Effortless Cooking at Its Best: Chinese Chives Pancake Recipe
Do you want a savoury and satisfying breakfast option? Well, Chinese chives pancake is a great choice. This dish is a popular street food in China and is easy to make at home with just a few essential ingredients. The pancake is made with a simple batter of flour, water, and salt, and is stuffed with a filling of chopped Chinese chives and other ingredients like seafood or scrambled eggs.
Chinese chives pancake is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The pancake is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect snack or side dish. It can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, vinegar, or chilli oil, to add extra flavour. Plus, the dish is highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese chives pancake is a popular street food in China that can be easily made at home with a few essential ingredients.
- The pancake is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
- You can customize the dish by experimenting with different fillings and serving it with a variety of dipping sauces.
Background on Chinese Chives Pancake
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably heard of Chinese chives pancake. This dish, also known as Jiu Cai He Zi, is a popular snack, breakfast, or side dish in China and Taiwan. The pancake is made from a dough of flour, water, and Chinese chives. The dough is then rolled out, filled with chives and other ingredients, and pan-fried until crispy.
Chinese chives, also known as garlic chives, have a strong garlicky flavor and a distinctive aroma. They are a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking, especially in pancakes and dumplings. Chinese chives are flat, grass-like leaves and small, edible white flowers.
Chive pancake is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. It is often served with tea or as a snack. It can also be served as a side dish with other Chinese dishes.
To add a seafood twist to your chive pancake, you can add shrimp or squid to the filling. The seafood adds a delicious flavor and texture to the pancake. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp or squid, and chop it finely before adding it to the filling.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making Chinese chives pancake, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. In this section, we'll take a closer look at these ingredients and their variations.
Chives and Variations
As the name suggests, the star ingredient of this pancake recipe is chives. Chinese chives, also known as garlic chives, have a delicate garlic flavour and a slightly sweet taste. They are available fresh or frozen and can be found at most Asian grocery stores. Alternatively, you can use regular chives or scallions as a substitute.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood to your pancake batter. Dried shrimps or chopped squid are popular choices and can add a savoury umami flavour to your pancake.
Flour Types
The type of flour you use will affect the texture of your pancake. All-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour in this recipe and will give you a soft and tender pancake. However, you can also use rice flour or a combination of all-purpose and rice flour for a crispier pancake.
Liquids and Fats
Eggs serve as the main liquid component of the pancake batter. They contribute to the overall structure, texture, and flavour of the pancake. Water is also added to the batter to thin it out and make it easier to spread in the pan.
Oil is used to fry the pancake and give it a crispy exterior. Vegetable oil is the most commonly used oil, but you can also use sesame oil for added flavour. For a healthier option, you can use an air fryer instead of frying the pancake in oil.
That's it for the essential ingredients of Chinese chives pancake. In the next section, we'll take a closer look at the tools and equipment you'll need to make this delicious dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Chinese chives pancake is easy and fun. Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious dish.
Preparing the Dough
To start, you will need a mixing bowl, all-purpose flour, Chinese chives, and water. Begin by washing the Chinese chives and patting them dry with paper towels. Finely shred the chives and add them to the mixing bowl along with a tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Slowly add water to the mixture while using a pair of chopsticks to mix into a smooth paste. Knead the dough until it is soft and not sticky.
Filling and Shaping
Once the dough is ready, divide it into small balls. Take one ball and use a rolling pin to flatten it into a round pancake. Add your desired filling, such as chopped seafood, on top of the pancake. Fold the pancake into wedges and press the edges together to seal the filling inside.
Cooking the Pancake
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the pancake in the pan and cook until it is golden brown and crispy on both sides. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
You can also bake the pancake in the oven instead of pan-frying. Simply preheat the oven to 200°C and place the pancakes on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Chinese chives pancake!
Nutritional Information
If you're looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast option, Chinese chives pancakes are a great choice. These pancakes are packed with nutrients and are a great source of vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
Here's a quick rundown of the nutritional information for a typical Chinese chives pancake recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Protein | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Vitamin C | 20% |
| Potassium | 190mg |
| Iron | 15% |
| Vitamin A | 10% |
| Calcium | 6% |
| Minerals | 2% |
As you can see, these pancakes are relatively low in calories, making them a great choice for anyone who is watching their weight. They're also a good source of carbohydrates, which will give you the energy you need to start your day off right.
One thing to note is that these pancakes are relatively high in fat, so if you're trying to cut back on your fat intake, you may want to limit your portion size or consider using a lower-fat recipe.
If you're looking to boost the nutritional value of your Chinese chives pancakes, you might consider adding some seafood to the recipe. Shrimp or crab meat can be a great addition to the batter, adding extra protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids to your meal.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Accompaniments
The Chinese chives pancake is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. One popular choice is soy sauce, which adds a salty and savoury flavour to the pancake. You can also use fish sauce instead of soy sauce for a more pungent taste.
For a touch of freshness, you can garnish the pancake with chopped scallions. This adds a mild onion-like flavour and a pop of green colour. Additionally, you can sprinkle five-spice powder on top of the pancake to add a hint of sweetness and warmth.
If you want to make a complete meal out of the pancake, you can serve it with dumplings. The dumplings can be steamed or pan-fried and filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables. This makes for a satisfying and flavourful meal.
Beverage Pairings
The Chinese chives pancake pairs well with a variety of beverages. One popular choice is tea, which can be served hot or cold. Green tea or oolong tea are good options as they complement the savoury flavour of the pancake.
If you prefer something stronger, you can pair the pancake with beer or wine. A light lager or pilsner pairs well with the pancake, as does a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
For a non-alcoholic option, you can serve the pancake with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.
If you want to add seafood to the pancake, you can use shrimp or crab meat. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and mix it into the batter before cooking. This adds a delicious seafood flavour to the pancake and makes it even more satisfying.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Alternative Cooking Methods
There are different ways to cook Chinese chives pancake. The most common method is pan-frying, but you can also bake or grill them. If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the pancake instead of frying. To do this, preheat your oven to 200°C and place the pancake on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Another alternative method is grilling. You can use a grill pan or an outdoor grill. To grill, brush the pancake with some vegetable oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Chinese chives, you can use garlic chives or leeks as a substitute. However, the taste will be slightly different. You can also add onions or garlic to the batter for extra flavour.
If you are allergic to seafood or prefer not to use it, you can skip the dried shrimp. However, if you want to add seafood to the pancake, you can use dried oysters or scallops as a substitute. You can also add some shrimp or crab meat to the filling for a more flavourful pancake.
Other Cooking Tips
- Use cold water instead of boiling water to make the batter. This will make the pancake more crispy.
- Use a sharp knife to chop the chives finely. This will help distribute the flavour evenly in the pancake.
- Use a chopstick to mix the batter instead of a whisk. This will prevent overmixing and make the pancake more fluffy.
- Add some greens to the pancake for extra nutrition. You can use spinach, kale, or any other leafy greens you like.
Remember to experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods to find the perfect pancake recipe for you. Have fun and enjoy your homemade Chinese chives pancake!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the simplest way to make Chinese chive pancakes at home?
Making Chinese chive pancakes at home is easy and straightforward. All you need is a handful of ingredients, including all-purpose flour, Chinese chives, eggs, vegetable oil, salt, and water. Mix the ingredients to form a batter, and then cook the pancakes in a frying pan until they are golden brown.
Could you recommend the best Chinese chive pancake recipe?
There are many Chinese chive pancake recipes out there, but the best one is the recipe that suits your taste buds. You can find many recipes online, including the ones that incorporate seafood such as dried shrimps. You can also experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique recipe.
How do you incorporate chives into Chinese-style pancakes?
To incorporate chives into Chinese-style pancakes, you need to chop the chives into small pieces and mix them into the pancake batter. You can also add scrambled eggs or seafood to the batter to enhance the flavour.
What type of flour is typically used for crafting Chinese pancakes?
All-purpose flour is typically used for crafting Chinese pancakes. You can also use wheat flour or rice flour, depending on your preference.
In what ways can chives be used in cooking beyond pancakes?
Chives can be used in many ways beyond pancakes. They can be used as a garnish for soups, salads, and stir-fries. They can also be used to flavour sauces, dips, and dressings. Chives can also be used to make dumplings, omelettes, and other Chinese-style dishes.
What distinctive taste do Chinese chives bring to dishes?
Chinese chives have a unique flavour that is slightly garlicky and oniony. They add a fresh, crisp taste to dishes and are a great way to add flavour and texture to Chinese-style pancakes.