Chinese-style pancakes, also known as "Cong You Bing" or scallion pancakes, are a beloved street food in China. These savory, flaky, and slightly chewy pancakes are packed with the fragrant taste of green onions and a crispy outer layer. Though the preparation involves a few steps, the ingredients are simple, and the effort is well worth the reward. In this blog, I will walk you through the recipe to make delicious Chinese-style pancakes at home, along with tips to ensure success.
Ingredients for Chinese-Style Pancakes
To make approximately 4-6 pancakes, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups of all-purpose flour: This serves as the base for the dough.
1/2 cup of boiling water: Helps in creating the dough texture.
1/4 cup of room temperature water: Used to adjust the dough.
1/2 teaspoon of salt: To season the dough.
1/4 cup of vegetable oil: Essential for the rolling and frying process.
A bunch of scallions (green onions): Thinly sliced to add flavor.
Sesame oil (optional): Adds an aromatic twist to the pancakes.
Extra flour for dusting: To keep the dough from sticking during rolling.
Dipping sauce (optional): Soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar can complement the pancakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chinese-Style Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The first step in making Chinese-style pancakes is to prepare the dough. For this, sift 2 cups of all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt for flavor.
Slowly pour the 1/2 cup of boiling water into the flour mixture while stirring with a spatula or chopsticks. The boiling water helps to partially cook the flour, giving the pancakes their characteristic chewiness.
After the mixture cools down a bit, add 1/4 cup of room temperature water and knead the dough until it becomes soft and smooth. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the dough is well-kneaded, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 2: Prepare the Scallions
While the dough rests, prepare the scallions, also known as green onions. Clean and trim about a bunch (6-8) scallions and slice them thinly. These scallions will be incorporated into the pancake dough later to give the signature flavor of the Chinese pancake.
Step 3: Divide and Roll the Dough
Once the dough has rested, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a log shape and divide it into equal portions. Depending on the size you prefer, you can divide the dough into 4 to 6 pieces.
Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a thin circle (about 8-10 inches in diameter).
Brush a thin layer of vegetable oil over the surface of the dough circle. This helps create the distinct flaky layers during cooking.
Sprinkle a small pinch of salt and a generous amount of sliced scallions over the oiled dough. For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few drops of sesame oil at this stage, although it is optional.
Step 4: Roll and Coil the Dough
To achieve the flakiness that is characteristic of Chinese pancakes, follow this rolling technique:
Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough circle into a cylinder, similar to how you would roll a cinnamon roll.
Once you have a long cylinder, coil it into a spiral shape, tucking the end under the spiral. Press the spiral gently to flatten it slightly.
Roll out the spiral again into a thin pancake, about 7-8 inches in diameter. Repeat this process for each dough ball.
This technique is what gives the pancakes their multiple thin layers and ensures they will be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan and allow it to heat up.
Place one rolled pancake in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
As the pancake cooks, press it gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
You’ll know the pancake is ready when it is golden and crispy on the outside but still soft and chewy inside. Repeat this process for the remaining pancakes, adding more oil as needed.
Step 6: Serve the Pancakes
Once the pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Chinese-style pancakes are best served hot, either whole or cut into wedges.
They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce. Popular options for dipping include soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, or even a mix of soy sauce and sesame oil.
Tips for Making Perfect Chinese-Style Pancakes
1. Resting the Dough is Key
Letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes is crucial. This step ensures that the dough becomes easier to roll out and develops the right texture.
2. Use Hot and Cold Water for the Dough
The combination of hot boiling water and room temperature water helps in achieving the chewy yet flaky texture of the pancake. The boiling water partially cooks the flour, while the cold water helps the dough hold its shape.
3. Adjust Scallion Quantity to Taste
Scallions give these pancakes their signature flavor, so feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preference. More scallions will make the pancakes more fragrant and flavorful, while fewer scallions will give a milder taste.
4. Control Oil Usage
While oil is essential for creating the flakiness, you don’t want the pancakes to be overly greasy. Brush a thin layer of oil when rolling the dough and use just enough oil for frying.
5. Variations
To add some variation, you can experiment with different fillings. For instance, adding finely chopped garlic or a sprinkle of five-spice powder can add an extra layer of flavor to the pancakes.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese-style pancakes are versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even part of a main course. They pair well with:
Dipping sauces: Soy sauce with a dash of vinegar or chili oil.
Stir-fried dishes: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables or meats.
Soups: These pancakes are a great accompaniment to a hot bowl of soup.
Conclusion
Chinese-style pancakes are a delightful and satisfying dish that you can easily recreate at home. While they may seem intricate, the process is straightforward once you get the hang of the rolling technique. Whether you enjoy them as a savory snack or as part of a meal, these pancakes are sure to impress your family and friends with their rich flavor and crispy texture. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon have a go-to dish that brings the flavors of Chinese street food right to your kitchen!
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