Green Onion Pancakes (Chinese Scallion Pancakes) - Cook With Dana (2024)

Green onion pancakes, also called scallion pancakes cook up flaky, savory, and chewy thanks to an authentic method of preparation that creates the texture that makes these pancakes so good. You are going to love these!

Green onion pancakes are usually served as a breakfast food in China but are also found served with Dim Sum. It’s usually eaten on-the-go or with a yummy porridge (jook).

This pancake is savory and has many flakey layers. Make sure you eat it warm to get that delicious crunch!

What is a Scallion Pancake?

The scallion pancake is a traditional Chinese pancake that’s made with a simple dough with chopped green onions and garlic chives added for flavor. It has a unique texture that’s different from traditional doughs found in Western cultures.

First, it’s made with hot water which helps slow down or stunt the development of gluten during kneading. Second, it’s a laminated dough meaning that it’s flattened, brushed with a fat, folded, wrapped, and then rolled again. This process and the addition of the oil or fat creates layers in the dough as it bakes and is what contributes to its texture.

Chinese green onion pancakes have a savory flavor of mild onion and a chewy, flaky texture.

Why You Will Love This Green Onion Pancake Recipe

• Unique Flavor: Mild onion and garlic flavor enhance the flavor of these chewy savory pancakes.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy this scallion pancake recipe for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack in between meals!
• Traditional Chinese Recipe: Learn how to make Chinese pancakes at home so you can enjoy them freshly made any time you want.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The main ingredient to provide structure to these Chinese pancakes.
• Water: We are using a combination of hot water and room temperature water to make the dough. Hot water is key to making chewy, tender pancakes as it helps to keep the gluten from forming and stretching. This also makes the dough much easier to work with than traditional cold water dough.
• Green onions: Green onions or scallions are the superstars in this recipe! They give the pancake a mild onion flavor and a speckling of green color through the pancake. Choose green onions with crisp bright green tops and a firm white base.
• Garlic chives: With the flavor of garlic and chives combined and are found in some grocery stores or Asian markets. Choose garlic chives with bright green tops. You can chop with a knife or simply snip them with scissors.
• Flavor: Salt and sugar are added to the pancake batter enhancing the ingredients and balancing the flavors.
• Oil: The pancakes are brushed with a combination of olive oil and sesame oil. The both give the pancakes some added fat while the sesame oil is key for its unique flavor.

How to Make Scallion Pancakes

There are 3 steps to make the scallion pancakes. Even though it seems daunting, I will walk you through the process with these detailed instructions ◡̈

Knead the Dough

1. Combine the flour, and water in a bowl. Mix the ingredients gently and start kneading the dough.
2. Knead the dough for 2 minutes. Then allow the dough to rest covered with plastic wrap or a damp towel for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour.

Prepare the Oil Mixture

1. Prep the oil mixture by mixing the remaining flour, olive oil, and sesame oil in a saucepan.
2. Heat the saucepan over low-medium heat and stir well for 5-8 minutes until the mixture smooth and shiny.

Forming the Green Onion Pancake

1. Remove the dough and split it into four equal portions.
2. Flour your work surface. Place one piece of dough on the floured surface.
3. Roll out one piece of dough until it’s flat, about ¼-inch thick. Keep the rest of the dough under the damp towel.
4. Spread a layer of oil mixture on top of your flat dough.

5. Add some green onions and chives on top of the flattened dough. Sprinkle a half teaspoon of salt evenly over the dough.
6. Tightly roll the dough.
7. Pinch the ends shut after rolling horizontally.
8. Then, roll the edges vertically and pinch shut.

9. Roll the dough into a circular shape, similar to a cinnamon roll. This is how the flakey layers are formed! The rolled dough should resemble a cinnamon roll.
10. Gently roll the dough flat. Be careful not to squeeze out the green onions.
11. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a frying pan and fry the green onion pancake on medium heat until golden brown. This should take 5-7 minutes on each side for a total of 15 minutes to finish frying the pancake to golden brown.

PRO TIP: The second side might take less time to fry depending on your stove.

12. Serve the pancake while hot and crispy. Cut into quarters and enjoy with some protein and hoisin dipping sauce.

Expert Tips

• Temperature of the Water. Do not use cold water as you will not have the right results. Use hot and room temperature water for chewy and tender pancakes.
• Let the Dough Rest. While I completely understand you can’t wait to bite into these savory, chewy pancakes, the resting time is another crucial step that gives a green onion pancake its texture. A little patience will make better pancakes!
• Rolling the Pancakes. Be sure to read the instructions fully before getting started! There are several steps involved when shaping the pancakes so you get lots of layers and flakiness.
• Enjoy Warm. For the best flavor and crunch, scallion pancakes are enjoyed freshly made.

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