If you’ve ever had these flaky fried discs dotted with slivers of green onions, you know they can be seriously addictive. When you have perfected the quick and easy scallion pancake recipe to the point that it only takes you an hour or less to make, it’s dangerous business. We give you this scallion pancake recipe with a warning: with great power comes great responsibility. After trying these pancakes, the mere sizzle of the pan or scent of freshly chopped scallions may cause you to relinquish control, churning out pancake after pancake and consuming every bite. Cook at your own risk…
Instructions
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Gradually begin to add boiling water, stirring with a wooden spoon, until water is incorporated and no dry bits of flour remain. Begin kneading in the bowl with one hand, using the other hand to steady the bowl. Continue kneading, pushing dough against the side of the bowl and doubling it back on itself, until cohesive and slightly smooth. Add water by the tablespoon as necessary. Transfer to a lightly floured work surface and knead for an additional 5-8 minutes, until a smooth and slightly tacky dough is formed. Shape into a round, transfer to a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours in advance, at room temperature. Dough can also be made in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. When using this method, switch to dough hook attachment after water is fully incorporated and knead until smooth, about 6 minutes.
While dough rests, make dipping sauce. Combine soy sauce, sugar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons scallions, vinegar, and hot sauce, if desired. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 300°F.
In a small bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Divide dough into 4 pieces, form into small rounds, and lightly flour a work surface. Working with one piece at a time and keeping unused dough covered with a kitchen towel, roll each round into an 8-inch circle. Lightly brush top of dough with sesame and vegetable oil mixture, sprinkle with one-fourth of chopped scallions, and roll dough into a tight, cigar-like roll. Next, coil the dough into a spiral, like a snail shell, tucking the end piece of the spiral underneath, into the center of the underside of the dough. Press down with your palm to seal and set aside, covered with a kitchen towel. Repeat with remaining dough, oil, and scallions, flouring surface as necessary to prevent sticking.
Next, roll each spiraled piece of dough into a thin 7-inch round, about ⅜-inch thick, flouring dough and surface lightly if necessary. If dough contracts and seems to have trouble rolling into a circle of this thinness, let dough relax for 10 to 15 minutes, covered, and try again.
Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Add enough vegetable oil to generously coat the surface. The amount will depend on the size of your skillet or griddle. Add scallion pancakes, in batches as necessary, and cook, flipping once and adding oil as necessary, until deeply golden and crisp, about 2-4 minutes per side. Pancakes should be fully cooked through; lower heat as necessary to prevent over-browning. Sprinkle finished pancakes with additional salt and transfer to oven on a baking sheet to keep warm as other pancakes fry.
Serve pancakes immediately, with cranberry chutney, if desired.
