a delicious flavour to the pancakes and make them even more delicious.

Serving and Storage

Accompaniments

Scallion pancakes are delicious on their own, but they can be even better when served with a dipping sauce. A simple soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce is a classic accompaniment that complements the savoury flavour of the pancakes. You can also use chilli oil or sweet chilli sauce for a spicy kick. If you prefer something sweeter, try dipping the pancakes in hoisin sauce or sweet and sour sauce. If you're looking for a refreshing drink to pair with your pancakes, try some cold soy milk.

If you want to add some seafood to your pancakes, you can try adding some chopped shrimp or crab meat to the filling. These seafood options work well with the savoury flavour of the scallions and add a nice texture to the pancakes.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover scallion pancakes, you can store them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the pancakes, you can either microwave them for 15-20 seconds or heat them up in a pan over medium heat until they are crispy again.

If you want to freeze your scallion pancakes, separate each pancake with parchment paper and place them in a ziploc bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply cook them directly from frozen until they are crispy and heated through.

The total time for storing and reheating scallion pancakes is about 5 minutes, while the cook time for reheating in a pan is about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to make a traditional Chinese pancake at home?

The best way to make a traditional Chinese pancake at home is to use a simple recipe that includes flour, water, and salt. You can also add scallions or other ingredients to give the pancake more flavor. The key is to mix the ingredients well and knead the dough thoroughly before rolling it out into thin circles. Cook the pancakes in a non-stick pan until they are golden brown on both sides.

Can you share a simple recipe for scallion pancakes?

Certainly! To make scallion pancakes, you will need flour, water, salt, and chopped scallions. Mix the flour, water, and salt together to form a dough, then knead it until it is smooth. Roll the dough out into thin circles and sprinkle the chopped scallions on top. Fold the dough in half, then roll it out again. Cook the pancakes in a non-stick pan until they are golden brown on both sides.

What are the main ingredients needed for a classic Chinese pancake?

The main ingredients needed for a classic Chinese pancake are flour, water, and salt. You can also add scallions or other ingredients to give the pancake more flavor. Some recipes may also call for yeast or baking powder to help the pancake rise.

How do Chinese pancakes differ from their Korean counterparts?

Chinese pancakes and Korean pancakes are both made with flour, water, and salt, but they differ in texture and flavor. Chinese pancakes are thin and crispy, while Korean pancakes are thicker and more doughy. Chinese pancakes are often used as a wrap for meat or vegetables, while Korean pancakes are usually served as a side dish or snack.

What's the difference between Shou Zhua Bing and Cong You Bing?

Shou Zhua Bing and Cong You Bing are both types of Chinese pancakes, but they differ in their ingredients and preparation. Shou Zhua Bing is made with flour, water, and salt, and is often filled with meat or vegetables. Cong You Bing, on the other hand, is made with flour, water, salt, and scallions, and is often served as a snack or side dish.

Where might one buy ready-made Chinese pancakes?

Ready-made Chinese pancakes can be found at many Asian grocery stores or online. They are often sold in packs of 10 or 20 and can be stored in the freezer until ready to use. However, making your own pancakes at home is a simple and cost-effective alternative.