Sep 05 2026

Scallion Pancake Recipe

Time1h 20m
Serves4

Make Scallion Pancake Recipe in just 1h 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Mix dry ingredients

    Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt in a large mixing bowl; whisk briefly to distribute the salt evenly.

  2. 2

    Add hot water

    Carefully pour 3/4 cup boiling water into the flour while stirring with a wooden spoon or chopsticks. The flour will clump; continue stirring until most flour is moistened and coarse crumbs form.

  3. 3

    Finish dough with cold water

    Add 2 tbsp cold water and 1 tsp sesame oil. Use your hands to bring the mixture together into a shaggy dough. If dough is too dry, add up to 1 tbsp more cold water; if too sticky, dust with up to 1 tbsp flour.

  4. 4

    Knead

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

  5. 5

    Rest

    Cover the dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten and makes the dough easier to roll and shape.

Filling & assembly

  1. 6

    Prepare scallions

    While the dough rests, trim the root ends and any wilted tops from 6 scallions. Slice thinly on a slight diagonal to produce long thin pieces. Pat dry with a towel if wet.

  2. 7

    Divide dough

    After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces (about 3.5–4 oz / 100–115 g each). Keep the unused pieces covered to prevent drying.

  3. 8

    Roll and oil

    On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough piece into a thin rectangle about 8 x 6 inches (20 x 15 cm). Brush the surface lightly with about 3/4 tbsp neutral oil (total will use 3 tbsp across four pancakes).

  4. 9

    Sprinkle scallions and salt

    Evenly sprinkle about one quarter of the sliced scallions and about 1/4 tsp salt over the oiled surface of the rolled dough. Drizzle a tiny bit (about 1/4 tsp) of sesame oil over the scallions for aroma.

  5. 10

    Roll into log

    Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edge by pinching lightly.

  6. 11

    Form spiral and flatten

    Coil the log into a tight round spiral (like a cinnamon roll) with the end tucked under. Gently flatten the spiral with your palm, then use a rolling pin to roll it into a 6–7 inch (15–18 cm) pancake about 1/8–1/4 inch thick. Repeat for remaining dough pieces.

  7. 12

    Final rest

    Let the formed pancakes rest, covered, for 10 minutes to relax and even out thickness.

Cook

  1. 13

    Preheat skillet

    Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat until hot. Add about 1/2 tbsp oil and swirl to coat. You'll use roughly 2 tbsp oil total across four pancakes, adding small amounts between batches as needed.

  2. 14

    Fry first side

    Place one pancake in the skillet. Fry for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. Press gently with a spatula occasionally to ensure even contact.

  3. 15

    Flip and cook second side

    Flip the pancake and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. If the pancake expands or puffs, press lightly to encourage even cooking. Adjust heat to medium-low if browning too quickly before the center cooks.

  4. 16

    Finish and keep warm

    Transfer cooked pancake to a plate and brush lightly with about 1/4 tsp sesame oil for flavor and shine. Keep pancakes in a warm oven (about 200°F / 95°C) on a wire rack while you fry the rest so they remain crisp.

  5. 17

    Serve

    Cut each pancake into wedges and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce (soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and chili oil is traditional).