Chinese Scallion Pancakes
These Chinese Scallion Pancakes are a delightful street food favorite that brings together simple ingredients for an impressive result. The key lies in the technique: rolling out thin layers of dough, brushing with butter, and sprinkling with salt and fresh scallions before rolling and coiling. This creates dozens of flaky, paper-thin layers that puff up beautifully when pan-fried. The exterior becomes golden and crisp, while the interior remains tender and chewy. The sharp, fresh flavor of the green onions cuts through the richness of the butter and oil, creating a perfect balance. Serve them warm as a satisfying snack, a light lunch, or a side dish alongside soups and stews. They are best enjoyed immediately while still hot and crispy.
Description
These Chinese Scallion Pancakes are a delightful street food favorite that brings together simple ingredients for an impressive result. The key lies in the technique: rolling out thin layers of dough, brushing with butter, and sprinkling with salt and fresh scallions before rolling and coiling. This creates dozens of flaky, paper-thin layers that puff up beautifully when pan-fried. The exterior becomes golden and crisp, while the interior remains tender and chewy. The sharp, fresh flavor of the green onions cuts through the richness of the butter and oil, creating a perfect balance. Serve them warm as a satisfying snack, a light lunch, or a side dish alongside soups and stews. They are best enjoyed immediately while still hot and crispy.
Ingredients
- 2/3 all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/3 water
- 1/2 green onions/scallions, chopped
- 1 butter or margarine, softened
- 1 salt, or to taste
- 3 cooking oil, for frying
Directions
- 1 In a medium bowl, combine 2/3 cup flour and 1/3 cup water. Mix until a dough forms. Start with less water if needed, adding gradually until the dough comes together. It may be slightly tough, which is fine.
- 2
Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Keep the pieces not in use covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.- 3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a thin rectangular shape. The thinner the dough, the more layers you will get.- 4
Spread softened butter or margarine evenly over the surface of the dough.- 5
Sprinkle salt evenly over the buttered surface according to your taste preference.- 6
Sprinkle one-third of the chopped scallions over the dough.- 7
Roll up the dough tightly from the short end, tucking in the scallions as you go. Seal the edge securely.- 8
Coil the rolled dough into a snail shell shape, pressing the end down to seal it.- 9
Gently roll out the coiled dough again until it is as flat as possible without tearing.- 10
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.- 11
Fry the pancake on both sides until golden brown and crispy. Note that only the spots touching the pan will brown deeply.- 12
Repeat with remaining dough portions.- 13
Slice into wedges and serve immediately while hot and crispy.NoteIf the pancakes are not salty enough, serve with soy sauce on the side for dipping.
For best texture, eat immediately after cooking as they lose crispiness upon cooling.
You can adjust the amount of scallions based on your preference for onion flavor.
scallion pancakes, chinese pancakes, pan seared, flaky dough, green onion, street food, asian snack, crispy bread, vegetarian, pan fried, layered dough, quick dinner - 2