Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake recipe is a classic Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a savory pancake made with scallions and a variety of other ingredients that is a favorite in the Chinese-American community. This classic dish is beloved for its delicious flavor, crunchy texture, and ease of preparation.
In this blog post, we will discuss what the Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake recipe is, what it tastes like, the ingredients and directions to make it, tips to make it a success, nutrition information, what to serve with it, how to store leftovers, and what other substitutes can be used.
What is Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake?
Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes are a classic Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a savory pancake made with scallions and a variety of other ingredients. Traditionally, it is served as an appetizer or side dish and is often served with a dipping sauce.
The pancake is made by combining flour, water, scallions, and other seasonings to form a dough, then rolling it out and frying it in oil. The resulting pancake is crunchy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside.
What does it taste like?
Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes have a savory, slightly sweet flavor. The scallions provide a mild onion flavor that is balanced out by the other seasonings.
The texture of the pancake is what really sets it apart – it is crunchy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside. It is a great dish to serve as an appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
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Ingredients
The ingredients for making Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes are simple and straightforward. Here is what you will need:
Chilled Spring Water: This is used to create the pancake batter. Cold water helps maintain the structure of the flour, resulting in a more delicate and flaky pancake.
Fresh Scallions: They are the star ingredient in scallion pancakes, providing a savory and aromatic flavor. When cooked, they add a delightful oniony taste and contribute to the pancake’s green flecks.
Organic All-Purpose Flour: The main component of the pancake batter, flour provides the structure and body. Organic flour might have a slightly different taste profile compared to non-organic, enhancing the overall quality of the pancakes.
Flaky Sea Salt: Divided and used in different parts of the recipe, salt is essential for flavor enhancement. It helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the taste.
Freshly Boiled Water: Combined with the chilled spring water, boiling water helps activate the gluten in the flour, contributing to the texture of the pancake. It also helps to create a smoother batter.
Aromatic Chinese Five-Spice Powder: This seasoning adds complexity and depth to the pancake’s flavor profile. It typically contains a blend of spices like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, imparting a warm and aromatic taste.
Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil: Used for frying the pancakes, canola oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking. It also has a neutral flavor, allowing the scallion pancake’s taste to shine without overpowering it.
Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil: An essential ingredient in the pesto, olive oil contributes to the rich and smooth texture of the sauce. Its fruity and slightly peppery flavor complements the freshness of other ingredients.
Juice from ½ a Ripe Lemon: The acidity from lemon juice adds brightness to the pesto, balancing the richness of the olive oil and nuts while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: It adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor to the pesto, providing a gentle kick to complement the other ingredients.
Toasted Hazelnuts: These nuts bring a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture to the pesto, adding depth and richness to the sauce.
Vibrant Italian (Flat-Leaf) Parsley Leaves: They contribute a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the pesto, providing a bright green color and a unique taste.
Finely Minced Garlic: Garlic is a classic ingredient in pesto, adding a pungent and aromatic flavor that compliments the other fresh ingredients.
Directions
Making Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to making this delicious dish:
STEP 1 – Scallion Pancakes:
Prepare the Dough:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups sifted organic all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Chilled spring water
- Mixing and Kneading:
- Combine the sifted flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually pour chilled spring water while stirring with a fork until dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-8 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Scallions:
- Preparation:
- Wash scallions thoroughly, trim off roots.
- Cut scallions lengthwise into thin strips, including green and white parts.
Create Pancake Layers:
- Divide and Roll Dough:
- Divide rested dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll each part into a thin, even circle (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Oil and Seasoning:
- Brush each circle with 2 tablespoons of canola oil, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle Chinese five-spice powder and flaky sea salt over the oiled surface.
- Add Scallions:
- Evenly distribute a handful of prepared scallion strips over the oiled dough.
- Roll and Layer:
- Roll the dough tightly from one edge to form a cylinder.
- Coil the cylinder into a spiral, tucking the end underneath to form a ball. Repeat for the rest.
Flatten and Fry:
- Prepare Pancakes:
- Gently flatten each coiled ball into a pancake (about ¼ inch thick) using a rolling pin.
- Cooking:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat with a tablespoon of canola oil.
- Carefully place each pancake into the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Repeat for all pancakes.
STEP 2 – Pesto:
Prepare Ingredients:
- Ingredients:
- Toasted hazelnuts
- Vibrant Italian parsley leaves
- Finely minced garlic
- Coarsely ground black pepper
- Combine in Processor:
- In a food processor, combine hazelnuts, parsley leaves, minced garlic, and black pepper.
- Blend and Add Liquids:
- Pulse ingredients while gradually pouring cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.
- Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency.
Tips
Here are some tips to make the perfect Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes:
– Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable. This will ensure that the pancakes are light and fluffy.
– Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough. This will help to get it evenly thin.
– Make sure that the oil is hot before adding the pancakes. This will help to get them nice and crisp.
– Use a spatula to flip the pancakes. This will help to ensure that they don’t stick to the pan.
– Serve the pancakes hot. This will ensure that they are nice and crispy.
Nutrition Information
One Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake contains approximately 150 calories, 7 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein.
What to serve with Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake Recipe
Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes are delicious served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some great options:
– Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a classic dipping sauce for scallion pancakes.
– Chili sauce: Chili sauce adds a spicy kick to the pancakes.
– Vinegar: A little bit of vinegar will give the pancakes a tangy flavor.
– Sesame oil: A drizzle of sesame oil will bring out the flavor of the scallions.
– Garlic chili oil: Garlic chili oil adds a spicy, garlicky flavor to the pancakes.
– Honey: A drizzle of honey adds a sweet contrast to the savory pancakes.
How to store leftover Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake Recipe?
Leftover Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pancakes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
What other substitutes can I use in Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake Recipe?
Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes can be made with a variety of different ingredients. Here are some great substitutes to try:
– Garlic: Garlic can be used in place of scallions for a bolder flavor.
– Green onions: Green onions can be used in place of scallions for a milder flavor.
– Ginger: Ginger can be used in place of scallions for a spicier flavor.
– Red peppers: Red peppers can be used in place of scallions for a smokier flavor.
– Carrots: Carrots can be used in place of scallions for a sweeter flavor.
– Mushrooms: Mushrooms can be used in place of scallions for an earthier flavor.
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
Pancakes:
- ½ cup chilled spring water
- 7 fresh scallions
- 2 cups sifted organic all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons flaky sea salt divided
- ½ cup freshly boiled water
- ½ teaspoon aromatic Chinese five-spice powder
- 10 tablespoons expeller-pressed canola oil
Pesto:
- ½ cup cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
- Juice squeezed from ½ a ripe lemon
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ½ cup toasted hazelnuts
- 2 cups vibrant Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 3 teaspoons finely minced garlic
Instructions
STEP 1 – Scallion Pancakes:
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted organic all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt.
- Gradually pour in the chilled spring water while stirring with a fork until the dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-8 minutes until it’s smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Scallions:
- Wash the scallions thoroughly and trim off the roots.
- Cut the scallions lengthwise into thin strips, keeping both the green and white parts.
Create Pancake Layers:
- Divide the rested dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll out each part into a thin, even circle (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Brush each circle with 2 tablespoons of canola oil, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle a small amount of Chinese five-spice powder and flaky sea salt over the oiled surface.
- Evenly distribute a handful of the prepared scallion strips over the oiled dough.
Roll and Layer:
- Starting from one edge, roll the dough into a tight cylinder.
- Coil the cylinder into a spiral, tucking the end underneath to form a ball. Repeat this process for the remaining portions.
Flatten and Fry:
- Take each coiled ball and gently flatten it with a rolling pin into a pancake (about ¼ inch thick).
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of canola oil.
- Carefully place the pancake into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Repeat for all pancakes.
STEP 2 – Pesto:
Prepare Ingredients:
- In a food processor, combine toasted hazelnuts, vibrant Italian parsley leaves, finely minced garlic, and coarsely ground black pepper.
Blend and Add Liquids:
- Pulse the ingredients while gradually pouring in the cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.
- Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What other ingredients can I use in Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes?
Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes can be made with a variety of different ingredients. Some great substitutes to try include garlic, green onions, ginger, red peppers, carrots, and mushrooms.
How do I store leftover Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes?
Leftover Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pancakes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
What should I serve with Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes?
Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes are delicious served with a variety of accompaniments. Some great options include soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic chili oil, and honey.
How many calories are in one Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake?
One Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake contains approximately 150 calories, 7 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein.
Are Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes gluten-free?
No, Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes are not gluten-free as they are made with all-purpose flour.
Are Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes vegan?
No, Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes are not vegan as they are made with oil.
Conclusion
Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes are a classic Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a savory pancake made with scallions and a variety of other ingredients that is a favorite in the Chinese-American community. This classic dish is beloved for its delicious flavor, crunchy texture, and ease of preparation.
Making Shirley Chung Scallion Pancakes is easy and straightforward, and can be served as an appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Now that you know how to make this delicious dish