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Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake Recipe

Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake Recipe

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.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Shirley Chung Scallion Pancake Recipe
Servings: 5 cakes
Calories: 150kcal
Author: Bex Smith

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

      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

      Calories: 150kcal
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