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Crispy Flaky Homemade Scallion Pancakes

Ultra-crispy, chewy, and flaky Chinese scallion pancakes (Cong You Bing) made from scratch with a hot water dough, loaded with fresh green onions and sesame oil.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 pancakes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

The Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup boiling water
  • 0.25 cup cold water
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
The Filling & Frying
  • 1 bunch scallions (green onions) finely chopped, about 1 cup
  • 3 tbs neutral oil canola or vegetable
  • 1 tbs toasted sesame oil
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 2-3 tbs neutral oil extra, for pan-frying

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet or Cast Iron pan
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring. Then add the cold water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough on a work surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Mix the 3 tablespoons of neutral oil, sesame oil, and salt in a small bowl. Chop the scallions.
  4. Divide the rested dough into 4 pieces. Roll one piece out into a very thin rectangle on a lightly oiled surface.
  5. Brush the dough with the oil mixture and sprinkle evenly with a handful of chopped scallions.
  6. Roll the dough up tightly into a long cigar shape. Then, coil the cigar into a tight spiral (snail shell shape) and tuck the end underneath.
  7. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover the coils and let rest for 15 minutes.
  8. Using a rolling pin, flatten each rested coil into a 6-inch pancake.
  9. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each pancake for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden and blistered.
  10. Transfer to a wire cooling rack, cut into wedges, and serve with dipping sauces.

Notes

To freeze: Layer the uncooked, flattened pancakes between sheets of parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag. Pan-fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes per side.