Until I started making them about a year ago, I didn’t realize how easy they were to cook at home!
How To Make Scallion Pancakes
To make the pancakes, all you need are four basic ingredients: flour, hot (boiling) water, scallions, and salt. The hot water makes the pancakes easier to flatten, especially during the first rollout. I tried this recipe with room temperature water, and the dough shrank back constantly. I usually boil water with my electric kettle and measure out 3/4 cups of the water in a glass measuring cup. Then, I pour the water directly into the flour.
A Secret Ingredient: Garlic Powder
I also add garlic powder to my scallion pancakes because I think this adds great flavor to the pancakes. But you can skip it if you don’t have garlic powder in your spice drawer, or if you don’t like garlic. (A bit of onion powder also works wonderfully in these pancakes!)
How To Serve Scallion Pancakes
The pancakes are great on their own, or paired with a soy sauce and vinegar based dipping sauce. Serve them while they’re hot from the griddle and still crispy!
Delicious Chinese Recipes to Pair with Scallion Pancakes
Sichuan Style Stir-Fried Chinese Long Beans Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Moo Goo Gai Pan (Chinese Chicken and Mushroom Stir Fry) Slow Cooker Chinese Pulled Pork Char Siu Chicken
2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional 3/4 cup hot (just boiling) water, plus a few more tablespoons, if necessary 1/4 cup canola oil 3 to 4 scallions, thinly sliced
For the dipping sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
Continue kneading the dough for about 2 more minutes. The dough will feel moist but it should not stick to your hands too much. Shape piece of dough into a small ball. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a thin circle, about 7 to 8 inches in diameter. Use the palm of your hand to flatten the dough into a thick circle. Roll it out again with your rolling pin. Try to roll it out as thinly as possible. A few slices of scallions may pop out during the process, and that’s perfectly normal. Transfer rolled out scallion pancake to a plate. Repeat steps 4 through 6 with the remaining dough pieces. Place one of the pancakes in the middle of the pan and pan fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the 3 remaining scallion pancakes, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
