How to Make Ultra-Flaky Scallion Pancakes

How to Make Ultra-Flaky Scallion Pancakes is a intermediate Chinese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by ChefSteps on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 40 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 2 hrs 55 min

Cost: $3.09 total, $0.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g All-Purpose Flour (for dough, high protein)
  • 200 g High-Gluten Flour (adds chewiness to dough)
  • 240 ml Boiling Water (hot water for scalding flour)
  • 60 ml Cold Water (to finish hydrating dough)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for dough seasoning)
  • 2 tbsp Neutral Oil (vegetable oil for dough coating and pan‑frying)
  • 1 bunch Scallion Whites (green onions, sliced thinly)
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for coating scallions in oil paste)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (seasoning for scallion paste)
  • 0.25 tsp White Pepper (seasoning for scallion paste)
  • 0.25 tsp Sichuan Peppercorns (toasted and ground)
  • 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil (flavor for scallion paste)
  • 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (base for dipping sauce)
  • 2 tbsp Water (dilutes dipping sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar (adds acidity to sauce)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (sweetens sauce)
  • 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil (for sauce flavor)
  • 0.5 tsp Sichuan Chili Flakes (optional heat for sauce)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated, for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Make Hot‑Water Dough

    Boil 240 ml water, measure 300 g all‑purpose flour and 200 g high‑gluten flour into the bowl, pour the hot water over the flour, stir with a wooden spatula until a pebbly crumb forms.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Finish Hydrating Dough

    Add 60 ml cold water, 1 tsp salt and 2 tbsp neutral oil, knead in the bowl until all flour is hydrated and the dough pulls away from the sides.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Initial Rest

    Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Longer Rest

    After the short rest, give the dough another 45 minutes of rest at room temperature, then coat the surface lightly with neutral oil and cover again.

    Time: PT45M

  5. Prepare Scallion Oil Paste

    Toss the sliced scallion whites with 2 tbsp flour, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp white pepper and 0.25 tsp Sichuan peppercorns. Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil until very hot, pour over the scallions, stir briefly, then add 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Let cool.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Divide Dough

    Weigh the rested dough (≈978 g) and divide into eight equal pieces (~122 g each). Shape each piece into a ball, tuck the seams, and cover with a damp towel.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Roll Sheets with Pasta Roller

    Lightly flour the work surface. Set the pasta roller to 0, feed a dough ball through twice, then increase one setting at a time, feeding twice per setting until you reach setting 6 (≈1 mm thick). Aim for a 30 × 30 cm square.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Trim and Prepare Sheets

    Trim each rolled sheet to a 30 cm square. Set aside one sheet; the second will be layered on top.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Laminate Layers

    Brush the first sheet with a thin layer of the scallion oil paste, sprinkle a generous amount of the raw scallion whites, then place the second sheet on top. Fold the right edge over the center, then the left edge over, forming a rectangular packet about 6 in wide. Pat gently and trim any uneven edges.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Chill Pancakes

    Wrap each laminated packet in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm the layers before cooking.

    Time: PT30M

  11. Make Dipping Sauce

    Combine 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 0.5 tsp Sichuan chili flakes and 1 tsp grated ginger in a small bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Pan‑Fry Pancakes

    Heat a non‑stick skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp neutral oil, and place a frozen pancake in the pan. Cover with a lid and cook 2‑3 minutes, then flip, cover again and cook another 2‑3 minutes. Uncover, flip once more if needed, and cook until both sides are golden brown (total 8‑12 minutes). Transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined tray to blot excess oil.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium

  13. Serve

    Cut each pancake into wedges, arrange on a serving plate, and serve with the prepared dipping sauce.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten

Allergens: Wheat, Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make Ultra-Flaky Scallion Pancakes

Recipe by ChefSteps

Crispy, tender scallion pancakes with perfectly layered fat and dough. This Chinese appetizer uses a hot‑water dough, a pasta roller for uniform sheets, and a flour‑oil paste to create ultra‑flaky, buttery layers. Served with a sweet‑salty ginger‑sesame dipping sauce.

IntermediateChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
2h
Prep
47m
Cook
20m
Cleanup
3h 7m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.09
Total cost
$0.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Hot‑water dough creation
  • Scallion oil paste preparation
  • Precise rolling with pasta roller
  • Lamination of two sheets with oil‑flour paste and scallions
  • Freezing before pan‑frying to set layers

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water and hot oil with care to avoid burns.
  • When frying, keep a lid nearby to cover the pan and prevent oil splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancakes in Chinese cuisine?

A

Scallion pancakes, known as cong you bing, are a traditional street‑food staple in northern China, originally served as a simple breakfast or snack. Their layered, flaky texture reflects Chinese pastry techniques, and they are often enjoyed with soy‑based dipping sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of scallion pancakes in Chinese cuisine?

A

In northern China the pancakes are thin and pan‑fried, while in Shanghai they may be slightly thicker and sometimes deep‑fried. Some regions add egg or pork floss, and Sichuan versions incorporate chili oil for extra heat.

cultural
Q

How are Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancakes traditionally served in Chinese restaurants?

A

They are usually served hot, cut into wedges, and accompanied by a light soy‑vinegar dipping sauce with ginger and sometimes chili flakes. They are presented as an appetizer or side dish alongside soups and dumplings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancakes associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Scallion pancakes are popular during Lunar New Year brunches and as a snack during festivals like the Mid‑Autumn Festival, where they are enjoyed alongside tea and other small bites.

cultural
Q

How does the Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancake fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?

A

It showcases the Chinese mastery of dough lamination, similar to bao and mooncakes, and highlights the simple yet bold flavor of scallions, a staple aromatic in many Chinese dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancakes versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include high‑gluten wheat flour, scallion whites, neutral oil, and a pinch of salt. Substitutes can be bread flour for the high‑gluten flour, canola oil for neutral oil, and leeks in place of scallions if needed.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancakes?

A

They pair beautifully with hot and sour soup, steamed dumplings, or a simple stir‑fried bok choy. The crisp texture also complements braised pork belly or mapo tofu.

cultural
Q

What makes Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancakes special or unique in Chinese cuisine?

A

The use of a hot‑water dough combined with a flour‑oil paste creates distinct, airy layers that stay crisp after frying, a texture rarely achieved with a standard dough.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancakes?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, using too much oil in the paste (which makes layers soggy), and not allowing the dough to rest fully, which leads to tearing during rolling.

technical
Q

Why does this Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancake recipe use a hot‑oil flour paste instead of plain oil?

A

The flour thickens the oil, preventing it from seeping out while rolling, which keeps the layers distinct and ensures a uniform, flaky texture after frying.

technical
Q

Can I make Ultra Flaky Scallion Pancakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After laminating, wrap each pancake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. Fry directly from frozen for best results.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel ChefSteps specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel ChefSteps specializes in modern, technique‑driven cooking tutorials, often featuring scientific explanations, kitchen tools like sous‑vide, and detailed step‑by‑step guides for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel ChefSteps' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

ChefSteps focuses on precision tools (e.g., pasta rollers, digital scales) and scientific methods such as hot‑water dough, whereas many traditional Chinese channels rely on hand‑kneading and intuition alone.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Korean Scallion and Seafood Pancakes
10

Korean Scallion and Seafood Pancakes

Light and crispy Korean pancakes (jeon) with scallions, featuring mussels, shrimp and squid, served with a soy‑gochujang sauce. A simple and flavorful version of Korean street food, perfect for a convivial meal.

60 minServes 3$15
Korean
Scallion Pancakes
3

Scallion Pancakes

Crispy, flaky Chinese scallion pancakes made with a simple dough, aromatic Sichuan pepper, and plenty of chopped scallions. Pan‑fried until golden and served hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$5
Chinese
4 Ingredient Scallion Pancakes
7

4 Ingredient Scallion Pancakes

A simple, crispy Chinese-style scallion pancake made with just four ingredients: dumpling wrappers, scallions, oil, and salt. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these pancakes are quick to assemble and pan‑fried to golden perfection.

44 minServes 3$3
Chinese
Scallion Pancakes
4

Scallion Pancakes

A crispy, buttery scallion pancake sliced and served in a bowl with a tangy rice‑vinegar soy sauce dip. This Chinese‑style snack is quick to make, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers satisfying crunch and flavor.

1 hr 52 minServes 2$3
Chinese
Flakey scallion pancakes
4

Flakey scallion pancakes

Homemade flaky scallion pancakes with crisp, buttery layers and a fragrant green‑onion flavor. This Chinese‑style flatbread is made from a simple dough, rested, folded, twisted, and pan‑fried to golden perfection.

2 hrs 20 minServes 4$2
Chinese
Scallion Pancakes
6

Scallion Pancakes

A crispy, flaky Taiwanese‑style scallion pancake inspired by Derek Chen’s memories of street food in Taiwan. The dough is made with hot water for a tender texture, layered with a fragrant scallion‑lard paste, twisted into an S‑shape, and pan‑fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.

3 hrs 25 minServes 4$3
Taiwanese
Scallion pancakes 😍
4

Scallion pancakes 😍

Homemade Chinese scallion pancakes that are crispy on the outside, chewy inside, and packed with fragrant scallions, sesame oil, and a hint of five‑spice. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

2 hrsServes 4$1
Chinese
Let's Cook! Flaky AF Scallion Pancakes
5

Let's Cook! Flaky AF Scallion Pancakes

Crispy, flaky Chinese scallion pancakes made from a simple dough, layered with an oil‑flour paste and fresh scallions. Served hot with a quick soy‑vinegar dipping sauce, these pancakes are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

1 hr 19 minServes 4$2
Chinese