How to Make Chinese-Style Scallion Pancakes: A Delicious Step-by-Step Guide

1. Ingredients for Chinese-Style Scallion Pancakes

Chinese-style scallion pancakes, also known as cong you bing, are a crispy and savory delight. To make these pancakes, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 bunch of scallions (green onions)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• Oil for frying

These ingredients come together to create a delicious, crispy pancake with a fragrant scallion filling. It's a simple recipe but yields exceptional results that will impress anyone!

2. Preparing the Dough for Scallion Pancakes

The dough is the foundation of the pancake, and it’s important to get it just right. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by adding the flour to a mixing bowl, then slowly pour in the hot water while stirring with chopsticks or a wooden spoon.
2. Mix the ingredients until they form a rough dough. Let it cool down before kneading it on a clean surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
3. Once the dough is smooth, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to roll out later.

Resting the dough is a crucial step as it ensures a tender and flaky texture for your scallion pancakes.

3. Cooking and Frying the Scallion Pancakes

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to shape and cook the scallion pancakes:

1. Divide the dough into small balls, then roll each ball into a thin round sheet about 8-10 inches wide.
2. Brush each sheet of dough lightly with vegetable oil and sprinkle with chopped scallions, salt, and a pinch of sugar.
3. Carefully roll up the dough like a log and coil it into a spiral. Let the spiral rest for a few minutes before flattening it out into a thin disc.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Frying the scallion pancakes is the key to achieving that perfect crispy texture, so be sure not to rush this step!

4. Tips for Perfect Scallion Pancakes Every Time

Here are a few expert tips to elevate your scallion pancake game:

• Make sure the water is hot when you add it to the flour. This helps create a soft dough that’s easy to work with.
• If you prefer an extra crispy pancake, you can double fry it. Fry it once on a medium heat, then let it rest and fry it again for 1-2 minutes on high heat.
• Use fresh scallions for the best flavor. The more aromatic, the better!
• To make your pancakes even more indulgent, you can add a little sesame oil along with the vegetable oil for frying.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of crispy, flaky, and savory in every bite.

5. Where to Buy Ingredients for Scallion Pancakes

Getting the right ingredients is essential for making authentic Chinese-style scallion pancakes. You can find most of these ingredients in your local Asian grocery store or online. If you want the freshest ingredients, click here to explore high-quality products for Chinese cooking at GoChinaRose. They offer a wide range of Asian ingredients, including fresh scallions, authentic flour, and cooking oils that will take your scallion pancakes to the next level!