Chives Pancake Chinese Recipe: Easy Cooking at its Best

Chive pancake is a popular Chinese snack or breakfast dish that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is made with a batter consisting of all-purpose flour, eggs, and chopped chives. The pancake is then pan-fried until golden brown and served with a dipping sauce.

The chives pancake recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Some variations of the recipe suggest adding seafood, such as dried shrimps or oysters, to enhance the flavour. The pancake can also be served as a side dish with other Chinese dishes or as a street food.

Key Takeaways

• Chive pancake is a popular Chinese snack or breakfast dish made with a batter consisting of all-purpose flour, eggs, and chopped chives.
• The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste preferences, including the addition of seafood.
• Chive pancake can be served as a side dish, a street food, or as part of a meal with other Chinese dishes.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Main Ingredients

The main ingredients for making chives pancake are all-purpose flour, eggs, chives, and oil. All-purpose flour serves as a binding agent in the recipe and helps create a cohesive batter while absorbing excess moisture from the chives. Eggs serve as the main liquid component of the pancake batter. Chives are the star of the recipe and provide a unique flavour to the dish. Oil is used for frying the pancake.

Flavour Enhancers

To enhance the flavour of the chives pancake, you can add garlic chives, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, and dried shrimp. Garlic chives have a more pungent flavour than regular chives and can be used as a substitute. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce add a salty umami flavour to the dish. Sesame oil is used to add a nutty flavour. Dried shrimp can also be added to the pancake batter to give it a seafood flavour.

Substitute Suggestions

If you don't have chives, you can use other vegetables such as scallions or leeks as a substitute. All-purpose flour can be substituted with cake flour or self-raising flour. Vegetable oil can be used instead of peanut oil or canola oil. If you want to make the pancake healthier, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil. If you don't have dried shrimp, you can use other seafood such as shrimp or crab.

Remember that the quality of the ingredients you use will affect the overall taste of the dish. So, it is recommended to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Preparing the Batter

When it comes to making chive pancakes, the batter is the most important part of the recipe. The batter should be mixed to the right consistency to ensure that the pancakes come out perfectly. Here's how you can prepare the batter for chive pancakes:

Mixing Techniques

To prepare the batter for chive pancakes, you will need a mixing bowl. In the mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, eggs, salt, and a tablespoon of oil. Mix the ingredients well until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

You can also add seafood to the batter for added flavor. Shrimp is a great option for seafood lovers. To use shrimp, fry them in oil until fragrant and add them to the batter.

Consistency and Texture

The consistency of the batter is crucial to making delicious chive pancakes. The batter should be slightly sticky to the touch but not too thick. If the batter is too thick, add a little bit of water until it reaches the right consistency.

Once the batter is mixed, knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little bit of flour on it and knead it again.

When you're ready to cook the pancakes, bring a pot of boiling water to a boil. Add cold water to the pot to cool it down slightly. Dip the batter in the pot and then fry the pancake in a pan until it is golden brown.

By following these tips, you can make the perfect batter for chive pancakes.

Cooking Process

Pan Frying

To start cooking your chives pancake, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the skillet evenly. Wait for the oil to heat up before adding the pancake batter.

Once the oil is hot, pour a ladleful of batter into the skillet and spread it evenly with a spatula. Cook the pancake for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until it is golden brown.

Achieving the Perfect Brown

To achieve the perfect brown, make sure to use medium-high heat and wait for the oil to heat up before adding the pancake batter. Also, avoid flipping the pancake too often as it can prevent it from browning evenly.

Once the pancake is browned, remove it from the skillet and cut it into wedges. Serve immediately while it is still hot and crispy.

To add some seafood to your chives pancake recipe, you can consider adding some chopped shrimp or squid to the batter. Make sure to clean and devein the shrimp before chopping them into small pieces. For the squid, remove the skin and cut it into small rings. Add the seafood to the batter before cooking the pancake.

Overall, pan-frying your chives pancake in a non-stick skillet with some cooking oil is the best way to achieve a crispy and golden brown texture. Serve it immediately for the best taste and texture.

Serving and Garnishing

Accompaniments

When serving chives pancake, you can use a variety of accompaniments to enhance the flavour and presentation of the dish. Some popular options include soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce and fish sauce. You can also add some greens like scallions to add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.

For seafood lovers, you can also add some seafood to the chives pancake. Shrimps, prawns or scallops are all great options to add a touch of sweetness and texture to the dish. Simply chop them up and mix them into the batter before frying.

Presentation Tips

To make your chives pancake look more appealing, you can garnish it with some chopped scallions or greens. This will also add some extra flavour and texture to the dish. You can also serve it with some soy sauce or oyster sauce on the side for dipping.

When serving the chives pancake, you can cut it into small pieces or wedges to make it easier to eat and share. You can also stack the pieces on top of each other to create a tower or pyramid shape, which will make it look more impressive.

Overall, chives pancake is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer or main course. By using the right accompaniments and presentation tips, you can elevate the dish to the next level and impress your guests with your culinary skills.

Nutritional Information

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast option, Chinese chive pancakes are a great choice. They're packed with flavour and nutrients, making them a satisfying and nutritious way to start your day.

One serving of chive pancake contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option. It's also low in cholesterol and high in vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Chive pancakes are rich in carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy. They're also high in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart. Additionally, they're high in iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy immune system.

If you're looking to boost your vitamin C intake, chive pancakes are a great choice. They're also high in vitamin A and carotene, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function.

To make your chive pancakes even more nutritious, consider adding seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or crab meat can be great additions, providing the dish with additional protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need for a Chinese chive pancake?

To make Chinese chive pancakes, you will need all-purpose flour, Asian chives (garlic chives), eggs, vegetable oil, salt, and water. If you want to add some seafood to your chive pancakes, you can use dried shrimps.

How many calories are in a Chinese chive pancake?

The number of calories in a Chinese chive pancake varies depending on the size and ingredients used. On average, a Chinese chive pancake contains around 150-200 calories.

Can you use chives in traditional Chinese cooking?

Yes, chives are commonly used in traditional Chinese cooking. They are used in a variety of dishes, including dumplings, stir-fries, and soups.

What's the difference between Chinese and Korean chive pancakes?

The main difference between Chinese and Korean chive pancakes is the type of flour used. Chinese chive pancakes are made using all-purpose flour, while Korean chive pancakes are made using wheat flour. Additionally, Korean chive pancakes often include seafood, such as oysters or squid.

What's the typical flavour profile of Chinese chives?

Chinese chives have a mild onion-like flavour with a slightly sweet taste. They are often used in dishes to add a subtle garlic flavour.

Are there any variations of chive pancakes in other Asian cuisines?

Yes, there are several variations of chive pancakes in other Asian cuisines. For example, in Japanese cuisine, there is a dish called "negiyaki," which is similar to chive pancakes but includes cabbage and pork. In Vietnamese cuisine, there is a dish called "banh khot," which is a mini pancake made with rice flour and coconut milk and includes shrimp and scallions.

If you want to add some seafood to your Chinese chive pancakes, you can use dried shrimps. They add a nice umami flavour to the pancakes. However, if you want to use fresh seafood, you can try using chopped shrimp or squid. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the pancake batter.