Crispy Scallion Pancake Recipe
Scallion pancakes are a beloved Chinese street food snack that’s flaky, crispy, and packed with savory green onion flavor. This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers authentic texture and taste without needing a trip to the takeout place. Perfect as an appetizer, side, or light lunch!

Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup hot water (plus more if needed)
- 4–5 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for brushing)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: soy sauce or chili oil for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, add the flour and gradually stir in the hot water. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Step 2: Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out one piece into a thin rectangle. Brush with sesame oil and sprinkle with chopped scallions and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Roll the dough into a log, then coil it into a spiral. Flatten gently and roll again into a pancake. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Cut into wedges and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rest Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings
Makes 4 pancakes (serves 4)
Nutritional Information (per pancake)
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet to regain crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked pancakes for up to 1 month (separated with parchment paper).
Pairings/Suggestions
- Serve with soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar dipping sauce.
- Great with hot tea, egg drop soup, or miso soup.
Seasonal Relevance
Scallion pancakes are great year-round, especially in spring when scallions are freshest and most flavorful.
Crispy Scallion Pancake Recipe
4
servings20
minutes30
minutes220
kcalCrispy, flaky, and loaded with fresh green onion flavor, this easy scallion pancake recipe brings the taste of your favorite Chinese street food right to your kitchen. Made with simple ingredients and perfect for dipping, it’s an irresistible snack or side dish for any meal!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup hot water (plus more if needed)
4–5 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sesame oil (for brushing)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional: soy sauce or chili oil for dipping
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, add the flour and gradually stir in the hot water. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out one piece into a thin rectangle. Brush with sesame oil and sprinkle with chopped scallions and a pinch of salt.
- Roll the dough into a log, then coil it into a spiral. Flatten gently and roll again into a pancake. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Cut into wedges and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Scallion pancakes are a beloved Chinese savory treat known for their crispy layers and bold green onion flavor. Made with just flour, water, and scallions, these pan-fried pancakes are simple yet incredibly satisfying. Perfect as an appetizer, side, or snack, they’re best served hot with a soy dipping sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, but the texture will be denser and less flaky.
Q: Why use hot water in the dough?
A: Hot water helps make the dough softer and easier to roll out.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—shape the pancakes, then freeze them raw for later use.
Conclusion
Crispy, flaky, and full of flavor, these scallion pancakes are a fun and satisfying dish to make at home. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to impress with their irresistible crunch and savory goodness!