Spring Onion Pancakes (Printer-friendly)

Crisp, flaky pancakes layered with scallions; golden outside and tender inside. Serve warm with soy or chili oil.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup boiling water
03 - 1/4 cup cold water
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Filling

05 - 1 cup finely sliced spring onions (scallions), green and white parts
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

→ For Frying

08 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus extra for brushing and frying)

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in boiling water, stirring with chopsticks or a wooden spoon until shaggy. Add cold water and knead until smooth (about 5 minutes). Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
02 - Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
03 - On a lightly floured surface, roll one ball into a thin rectangle (about 1/8 inch thick). Brush lightly with oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a quarter of the spring onions.
04 - Roll up the dough sheet like a jelly roll. Coil the roll into a spiral (like a snail shell), tuck the end underneath, and flatten gently. Repeat with remaining dough.
05 - Roll each spiral into a 6-inch disc.
06 - Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry one pancake at a time, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Add more oil as needed for each pancake.
07 - Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Making flaky layers at home feels like uncovering a chef’s secret from a bustling night market.
  • The crisp outside and soft, savory inside convert even the less adventurous eaters.
02 -
  • If you rush the dough rest, the pancakes end up tough and difficult to roll out.
  • Using just enough oil when brushing and frying makes the layers flake apart perfectly without turning greasy.
03 -
  • Start with very hot water for the dough—it makes all the difference in texture.
  • Be generous but careful with oiling each layer, as this is the secret to irresistible flakiness.
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