Crispy on the outside, chewy and flaky inside—Chinese scallion pancakes (Cong You Bing) are a beloved street food snack that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just flour, hot water, scallions, and oil, you can create layers of savory, golden-brown perfection. Serve them with soy-vinegar dipping sauce for the ultimate flavor hit!
🌱 Why You’ll Love This
✔ Street food authenticity at home
✔ 3 secret techniques for maximum flakiness
✔ Freezer-friendly (make ahead & cook from frozen)
✔ Only 5 ingredients
Yields: 6-8 pancakes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¾ cup (180ml) hot water (just boiled)
- ¼ cup (60ml) cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Scallion Filling:
- 1 cup (about 4-5 stalks) finely chopped scallions (green parts mostly)
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Large skillet or flat griddle
- Spatula
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually pour in the hot water while stirring with chopsticks or a spoon. The mixture will look shaggy.
Step 2: Add Cold Water and Knead
- Gradually add the cold water and continue stirring until most of the flour is incorporated.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and pliable.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, at room temperature. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Step 4: Prepare the Scallion Filling
- While the dough is resting, prepare the scallion filling. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped scallions, vegetable oil (or sesame oil), salt, and white pepper (if using). Mix well and set aside.
Step 5: Divide the Dough
- After the dough has rested, gently punch it down and divide it into 6-8 equal portions.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough and Add Filling
- Take one portion of dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin oval or rectangle, about 10-12 inches long.
- Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the scallion filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border at one of the long edges.
Step 7: Roll and Coil the Dough
- Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough up like a jelly roll.
- Pinch the seam to seal. Then, coil the rolled dough up into a snail shape. Tuck the end underneath.
Step 8: Flatten the Coil
- Using your palm or a rolling pin, gently flatten the coiled dough into a pancake about ¼ -inch thick and 4-5 inches in diameter. Be careful not to press too hard, as you want to keep the layers intact.
Step 9: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a large skillet or flat griddle over medium heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place one or two pancakes in the skillet (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You can press down on the pancakes gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 10: Serve
- Remove the cooked scallion pancakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot, either plain or with your favorite dipping sauce such as soy sauce, black vinegar, or chili oil. To create more layers, you can gently tap or scrunch the hot pancakes before serving.
📊 Nutrition (Per Pancake)
- Calories 320
- Protein 5g
- Carbs 45g
- Fiber 2g
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Extra flaky: Add 1 tbsp lard to filling (traditional secret!)
✅ No sticking: Roll dough between parchment paper
✅ Freeze for later: Layer uncooked pancakes with parchment, freeze up to 3 months
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Street Food Style
- Fold around a fried egg for breakfast
- Appetizer
- Cut into strips, serve with chili oil
- Kid-Friendly
- Add shredded cheese before rolling
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chinese Scallion Pancake!
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