Have you ever tried a green onion cake before?

Have you ever tried a green onion cake before? is a easy Canadian Chinese recipe that serves 2. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Cheat Day Eats on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 42 min

Cost: $9.88 total, $4.94 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 3/4 cup Boiling Water (hot, just off the boil)
  • 1 cup Scallions (Green Onions) (thinly sliced, white and green parts separated)
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (high smoke point, for pan‑frying)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1/4 cup Soy‑Ginger Dipping Sauce (mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, a pinch of sugar)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough

    Place the sifted flour and salt in a mixing bowl, stir to combine, then slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Knead and Rest

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Incorporate Scallions

    Flatten the rested dough into a rectangle, brush lightly with 1 tablespoon of oil, sprinkle the sliced scallion whites and greens evenly, then roll the dough tightly into a log.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Form Pancake Layers

    Coil the rolled log into a snail shape, then gently flatten with the rolling pin into a 1/4‑inch thick circle (about 8‑inch diameter). Brush the top with the remaining oil.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Pan‑Fry

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil, and place the pancake in the pan. Cook 3‑4 minutes until golden brown and crisp, then flip and cook the other side another 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium‑High

  6. Serve with Dipping Sauce

    Transfer the cooked cake to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve immediately with the soy‑ginger dipping sauce.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
32g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat, Soy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Have you ever tried a green onion cake before?

Recipe by Cheat Day Eats

Crispy‑on‑the‑outside, flaky, and packed with fresh scallions, this Edmonton‑style green onion cake from Cheat Day Eats is perfect as a snack or side. Served with a simple soy‑ginger dipping sauce, it captures the street‑food vibe of the city’s beloved bakeries.

EasyCanadian ChineseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
19m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.88
Total cost
$4.94
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the boiling water is hot enough to partially cook the flour.
  • Resting the dough for at least 10 minutes.
  • Evenly distributing scallions before rolling.
  • Maintaining medium‑high heat for a crisp exterior without burning.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep a safe distance.
  • Do not leave the skillet unattended on medium‑high heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of green onion cake in Canadian Chinese cuisine?

A

Green onion cake, known as "cong you bing" in Mandarin, originated as a street‑food staple in northern China and was brought to Canada by Chinese immigrants. In cities like Edmonton, it has become a beloved snack that reflects the fusion of traditional Chinese techniques with local food‑truck culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of green onion cake in Chinese cuisine?

A

In northern China the cake is typically pan‑fried and thin, while in Shanghai a sweeter, oil‑rich version exists. Some regions add sesame seeds or use a dough that incorporates a small amount of oil during mixing for extra flakiness.

cultural
Q

How is green onion cake traditionally served in Edmonton street‑food stalls?

A

Vendors in Edmonton usually serve the hot, crispy cake sliced into wedges with a side of soy‑ginger or spicy chili dipping sauce, often accompanied by a cold beverage like a craft soda or iced tea.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is green onion cake traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, green onion cake is a popular snack during Lunar New Year markets and family gatherings because its golden color symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

cultural
Q

What other Canadian Chinese dishes pair well with green onion cake?

A

It pairs nicely with steamed dumplings, hot pot, or a bowl of wonton soup, offering a contrast of textures between the crispy cake and the soft, broth‑based dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making green onion cake at home?

A

Common errors include using water that isn’t hot enough, over‑kneading the dough, and cooking the pancake on too low heat, which results in a soggy interior instead of a flaky, crisp crust.

technical
Q

Why does this green onion cake recipe use boiling water instead of cold water?

A

Boiling water partially gelatinizes the starch in the flour, creating layers that puff and separate when fried, giving the cake its signature flaky texture.

technical
Q

Can I make green onion cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can refrigerate the rested dough for up to 24 hours or freeze the rolled, uncooked cakes. Cooked cakes keep for 2 days in the fridge; re‑heat in a skillet to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the green onion cake is done?

A

The cake should be golden‑brown on both sides, with a crisp, slightly crunchy exterior and a flaky, layered interior visible when cut. The scallion pieces should be lightly caramelized but not burnt.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cheat Day Eats specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cheat Day Eats focuses on indulgent comfort foods, street‑food recreations, and easy‑to‑follow recipes that let viewers enjoy “cheat‑day” treats at home without compromising flavor.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cheat Day Eats' approach to Canadian Chinese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cheat Day Eats blends authentic techniques with a laid‑back, approachable style, often highlighting regional Canadian twists—like the Edmonton green onion cake—while many other channels stick strictly to traditional Chinese methods.

channel

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