Chinese Spring Onion Pancake Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Guide

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've likely come across the delicious and aromatic Chinese spring onion pancake. This savoury pastry is a popular street food in China and is enjoyed by many around the world. Making your own Chinese spring onion pancake at home is surprisingly easy, and with the right ingredients and technique, you can enjoy this tasty treat anytime you want.

To make Chinese spring onion pancakes, you'll need a few key ingredients such as plain flour, warm water, sea salt, sesame oil, and finely chopped spring onions. The dough is prepared by mixing the flour, water, and salt together, then kneading it until it is smooth. The dough is then left to rest for a short while before being rolled out and brushed with sesame oil and sprinkled with chopped spring onions. The dough is then folded and rolled again before being pan-fried until golden brown and crispy.

Overall, Chinese spring onion pancakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish. With the right ingredients and technique, you can make these pancakes at home and enjoy the authentic flavours of Chinese cuisine. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills?

Key Takeaways

• Chinese spring onion pancakes are a delicious and aromatic savoury pastry that is popular in China.
• The dough is made with plain flour, warm water, sea salt, and sesame oil, and is filled with finely chopped spring onions.
• Chinese spring onion pancakes are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish. Propose the use of seafood in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable.

Ingredients Breakdown

When it comes to making Chinese Spring Onion Pancakes, there are a few key ingredients you'll need to get started. Here's a breakdown of the most important ingredients and what you need to know about them.

Flour Choices

The type of flour you use will have a big impact on the texture and flavour of your pancakes. Most recipes call for plain flour (all-purpose flour), but you can also use bread flour or cake flour for a slightly different texture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Oils and Fats

Sesame oil is a popular choice for brushing the pancakes before cooking, as it adds a delicious nutty flavour. Vegetable oil is used for cooking the pancakes, as it has a high smoke point and won't burn easily. Lard can also be used for a richer flavour, but it's not a common ingredient in modern recipes. Olive oil is not recommended for this recipe, as it has a low smoke point and can burn easily.

Spring Onion Selection

The star ingredient of this recipe is, of course, spring onions. Look for fresh, firm spring onions with bright green tops and white bulbs. Avoid any that are wilted or slimy. You can also experiment with other types of onions or shallots for a different flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some seafood to your pancakes. Shrimp or crab meat are popular choices, and they add a delicious umami flavour to the pancakes. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and mix it in with the spring onions before adding it to the dough.

That's it for the ingredients breakdown! With these key ingredients in hand, you're ready to start making your own delicious Chinese Spring Onion Pancakes.

Dough Preparation

Making the perfect dough for Chinese Spring Onion Pancake is crucial to achieving the right texture and flavour. Here are the steps to follow:

Mixing and Resting

In a large bowl, mix 250g of plain flour and a pinch of salt. Add ¾ cup of hot water and mix with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Then, use your hands to knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour to achieve the right consistency.

Once the dough is well-kneaded, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten in the dough to relax and makes it easier to roll out later.

Kneading Techniques

Kneading is an essential step in making the perfect dough for Chinese Spring Onion Pancake. To knead the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back towards you and repeat. You can also use a rolling pin to flatten the dough and then fold it in half and repeat the process.

Dough Consistency

The dough consistency is crucial to achieving the perfect texture for your Chinese Spring Onion Pancake. The dough should be elastic and smooth, but not too sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour to achieve the right consistency.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese Spring Onion Pancake, you can try using chopped prawns or squid in the filling. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to your pancake. However, be sure not to overfill the pancake, as this can make it difficult to roll out and cook evenly.

Cooking Method

Rolling Out

To make the perfect Chinese Spring Onion Pancake, you need to start by rolling out the dough. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it out into a thin, round pancake. Make sure to add enough flour to prevent sticking. If you want a crispy and flaky texture, roll it out thin.

Pan Frying

Once you have rolled out the pancake, it's time to cook it. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the pancake in the pan and let it cook until it turns golden brown and crispy. Flip it over and cook the other side until it's crispy as well.

For a variation, you can also add seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or squid can be used as a delicious addition to the spring onion pancake. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and add it to the pancake before rolling it out.

Overall, cooking the Chinese Spring Onion Pancake is a simple and straightforward process. With a little practice, you can make a delicious and crispy pancake that will impress your guests.

Serving and Accompaniments

Dipping Sauces

Chinese spring onion pancakes are often served with a variety of dipping sauces. One of the most popular dipping sauces is soy sauce mixed with vinegar and a pinch of sugar. This sauce is both sweet and sour, and it complements the savoury flavour of the pancake. You can also mix soy sauce with chilli oil for a spicy kick.

Other dipping sauces that pair well with spring onion pancakes include hoisin sauce, sweet chilli sauce, and garlic sauce. You can also try making your own dipping sauce by mixing soy sauce with honey, ginger, and sesame oil.

Pairing Suggestions

Chinese spring onion pancakes can be served as an appetiser or as an after-school snack. They are also a great accompaniment to soups and stews. You can serve them alongside a bowl of hot and sour soup or a bowl of wonton soup.

If you want to make the dish more substantial, you can add some seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or prawns are a great addition to the pancake. You can chop them up and mix them with the spring onions before cooking. Another seafood option is scallops. You can pan-sear the scallops and serve them on top of the pancake as a garnish.

For a vegetarian option, you can serve the spring onion pancakes with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms. You can also serve them with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

Storage and Reheating

Once you have made your delicious Chinese spring onion pancakes, you may have some leftovers that you would like to store for later. Here are some instructions for storing and reheating your pancakes.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze your cooked pancakes, make sure they have cooled down completely before storing them. You can place them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and put them in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Leftovers

When you are ready to eat your leftover pancakes, there are a few ways you can reheat them. You can use a microwave or a pan on the stove.

To reheat in the microwave, place the pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for about 30 seconds or until heated through.

To reheat on the stove, heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the pancakes to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until heated through.

If you want to add some seafood to your pancakes, you can try adding some shrimp or crab meat to the filling. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and mix it with the green onion and other ingredients before adding it to the pancake dough.

It is important to note that the nutritional information of the pancakes may change if you add seafood to the recipe. Make sure to check the nutritional information of the seafood you are using before adding it to the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make Chinese spring onion pancakes?

The simplest way to make Chinese spring onion pancakes is to mix flour, water, and salt to form a dough. Then roll out the dough, brush with oil, sprinkle with chopped spring onions, and roll up the dough tightly. Flatten the dough with a rolling pin and pan-fry until golden brown on both sides.

How do you achieve that perfect flaky texture in Chinese spring onion pancakes?

To achieve the perfect flaky texture in Chinese spring onion pancakes, it is important to use the right amount of oil in the dough and brush the dough with oil before rolling it up. Also, be sure to roll out the dough thinly and evenly.

Can you suggest some accompaniments for Chinese spring onion pancakes?

Chinese spring onion pancakes are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with soy sauce, chilli sauce, or hoisin sauce. They can also be paired with stir-fried vegetables or seafood, such as prawns or squid.

How do Chinese spring onion pancakes differ from Korean green onion pancakes?

Chinese spring onion pancakes are made with a dough that is rolled out, brushed with oil, and filled with chopped spring onions before being rolled up and pan-fried. Korean green onion pancakes are made with a batter that is mixed with chopped green onions and other ingredients before being pan-fried.

What type of flour is traditionally used in Chinese pancake recipes?

The flour traditionally used in Chinese pancake recipes is all-purpose flour. However, some recipes may call for a combination of all-purpose flour and rice flour to achieve a crispier texture.

What are the key ingredients for authentic scallion pancakes?

The key ingredients for authentic scallion pancakes are all-purpose flour, water, salt, oil, and chopped spring onions. Some recipes may also include sesame oil or rice vinegar for added flavour.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese spring onion pancakes, you can try adding chopped prawns or squid to the filling before rolling up the dough. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the pancakes.