Chinese Scallion thin Pancakes or Cong You Bing are healthy and vegan! This is a quick and easy batter version of this Asian delicacy made with green onions. The scallions in the pancake give it a nice flavor making it a filling breakfast meal or snack.
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What do the Chinese have for breakfast
If you are wondering that then I have the answer for you! One of their popular breakfast menu items is Scallion Pancakes! BTW, Korean Fried Rice is another popular breakfast recipe from Asian cuisine that's made using leftover rice.
These pancakes are also known as green onion pancakes or Cong You Bing and are a favorite "breakfast on the run".
It is one of the most famous and traditional Chinese street foods and it makes an ideal Chinese breakfast. These crispy and aroma-packed pancakes are easily available all around China.
They are usually topped with a fried egg, finely chopped mustard pickles, scallions, coriander, and a spicy sauce.
The traditional recipe is very similar to the way we Indians make Lachha Paratha, using dough. The prepared dough is used to make layered, flaky, crispy pancakes, and is cooked in lard.
There are several types of Cong You Bing that you can make but I have liked this batter version the best.
Where we had these first
We tried this delicious snack when we were holidaying in Australia. In Melbourne, we stumbled upon Chinatown right in the heart of it.
All the shops, temples, restaurants, and people on that street made us feel like we were in China. The feel of that street was so colorful and vibrant that it was just amazing.
Since we love exploring world cuisine, we stepped into one of the local restaurants to eat.
There weren't many options for vegetarians on the menu, so the server suggested that we try the pancakes that they usually serve for breakfast.
Since he highly recommended it, we decided to give it a try. We were extremely satisfied with that order. I made a mental note to myself to recreate this pancake once back home.
Why make this
These thin healthy vegan pancakes or crepes are very delicious. There are 2 versions of this recipe. One is the dough version and the alternate easy and quicker one is the batter version.
- These are vegan
- It's an instant batter recipe
- Quick, easy, and simple to make
- No kneading of dough required
- Can be served for breakfast or as a snack
Ingredients needed 🧾
I love this savory pancake recipe because it can be made with basic pantry ingredients.
Flour - It's normally made with all-purpose flour. But feel free to experiment with other flours.
Chinese Five Spice Powder - This gives it an authentic Chinese flavor. Read notes for substitution options.
Scallions give these thin Chinese pancakes a unique flavor. Besides these ingredients, you will need a bowl, a whisk, and a skillet!
How to make it 🔪
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- Sieve all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl.
- Add Chinese Five Spice Powder and salt.
- Now add water and whisk it all together till there are no lumps. The batter should be neither too thick or thin.
- Then add the chopped scallions.
- Mix it into the batter.
- Warm a skillet and pour a ladle full of batter on it. Chef Tip - When pouring, do not place all of it in the center, swirl it evenly by rotating the spoon to make a basic round pancake. Drizzle some oil around it and let it cook for a minute or two. Flip to the other side and let it cook evenly for a similar time. Once both sides are cooked, take it off the pan.
Make a quick sauce to serve as a side to these green onion pancakes. Mix rice vinegar, coconut amino or soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Serving Suggestions 🍽
Chinese Scallion Pancakes are ready. Cut it into wedges and serve hot. I serve them with this dipping sauce or ketchup and they taste delicious.
It's a savory and filling breakfast that the entire family can enjoy. Chinese pancakes or Cong You Bing can also be served as a side or as a snack accompanying a bowl of soup or salad.
Top recipe tips 💭
Be generous when adding the scallions. They are critical to this recipe. Feel free to add some herbs like chives to give these pancakes a more aromatic flavor.
Other ingredients, such as chopped fennel greens and sesame seeds can also be added with the green onions.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil to the batter to make these thin healthy vegan green onion pancakes crispier.
Recipe FAQs 📖
This authentic spice mix is a mix of Star Anise, Fennel Seeds, Szechuan Peppercorns, Cloves, and Cinnamon.
While this spice mix is easily available in all leading grocery stores, here's how to substitute it. Use ¾ teaspoon garam masala along with ¼ teaspoon star anise powder.
Or a combination of cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and ground cloves can be a workable substitute as it covers most of the five.
Place the leftover green onion pancakes in a zip-top container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Even the dipping sauce can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. But it's best to make it fresh.
To reheat, place a pancake on a pan and heat over medium heat, cook, flip occasionally until the pancakes turn warm throughout. Alternatively, you can also reheat them in the Microwave.
The batter stays good in the fridge for 4-5 days. Just remember to stir it before use. You can also freeze this batter for 2 months.
More pancakes and crepes
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Recipe 📖
Chinese Scallion Pancakes | Cong You Bing
Equipment
Ingredients
To make the pancakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Five Spice Powder
- 1 bunch scallions
- Salt
- Water
- Oil
To prepare the dipping sauce
- 3 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet seasoning or sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
To make the pancakes
- Sieve all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl. Add Chinese Five Spice Powder and salt.
- Add water to give it a batter consistency. It should be neither too thick nor too thin.
- Add chopped scallions (green onions) and whisk it all together.
- Warm a skillet and pour a ladle full of batter on it.
- When pouring, do not place all of it in the center, swirl it evenly by rotating the spoon to make a basic round pancake.
- Drizzle some oil around it and let it cook for a minute or two.
- Flip to the other side and let it cook evenly for a similar time.
- Once both sides are cooked, take it off the pan.
To prepare the dipping sauce
- Mix rice vinegar, coconut aminos or soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve this sauce along with the green onion pancakes.
Jessica Formicola says
I love a good savory pancake recipe! I will definitely be trying these out soon!
Priya says
Please let me know how it goes. Thank you
Cate says
These pancakes look delicious, and your photos are stunning! Thanks for sharing can't wait to try them.
Priya says
thank you so much.
Beth says
Oh my goodness these look fantastic and so delicious! I can't wait to give this recipe a try!
Priya says
Thank you so much
Anjali says
These pancakes were super easy to make and were the perfect snack for me and my kids!!
Priya says
Yes, they totally are! Thank you
Jess says
Since I cannot travel right now this is the next best thing...eating different things to make it feel like I am traveling!
Priya says
I know the feeling! 🙂
Kim Guzman says
The perfect quick and easy recipe for a light breakfast. No leftovers! Will make again because yum!
Priya says
Thank you so much.
Chris Collins says
I love scallions so much so I'll definitely be giving these a go. My kind of pancake!!
Priya says
They are yum! Do give them a try. Thank you
Adrianne says
I love that you were inspired for this recipe from your travels! These pancakes sound very authentic and packed with flavour. Can't wait to try them, thanks!
Priya says
That's the beauty of travelling! Thank you
Sara Welch says
Gave this a try for breakfast and it did not disappoint! A fun and new way to start my day; I love it!
Priya says
Glad to hear that. Thank you.
veenaazmanov says
I can surely enjoy it at any meal. Looks delicious and healthy too.
Priya says
Oh yes, it totally is! Thank you