Chinese Scallion Pancake Recipe: Quick and Easy

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make snack or breakfast, look no further than the traditional Chinese scallion pancake recipe. This savoury pastry is a popular street food in China and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Made with simple ingredients like flour, water, salt, vegetable oil, and green onions, it's not only tasty but also budget-friendly.

Preparing the dough for scallion pancakes is the most important step in the recipe. It's important to knead the dough until it becomes shiny and elastic, as this will help ensure that the pancakes turn out crispy and fluffy. Once the dough is ready, it's time to shape and cook the pancakes. You can either roll them out into thin circles or fold them into layers, depending on your preference. Serve them hot with your favourite dipping sauce, or pair them with a savoury soup for a more filling meal.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese scallion pancakes are a traditional and popular street food in China that can be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast.
• The dough is the most important part of the recipe, so make sure to knead it until it becomes shiny and elastic.
• Scallion pancakes can be served with a dipping sauce or paired with a savoury soup for a more filling meal.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Flour Choices

The key ingredient in scallion pancakes is flour. All-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour for this recipe, but you can also use plain flour. However, plain flour may result in a slightly denser pancake. If you want a flakier texture, you can use cake flour.

Oil Varieties

The oil you use for frying the scallion pancakes can greatly affect the taste. Vegetable oil is the most commonly used oil, but you can use other neutral vegetable oils such as peanut oil, olive oil or coconut oil. Lard or animal fat can also be used, but these can add a distinct flavour to the pancakes.

Scallion Alternatives

If you don't have scallions or green onions, you can use shallots or chives as a substitute. These will give a similar onion flavour to the pancakes. Additionally, you can also add other ingredients to the filling such as minced garlic, ginger, or even seafood. For seafood, you can use shrimp or crab meat as a suggestion.

Remember to always use salt and water in the recipe. You can also add sugar, soy sauce or sesame oil to the filling to enhance the flavour. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect scallion pancake recipe.

Preparing the Dough

If you're looking for a simple yet delicious Chinese dish to make, scallion pancakes are a great choice. One of the most important aspects of making a great scallion pancake is preparing the dough. In this section, we'll guide you through the process of preparing the dough for your scallion pancakes.

Mixing the Ingredients

To make the dough, you'll need a few basic ingredients: all-purpose flour, water, salt, and vegetable oil. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add in the water, stirring constantly until the dough comes together. You may need to adjust the ratio of flour to water slightly to get the right consistency. The dough should be smooth and elastic, but not too sticky.

Kneading and Resting

Once you've mixed the ingredients, it's time to knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting the dough will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

If you want to add seafood to your scallion pancakes, you could consider using prawns or squid. Simply chop them into small pieces and mix them into the dough before kneading. This will give your scallion pancakes an extra burst of flavour and texture.

That's it for preparing the dough for your scallion pancakes. In the next section, we'll show you how to roll out the dough and add the scallions.

Shaping and Cooking

Rolling and Layering

To shape the scallion pancake, divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a thin, flat disc. The thickness of the dough should be around 2-3mm, depending on your preference. Once you have rolled out the dough, brush a layer of flour oil paste onto the surface of the dough. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the surface of the dough, then roll it up into a long, thin cylinder. Coil the cylinder into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath. Flatten the spiral into a thin disc again, and repeat the process with the remaining dough portions.

Pan-Frying Techniques

To cook the scallion pancake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet, and then add the scallion pancake. Cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to press down on the pancake with a spatula while cooking to help it cook evenly.

Resting time is important for the dough to become soft and chewy. Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling and shaping it.

For a flaky texture, brush a layer of flour oil paste in between the layers of the rolled-out dough before cooking. This will help create a crispy, flaky texture.

Seafood can be a delicious addition to the scallion pancake filling. Small pieces of shrimp or crab meat can be added to the green onion filling for extra flavour. Alternatively, you can serve the scallion pancake with a side of seafood, such as prawns or scallops.

Overall, with a little practice, you can master the art of making Chinese scallion pancakes at home. Enjoy them as a snack or as a side dish to a main meal.

Serving and Pairings

Scallion pancakes are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a dim sum spread. Here are some suggestions for serving and pairing scallion pancakes:

Dipping Sauce Options

Scallion pancakes taste great on their own, but dipping them in a sauce can take them to the next level. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil are popular choices for dipping sauce. You can mix soy sauce and sesame oil for a simple yet delicious dipping sauce. If you want a spicier sauce, add some chili oil or minced garlic to the mix.

Another tasty option is to serve scallion pancakes with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. You can make this sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, and minced garlic. Mix well and serve in a small bowl alongside the pancakes.

Accompaniments

Scallion pancakes can be paired with a variety of dishes to create a satisfying meal. They go particularly well with seafood dishes, such as shrimp or scallops. You can serve scallion pancakes as a side dish with stir-fried veggies or braised beef noodle soup.

For a vegetarian option, try serving scallion pancakes with zucchini pancakes or soy milk. Peking duck pancakes are another popular pairing with scallion pancakes. Simply wrap the duck and scallion pancake in a thin pancake and enjoy!

Overall, scallion pancakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Experiment with different dipping sauces and accompaniments to find your favourite combination.

Storage and Reheating

When it comes to storing and reheating your Chinese scallion pancakes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they remain fresh and tasty.

Freezing and Thawing

If you want to freeze your scallion pancakes, it's best to do so before cooking them. Simply stack the uncooked pancakes with a layer of parchment paper in between each one, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

To thaw the pancakes, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature. Once they are thawed, you can cook them as normal.

Refresh Techniques

If you have leftover cooked scallion pancakes, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat them, there are a few different techniques you can use.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the pancakes on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
• Pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and place the pancakes in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.

If you want to add some seafood to your scallion pancakes, you could try adding some chopped prawns or crab meat to the filling. This will add a delicious seafood flavour and make the pancakes even more filling. Just make sure to cook the seafood before adding it to the filling, and use fresh or frozen seafood that has been thawed properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to making crispy scallion pancakes?

The secret to making crispy scallion pancakes is to use a mixture of oil and flour to create a paste, which is then spread over the dough. This creates distinct layers that are crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. Additionally, make sure to cook the pancakes on medium-high heat to ensure that they are cooked through and crispy.

Can you suggest some accompaniments for scallion pancakes?

Scallion pancakes are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and hoisin sauce. You can also serve scallion pancakes with seafood, such as shrimp or crab, for added flavour.

How do you prevent scallion pancakes from turning out too dry?

To prevent scallion pancakes from turning out too dry, make sure to use enough oil when cooking them. Additionally, do not overcook the pancakes, as this can cause them to become dry and tough. Keep an eye on the pancakes as they cook and remove them from the heat as soon as they are crispy and golden brown.

What type of flour is best for authentic Chinese pancakes?

All-purpose flour is commonly used for making authentic Chinese pancakes, but you can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or a blend of different flours. Just keep in mind that using different types of flour may affect the texture and flavour of the pancakes.

Is there a simple trick to rolling out scallion pancakes evenly?

To roll out scallion pancakes evenly, make sure to use a well-floured surface and rolling pin. You can also use a pastry scraper to help shape and smooth the dough. Additionally, rolling out the dough in a circular motion can help to create an even thickness.

Are there any variations to the traditional scallion pancake recipe worth trying?

There are many variations to the traditional scallion pancake recipe that are worth trying. For example, you can add different types of seafood, such as prawns or squid, to the pancake filling for added flavour. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic or ginger, to give the pancakes a unique twist.