Chinese-style savory stuffed breakfast pancakes, also known as “Cong You Bing” or “Scallion Pancakes”, are a delicious and versatile dish commonly enjoyed in China for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a meal. These pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with layers of savory flavor from scallions and seasonings. Here’s how you can make them:
Chinese-Style Savory Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup cold water (or as needed)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper (optional)
- For Cooking:
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Slowly pour the boiling water into the flour, stirring continuously until a rough dough forms.
- Add the cold water gradually, mixing until the dough is smooth and pliable. You may not need all of the cold water or might need a bit more depending on the dough’s consistency.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped scallions with the vegetable oil, salt, and white pepper. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter on a floured surface.
- Assemble the Pancakes:
- Brush a thin layer of the scallion mixture over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
- Roll the dough up like a jelly roll, then coil it into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath.
- Flatten the spiral gently with your hand or a rolling pin to form a pancake about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
- Place one pancake in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to avoid burning.
- Repeat with the remaining pancakes, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
- Serve:
- Allow the pancakes to cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
- Serve warm as is or with dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Rolling the Dough: Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly to avoid uneven cooking. If the dough is too sticky, dust it with a bit of flour.
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for making it easier to roll out and for developing a tender texture.
- Crispiness: If you like extra crispy pancakes, you can cook them a bit longer, but be careful not to burn them.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as minced garlic, sesame seeds, or a bit of five-spice powder for extra flavor.
These savory stuffed breakfast pancakes are a flavorful and satisfying option for any meal. Enjoy the crispy texture and the burst of scallion flavor in every bite!