Our scallion pancake recipe will satisfy your cravings! Scallion pancakes are a popular savory delight in Chinese cuisine, known for their crispy texture and mouthwatering flavors. This recipe combines simple ingredients like flour, scallions, and oil to create a delightful snack or side dish that will leave you wanting more. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create these irresistible scallion pancakes in the comfort of your own kitchen. You won’t be able to resist this flavorful Chinese treat!
Ingredients for Scallion Pancakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped scallions (green onions)
In order to make delicious scallion pancakes, you will need a few key ingredients. Start by gathering 2 cups of all-purpose flour, which will form the base of the pancakes. Additionally, you will need 1 cup of hot water to create the dough. This will help bind the flour and create a soft and pliable texture.
Next, you’ll need 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, which will be used both in the dough and for frying the pancakes. The oil adds a rich and crispy texture to the pancakes. Don’t forget to divide the oil, as some will be used in the dough and the rest will be used for frying.
To enhance the flavor of the pancakes, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of salt. This will balance the taste and bring out the savory flavors of the scallions. Speaking of scallions, you’ll need 2 cups of chopped scallions (green onions) to give the pancakes their signature taste and appearance.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you’ll be ready to start making the scallion pancakes and indulge in this savory and irresistible Chinese delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Scallion Pancakes
- Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of finely chopped scallions
- Additional vegetable oil for frying
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually pour the boiling water into the flour mixture while stirring with a spoon or chopsticks. Continue stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
- After the resting time, divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
- Take one portion and roll it into a thin, rectangular sheet. Brush the surface with vegetable oil and sprinkle a generous amount of chopped scallions on top.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Take the rolled log and twist it into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath.
- Flatten the spiral-shaped dough with your hand and then roll it out again into a thin pancake. Repeat this process for the remaining portions of dough.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Cook each pancake for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the scallion pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the scallion pancakes warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Scallion Pancakes
Follow these tips and tricks to ensure that your scallion pancakes turn out perfectly delicious every time:
- Use cold water: When making the pancake dough, be sure to use cold water instead of warm or hot water. Cold water helps create a crispy texture in the pancake.
- Rest the dough: After kneading the dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender pancake.
- Roll out the dough thinly: When rolling out the dough, aim for a thin and even thickness. This helps in achieving a crispy exterior while ensuring the pancake cooks evenly.
- Evenly distribute scallions: Make sure to evenly distribute the chopped scallions over the surface of the pancake dough. This ensures that every bite is packed with the delightful flavor of scallions.
- Oil temperature: Heat the pan and oil properly before cooking the pancakes. The oil should be hot enough to create a sizzling sound when the pancake is added. This helps in achieving a crispy and golden-brown crust.
- Flip with confidence: When flipping the pancake, do it with confidence and a swift motion. This helps prevent the pancake from sticking to the pan and ensures an even cooking on both sides.
- Serve immediately: Scallion pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy for the ultimate taste experience.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create scallion pancakes that are truly irresistible and bursting with savory flavors!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions and variations to try:
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy the scallion pancakes as a standalone appetizer or snack. Serve them hot off the stove for the best taste and texture.
- Pair the pancakes with a dipping sauce. Traditional options include soy sauce, vinegar, or a combination of the two. You can also mix in a bit of chili oil for some added heat.
- Serve scallion pancakes alongside a bowl of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup for a delicious Chinese-inspired meal.
- Create a scallion pancake wrap by adding your favorite fillings. Some popular choices include sliced cucumber, shredded chicken or pork, and hoisin sauce.
Variations:
While the classic scallion pancake recipe is undeniably delicious, you can also experiment with some variations to add your own twist:
- Seafood Scallion Pancakes: Incorporate chopped shrimp, crab meat, or squid into the pancake batter for a seafood twist. Serve with a tangy seafood dipping sauce.
- Cheese and Scallion Pancakes: Sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, on top of the pancake before flipping it. The cheese will melt and create a savory and gooey filling.
- Veggie Scallion Pancakes: Add additional vegetables to the pancake batter, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for a more nutritious option. Serve with a side of soy-based dipping sauce.
- Spicy Scallion Pancakes: Mix in some finely chopped chili peppers or a dash of chili powder into the pancake batter for a spicy kick. Serve with a cooling yogurt or cucumber sauce to balance the heat.
Whatever serving suggestion or variation you choose, scallion pancakes are sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy the crispy and savory goodness of this Chinese delicacy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, scallion pancakes are a delectable and popular Chinese dish that is loved by many. This savory delight offers a unique combination of flavors and textures, making it irresistible to both vegans and meat-eaters alike. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, scallion pancakes are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in sauce, or served alongside other dishes, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Give it a try and bring a taste of China to your own kitchen!