BIG Green Onion Pancake (5 Ingredients ONLY!)

BIG Green Onion Pancake (5 Ingredients ONLY!) is a medium Taiwanese recipe that serves 2. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 25 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 52 min

Cost: $1.22 total, $0.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for dough, plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 tsp Active Dry Yeast (ensure fresh)
  • 0.75 cup Warm Water (around 110°F (43°C))
  • 8 stalks Green Onions (white and green parts separated; white parts sliced thinly)
  • 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional, toasted)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (for pan‑frying)
  • 0.25 cup Water (for steaming) (added during cooking)

Instructions

  1. Make the dough

    In a mixing bowl combine the flour, salt, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, yeast and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT10M

  2. First rise

    Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour, or until it roughly doubles in size.

    Time: PT1H

  3. Prepare scallions

    Wash the green onions, trim the roots, and separate the white and green parts. Slice the white parts thinly; set the green tops aside for later folding.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Roll and fold dough

    Turn the rested dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a square about ¼ inch thick. Drizzle a little oil over the surface and brush with a pinch of salt. Place the sliced white scallion strips in the centre, fold the top edge down, add a handful of green‑top scallions, fold the bottom edge up, then fold the whole thing in half again. Pinch all edges tightly to seal.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Roll out pancake

    Gently roll the sealed dough packet into a thin pancake about ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and lightly press them into the surface.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Pan‑fry pancake

    Heat the skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbsp cooking oil. Place the pancake in the pan and cook for 7–8 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully add ¼ cup water, cover the pan, and steam for another 3–4 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking until the water has evaporated and the pancake is crisp on both sides.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Serve

    Transfer the cooked pancake to a cutting board, cut into wedges and serve hot. Optional: drizzle a little extra oil or soy sauce for dipping.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: vegetarian, vegan

Allergens: wheat, soy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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BIG Green Onion Pancake (5 Ingredients ONLY!)

Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS

A crispy, flaky Taiwanese street‑food style scallion pancake made with a yeasted dough, fresh green onions, and a quick steam‑finish. Perfect as a snack or light meal, this recipe captures the authentic night‑market flavor at home.

MediumTaiwaneseServes 2

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

Source Video
1h 35m
Prep
14m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.22
Total cost
$0.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Kneading dough until smooth and elastic
  • Allowing the dough to rest and rise for 1 hour
  • Sealing the folds tightly to prevent opening during cooking
  • Steaming the pancake with water before finishing the fry

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a splatter guard or oven mitts.
  • Steam released when covering the pan can scald; open the lid away from your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of scallion pancakes in Taiwanese night market cuisine?

A

Scallion pancakes, known as "Cong You Bing" in Chinese, are a staple street‑food in Taiwan’s night markets. Historically they originated as a simple farmer’s snack, using inexpensive flour and scallions, and have become an iconic handheld treat enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of scallion pancakes exist within Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine?

A

In northern China the pancake is often pan‑fried with a flaky, layered texture, while in Taiwan vendors may add a brief steaming step for a softer interior. Some regions incorporate pork floss, egg, or chili oil for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional scallion pancake traditionally served in Taiwan?

A

It is typically served hot, cut into wedges, and eaten plain or with a side of soy sauce, chili oil, or a sweet‑sour dipping sauce. Vendors often fold it into a convenient hand‑holdable shape for on‑the‑go eating.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions are scallion pancakes commonly enjoyed in Taiwanese culture?

A

Scallion pancakes are a popular snack during night‑market festivals, temple fairs, and family gatherings, especially as a quick bite before the main meal or as a late‑night treat after drinking.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Taiwanese scallion pancake and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

The core ingredients are all‑purpose flour, fresh green onions, salt, oil, and a small amount of yeast for light leavening. You can substitute whole‑wheat flour for a heartier texture or use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast.

cultural
Q

What other Taiwanese dishes pair well with scallion pancakes?

A

Scallion pancakes pair nicely with Taiwanese beef noodle soup, braised pork belly (lu rou fan), or a simple bowl of hot soy milk. They also complement pickled vegetables and a cold tea.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making scallion pancakes at home?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, not sealing the folds tightly, using water that’s too hot (killing the yeast), and cooking on too high heat which burns the exterior before the interior cooks through.

technical
Q

Why does this scallion pancake recipe use a brief steam step with water instead of cooking the pancake completely dry?

A

The steam step creates a soft, airy interior while preserving the crisp outer layers. Without it, the pancake can become dense and dry, especially when using a yeasted dough.

technical
Q

Can I make scallion pancakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. The dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Cooked pancakes keep for up to 2 days in the fridge wrapped tightly; re‑heat in a skillet to restore crispness. They also freeze well for up to a month.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS focuses on easy-to‑follow Asian street‑food recipes, home‑cooking techniques, and quick meals that bring authentic flavors to everyday kitchens.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to Taiwanese cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?

A

TIFFYCOOKS emphasizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical shortcuts like using yeast for a light rise, making Taiwanese street foods accessible for home cooks without specialized tools.

channel

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