Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)
Local name: 葱油饼
In short: Flaky, chewy layered flatbreads with scallions, made from a simple hot-water dough and pan-fried until crisp outside and tender within. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 430 kcal
Cong you bing, or scallion pancakes, are a layered, chewy flatbread sold at street stalls and breakfast shops across China, and made at home whenever a quick snack is wanted. A simple hot-water dough is rolled thin, brushed with oil and scallions, rolled up and coiled, which creates dozens of layers. Pan-fried until crisp outside and tender inside, they are good on their own, with a dipping sauce, or alongside soup.
Instructions
- Stir the flour and salt together, pour in the hot water and mix with chopsticks into a shaggy dough. When cool enough to handle, knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll one piece into a very thin round, about 25 cm (10 in) wide.
- Brush the round with a tablespoon of oil, sprinkle with a quarter of the salt and scallions, and roll it up tightly into a long rope.
- Coil the rope into a snail shape, tuck the end underneath and press it flat. Roll the coil out into a round about 5 mm (1/4 in) thick and 18 cm (7 in) wide. Repeat with the other pieces.
- Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of the frying oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry one pancake for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp, adding a little more oil if the pan is dry.
- While it is still hot, push the edges toward the center with two spatulas to fluff up the layers. Cut into wedges and serve right away. Repeat with the rest.
Tips
- Do not skip the 30-minute rest. It relaxes the gluten so the dough rolls out very thin without springing back.
- Add a pinch of five-spice powder or a spoonful of sesame paste smeared on before rolling for a different flavor.
Questions and answers
Why are my scallion pancakes tough?
The dough was either too dry or not rested long enough. Use hot water, rest for the full 30 minutes, and roll the coils fairly thin.
Can I freeze scallion pancakes?
Yes. Freeze the shaped, uncooked pancakes separated by parchment, then fry straight from frozen for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
What do you eat with scallion pancakes?
A soy and vinegar dipping sauce, or a bowl of soup or congee. They are also good with pickled vegetables or a chili sauce.
How long does it take to make Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)?
About 50 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)?
About 430 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 58 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
