Authentic Chinese Scallion Pancakes - Cong You Bing Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 1 cup of finely chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder
  • Vegetable oil for cooking

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and boiling water until a dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface for about 5 to 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  2. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  3. After the dough has rested, divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll out one part into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
  4. Brush the dough circle with sesame oil, sprinkle it with a quarter of the chopped green onions, salt, and five-spice powder.
  5. Roll up the dough circle into a log, then coil it into a round disk. Roll out the disk again into a circle of about 1/8 inch thick. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and fillings.
  6. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Cook each pancake until it's golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes each side.
  7. Once cooked, cut the pancakes into wedges and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - to mix the flour and water and to knead the dough
  • Rolling pin - to roll out the dough into thin circles
  • Knife - to chop the green onions and cut the cooked pancakes
  • Pan - to cook the pancakes
  • Brush - to brush the dough circles with sesame oil
  • Spatula - to flip and remove the cooked pancakes from the pan

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Add shredded carrots or other vegetables to the filling for added flavor and texture.
  • Replace green onions with finely chopped cilantro or chives for a different herbaceous taste.
  • Add minced garlic or ginger to the filling for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Include cooked and seasoned ground meat such as pork or chicken in the filling for a meaty version.
  • Make a sweet version by filling the pancakes with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts or dried fruits.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili sauce to accompany the pancakes.

Recipe overview

Cong You Bing, also known as Chinese scallion pancakes, are a savory, crispy delight enjoyed throughout China and other parts of Asia. This recipe will guide you through the process of making these traditional pancakes from scratch. The dough is simple, consisting mainly of all-purpose flour and hot water. The real magic happens when you incorporate the sesame oil, fresh green onions, and a sprinkle of both salt and five-spice powder into the rolled out dough. After a bit of unique folding and rolling, you'll pan fry these pancakes to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside, these are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or as a side dish to your favorite Asian main course. Prepare to enjoy these warm, flaky, and savory pancakes that are a firm favorite for many.

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? No, whole wheat flour will result in a denser texture and alter the taste of the Cong You Bing. It's best to stick with all-purpose flour for this recipe.
  2. Can I use cold water instead of boiling water to make the dough? No, using boiling water helps to create a softer and more pliable dough. Cold water will not yield the same results.
  3. Can I substitute other types of oil for sesame oil? Sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to the Cong You Bing, but if you don't have it on hand, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil as a substitute.
  4. Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for green onions, you can get creative and add other ingredients such as minced garlic, shredded cabbage, or even cooked ground meat to the filling to customize the flavor.
  5. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling and cooking the pancakes.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles.
  • Knife - To cut the pancakes into wedges after cooking.
  • Pan - A frying pan or skillet to cook the pancakes.
  • Brush - Used to brush sesame oil onto the dough circles.
  • Spatula - To flip the pancakes while cooking.
  • Plate - To serve the Cong You Bing pancakes.

Origin stories

Cong You Bing, also known as scallion pancakes, holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese people, dating back to the days of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589 AD). It is said that these crispy, flavorful pancakes were invented by talented chefs in the Imperial Palace who combined readily available ingredients - flour, water, and scallions - to create a simple yet delicious flatbread. The artful technique of rolling the dough with the green onion filling, then coiling it into a spiral, gives the pancakes their distinct layers, making it a delight for each bite. Today, you can find street vendors selling this beloved snack throughout China and in many other parts of the world, carrying on a culinary tradition that has lasted for centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.