Savory Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pan-fried scallion pancakes with a fragrant green onion flavor, accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce for brunch. This Chinese-inspired brunch recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 60 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, boiling water, sesame oil into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Kitchen tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 cups all-purpose flour in a large bowl and slowly pour in 3/4 cup boiling water while stirring with chopsticks or a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Let cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter.
  4. Step 4: Brush each dough circle evenly with 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1 cup finely sliced scallions distributed evenly.
  5. Step 5: Roll up each circle tightly into a log, then coil each log into a round snail shape. Flatten gently with your palm, then roll again into a 6-inch pancake.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry each pancake for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with remaining pancakes, adding oil as needed.
  7. Step 7: For the dipping sauce, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp black vinegar, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes in a small bowl.
  8. Step 8: Serve hot scallion pancakes cut into wedges alongside the dipping sauce for a flavorful brunch snack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Savory Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Dipping Sauce?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Savory Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Savory Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Dipping Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes