Green onion pancakes, or scallion pancakes, are a beloved street food and breakfast staple in many parts of China. These savory delights boast a wonderfully flaky, layered texture, achieved through a simple yet effective dough-stretching technique. The fragrant green onions interwoven throughout the dough provide a delightful burst of fresh flavor with every bite, perfectly complemented by a subtly crispy exterior. Whether enjoyed on their own or alongside a dipping sauce, these pancakes offer a satisfying and versatile culinary experience, easily adaptable to various tastes and preferences.
Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked pancake – layers of delicate dough separating with each chew, releasing a fragrant aroma of fresh scallions. This seemingly simple dish offers a rewarding culinary challenge, and thankfully, mastering the art of making green onion pancakes is surprisingly accessible. Ready to learn the secrets to creating these delicious pancakes? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Large bowl
- Spoon/fork
- Spatula
- Work surface
- Bowl
- Rolling pin
- Shallow pan/cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- Plain flour: 3 cups
- Boiling hot water: 1 1/2 cups
- Salt: to taste
- Green onions: 200 grams
- Oil
- Light soy sauce: 1/4 cup
- Rice wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Ginger: 1 inch, finely chopped
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Dough
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Gradually add boiling water, mixing with a spatula until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a work surface to continue kneading.
- Place the dough in a bowl, coat with a few drops of oil, cover, and let rest for 2 hours.
- Roll the rested dough into a thick log, divide into 8 equal parts, and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Slightly flatten each ball, coat with oil, cover with a damp cloth, and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Filling and Shape the Pancakes
- Chop 200 grams of green onions.
- Oil your work surface. Flatten a dough ball, roll into a large rectangle, spread chopped onions evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then roll into a spiral, tucking the end at the bottom. Repeat for remaining dough.
Step 3. Cook the Pancakes
- Roll out the spirals as thinly as possible.
- Heat oil in a shallow pan and cook pancakes on medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet for best results.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1800-2000
- Fat: 50-60g
- Carbs: 250-280g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green onions?
While fresh green onions are best for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen. Just make sure they're fully thawed and well-squeezed to remove excess moisture before adding them to the dough.
2. What's the best dipping sauce for green onion pancakes?
Many options exist! A simple soy sauce and vinegar mixture is classic. You can also try a spicy chili oil, a sweet and sour sauce, or even a creamy peanut sauce. Experiment to find your favorite!
Making these delicious Chinese green onion pancakes is easier than you might think, rewarding you with a fantastic homemade treat. From the satisfying process of layering the dough to the incredible flavor of the finished product, this recipe is a surefire way to impress friends and family. So grab your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!