Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Cong You Bing (crispy Chinese scallion pancakes). I’ll walk you through it carefully so you can get that flaky, layered texture just right.
🥞 Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancakes)
🧾 Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup hot water (not boiling, but very warm)
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2–3 tbsp oil (sesame oil or regular cooking oil)
- ½ tsp salt
For frying:
- 3–4 tbsp oil
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Gradually pour in warm water while stirring.
- Knead into a soft dough (about 5–7 minutes).
- Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes (important for elasticity).
2. Prepare the Filling
- Finely chop green onions.
- Keep oil and salt ready.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Divide dough into 4–5 equal balls.
- Take one ball and roll it into a thin rectangle or circle.
4. Add Layers (Key Step!)
- Brush a thin layer of oil over the rolled dough.
- Sprinkle salt evenly.
- Scatter chopped green onions.
5. Create the Flaky Layers
- Roll the dough into a tight log (like a cigar).
- Coil the log into a spiral (like a cinnamon roll).
- Press gently and roll again into a flat pancake.
👉 This layering technique is what makes it flaky!
6. Cook the Pancake
- Heat a pan on medium heat.
- Add oil.
- Place pancake in the pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until:
- Golden brown
- Crispy outside
Press lightly with a spatula for even cooking.
7. Serve
- Cut into wedges.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce (soy sauce + vinegar + chili oil).
🥢 Tips for Best Results
- Use hot water dough for softness.
- Don’t skip resting time.
- Roll thin for better layers.
- Use enough oil while cooking for crispiness.
🌶️ Optional Dipping Sauce
Mix:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp chili oil
- A few drops sesame oil