Making Mr. Siu To’s (Green Onion Cake Man) Green Onion Cake – Edmonton Alberta Canada Recipe

Making Mr. Siu To’s (Green Onion Cake Man) Green Onion Cake – Edmonton Alberta Canada Recipe is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tami Dunn on YouTube.

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $5.74 total, $1.43 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 cups Water (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (double‑acting)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 4 bundles Green Onions (finely chopped, about 1 cup)
  • 4 ounces Vegetable Shortening (half a Crisco block, cut into small pieces)
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for frying and filling)
  • 3 teaspoons Salt
  • 3 tablespoons Sesame Oil (strong aromatic flavor)

Instructions

  1. Make Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine 4 cups flour, 2 cups water, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp baking soda. Stir until a shaggy mass forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Rest Dough

    Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest while you prepare the filling.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Chop Green Onions

    Finely chop four bundles of green onions (about 1 cup).

    Time: PT10M

  4. Prepare Filling

    In a separate bowl combine the chopped onions, 3 tsp salt, 1 cup vegetable oil, 3 tbsp sesame oil, and half a block of vegetable shortening. Mix until the onions are evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Roll and Shape

    On a lightly floured surface roll the rested dough to about ¼‑inch thickness. Cut into 6‑inch squares, spread a thin layer of the onion filling on each, roll into a log, twist the ends, pinch to seal, and gently flatten with the rolling pin.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Heat Oil

    Add enough vegetable oil to a skillet to coat the bottom (about ¼‑inch deep). Heat over medium heat until the oil shimmers.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Fry Cakes

    Place each prepared cake in the hot oil. Fry 3‑4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.

    Time: PT12M

  8. Drain and Serve

    Remove the cakes with a slotted spoon onto paper towels, let cool briefly, and serve warm.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Sesame

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Making Mr. Siu To’s (Green Onion Cake Man) Green Onion Cake – Edmonton Alberta Canada Recipe

Recipe by Tami Dunn

A crispy, flaky Chinese‑style green onion cake inspired by Mr. Suto’s original recipe from Edmonton’s Happy Garden. The dough is simple—flour, water, baking powder, and a touch of baking soda—while the filling packs a punch of green onions, sesame oil, and vegetable shortening. Pan‑fried until golden brown, these cakes are perfect as a snack or side dish.

MediumChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
48m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.74
Total cost
$1.43
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Knead dough until smooth and elastic.
  • Mix filling so onions are fully coated with oil and shortening.
  • Seal and twist the rolled dough to trap the filling.
  • Fry until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a splatter guard and keep a lid nearby.
  • Do not leave the pan unattended while oil is heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mr. Suto's Green Onion Cake in Chinese cuisine?

A

Green onion cakes, known as "cong you bing," are a traditional Northern Chinese street‑food snack. Mr. Suto popularized his version in Edmonton’s Happy Garden, adapting the classic recipe with a richer dough that includes baking powder and shortening for extra flakiness.

cultural
Q

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

A

In northern China the cake is usually pan‑fried and thin, while southern versions may be baked or made into a thicker, dough‑nut style. Some regions add egg or pork floss, and others serve it with a soy‑vinegar dipping sauce.

cultural
Q

How is Mr. Suto's Green Onion Cake traditionally served in Edmonton, Canada?

A

At Happy Garden the cakes are served hot, cut into bite‑size squares, and eaten plain or with a side of soy sauce. They are often enjoyed as a snack between meals or as a side to a larger Chinese dinner.

cultural
Q

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

A

Green onion cake is a popular street‑food treat for festivals, night markets, and family gatherings. It’s especially common during the Lunar New Year as a savory snack that symbolizes prosperity and abundance.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional green onion cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional recipes call for all‑purpose flour, water, green onions, and a neutral oil. Mr. Suto’s version adds vegetable shortening and sesame oil for richness. Acceptable substitutes include butter for shortening or canola oil for the neutral oil, though flavor will vary.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Mr. Suto's Green Onion Cake?

A

The cake pairs nicely with soy‑ginger dipping sauce, hot and sour soup, or a simple stir‑fried bok choy. It also complements braised pork belly or a bowl of noodle soup as a crunchy side.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mr. Suto's Green Onion Cake?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, not sealing the edges tightly, and frying at too low a temperature, which results in soggy cakes. Also, using too much sesame oil can make the flavor overpowering.

technical
Q

Why does this green onion cake recipe use both baking powder and baking soda?

A

Baking powder provides a gentle lift, while a pinch of baking soda reacts with the acidic sesame oil to create a lighter, airier crumb. The combination gives the cake its characteristic flaky texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Mr. Suto's Green Onion Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, and the uncooked cakes can be frozen on parchment sheets. Re‑heat frozen cakes directly in a hot skillet; they will regain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when frying Mr. Suto's Green Onion Cake?

A

The exterior should be golden‑brown with visible flaky layers, while the interior remains tender and slightly chewy. The onions should be lightly caramelized and the cake should puff slightly from the leavening agents.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tami Dunn specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Tami Dunn focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often exploring multicultural recipes and sharing personal stories behind the dishes. Tami emphasizes clear, step‑by‑step instructions for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tami Dunn's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Tami Dunn blends cultural storytelling with practical cooking tips, often adapting traditional recipes for North‑American kitchens using readily available ingredients. Unlike some channels that stick strictly to authentic techniques, Tami encourages experimentation and personal twists.

channel

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