This is the Most Delicious I've ever eaten! No yeast No oven! Everyone can make this at home
This is the MOST DELICIOUS I've ever eaten! No yeast No oven! Everyone can make this at home! is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Helly's Simple Recipe on YouTube.
Prep: 39 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $2.13 total, $0.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 95 ml Water (room temperature)
- 1.5 g Salt (fine sea salt)
- 150 g All-Purpose Flour (for dough)
- 30 g All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup, for flour‑cornstarch dusting mix)
- 30 g Corn Starch (1/4 cup, for dusting mix)
- 30 g Green Onions (fresh, washed and chopped)
- 0.5 g Baking Soda (pinch, added to green onions to keep color)
- 20 g Salted Butter (melted in microwave)
- 50 g Cheese (shredded, any meltable cheese such as mozzarella)
- 30 ml Vegetable Oil (for pan‑frying, medium heat)
Instructions
Make the Dough
Combine 95 ml water, 1.5 g salt and 150 g all‑purpose flour in a mixing bowl. Mix well then knead with your hands until a smooth, non‑sticky dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Rest the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Divide and Shape
Divide the rested dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Green Onion Mix
Wash the green onions, chop them finely, place in a small bowl and add a pinch of baking soda. Mix briefly.
Time: PT3M
Make Flour‑Cornstarch Dusting
In a shallow dish combine 30 g flour and 30 g corn starch. Mix well; this will be used to dust the dough layers.
Time: PT1M
Roll and Layer the Dough
Take one dough ball, flatten with your hand, then roll with a rolling pin to a circle about 18 cm in diameter. Sprinkle a light layer of the flour‑cornstarch mix on top, then place the next dough circle on top and repeat until all four pieces are stacked, dusting between each layer. Continue rolling, flipping, and dusting until the stacked dough reaches about 28 cm in diameter.
Time: PT10M
Add Butter, Onions, and Cheese (First Fold Method)
Microwave the 20 g salted butter for 15 seconds until melted. Brush the melted butter over the rolled dough, sprinkle the chopped green onions and shredded cheese evenly, then fold the dough over itself as shown in the video (first folding method).
Time: PT3M
Second Fold Method (Optional)
For a different shape, cut the butter‑brushed dough into quarters, then fold each quarter in a pleated manner as demonstrated (second folding method).
Time: PT2M
Heat the Pan
Add about 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil to a frying pan and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Fry the Pancake
Place the folded pancake in the hot pan. Fry for 2 minutes, then flip and fry another 2 minutes or until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
Time: PT4M
Serve
Transfer the finished pancake to a serving plate, cut into wedges if desired, and enjoy while hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt (use slightly more)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: bread flour (higher protein)
- Instead of Corn Starch: potato starch, tapioca starch
- Instead of Green Onions: chives
- Instead of Salted Butter: unsalted butter (add a pinch of salt)
- Instead of Cheese: cheddar, gouda
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel
- Rolling Pin
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Pastry Brush
- Frying Pan/Skillet
- Stove
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Knead the dough until smooth to develop gluten.
- Rest the dough for at least 10 minutes.
- Use the flour‑cornstarch dusting between layers to prevent sticking.
- Add a pinch of baking soda to the green onions to keep them green.
- Fry over medium heat until both sides are golden brown.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a light hand when folding; too much pressure can compress the layers.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of white pepper to the dough.
- If you prefer a richer taste, substitute half of the butter with melted cheese.
Troubleshooting
Dough sticks to the rolling pin and work surface.
Generously dust the dough and surface with the flour‑cornstarch mixture before each roll.
Pancake turns out dry or tough.
Do not over‑knead the dough and ensure the butter is brushed evenly; avoid over‑cooking.
Green onions lose their color and turn brown.
Add the pinch of baking soda as instructed; this keeps the onions bright green during frying.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; re‑heat in a skillet.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw and re‑heat before serving.
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be rested for up to 30 minutes; keep covered.
- Chopped green onions mixed with baking soda can be stored in the fridge for a day.
- Prepared flour‑cornstarch dusting mix can be made ahead and kept in a sealed container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of scallion cheese pancakes in Chinese cuisine?
Scallion pancakes, or "cong you bing," are a traditional street‑food staple in northern China, originally made with just dough and scallions. Adding cheese is a modern twist that blends Western ingredients with the classic technique, creating a fusion snack popular in contemporary Chinese home cooking.
What are the traditional regional variations of scallion pancakes in Chinese cuisine?
In northern China the classic version is plain dough with scallions, while in Shanghai and Sichuan versions you may find sesame oil, chili flakes, or pork floss added. The cheese‑filled version reflects a newer, more global influence often seen in home kitchens and cafés.
How is a traditional scallion pancake traditionally served in China?
Traditionally it is served hot, cut into wedges, and eaten plain or with a simple soy‑vinegar dipping sauce. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast item or a snack alongside tea.
What occasions or celebrations is the scallion cheese pancake associated with in Chinese culture?
While not tied to a specific festival, scallion pancakes are a common offering during family gatherings, tea parties, and street‑food festivals because they are quick to make and universally liked.
How does the scallion cheese pancake fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the Chinese emphasis on simple dough‑based snacks that highlight texture—crispy outside, soft inside—while also showing the cuisine’s adaptability by incorporating cheese, a non‑traditional ingredient.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for scallion pancakes versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients are all‑purpose flour, water, salt, and green onions. Acceptable substitutes include using a mix of wheat and rice flour for a lighter texture, or swapping cheese with shredded tofu for a dairy‑free version.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with scallion cheese pancakes?
They pair nicely with a light soy‑ginger dipping sauce, a bowl of hot and sour soup, or a simple stir‑fried vegetable dish such as bok choy with garlic.
What makes the scallion cheese pancake special or unique in Chinese cuisine?
The combination of a flour‑cornstarch dusting to keep layers non‑sticky, the addition of baking soda to preserve onion color, and the melt‑in‑the‑center cheese create a texture and visual appeal that differ from the classic plain version.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making scallion cheese pancakes at home?
Common mistakes include over‑kneading the dough, skipping the rest period, not dusting enough flour‑cornstarch between layers, and frying at too high a heat which burns the exterior before the inside cooks through.
Why does this recipe use a pinch of baking soda with the green onions instead of plain water?
Baking soda raises the pH slightly, which locks in the chlorophyll of the green onions, keeping them bright green during the brief frying step. Plain water would cause the onions to turn dull brown.
Can I make the scallion cheese pancakes ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, rest it, and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before shaping. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and re‑heat in a skillet to restore crispness.
What does the YouTube channel Helly's Simple Recipe specialize in?
The YouTube channel Helly's Simple Recipe specializes in quick, no‑fuss home cooking tutorials that use minimal equipment and everyday ingredients, focusing on easy‑to‑follow videos for beginners and busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Helly's Simple Recipe's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
Helly's Simple Recipe emphasizes ultra‑simple, no‑yeast, no‑oven methods that require only a stovetop and basic pantry items, whereas many other Chinese cooking channels often use more traditional techniques like steaming or deep‑frying with specialized tools.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






