Shanghai-Style Scallion Pancakes with Five-Spice
Crisp and flaky scallion pancakes infused with aromatic Chinese five-spice powder, perfect for a savory snack or appetizer. This Chinese-inspired snack recipe, ready in about 57 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, boiling water, green onions 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 220 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 4 finely sliced green onions
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp for frying vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, add 2 cups all-purpose flour and gradually pour in 3/4 cup boiling water while mixing with chopsticks until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Divide dough into 4 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one ball into a 10-inch circle.
- Step 3: Brush the surface evenly with 1 tbsp sesame oil, sprinkle 1/8 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, and 1/4 cup finely sliced green onions.
- Step 4: Roll the dough circle tightly into a log, then coil into a round bun shape. Flatten gently with your palm and roll out again to about 7 inches in diameter.
- Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp, adding more oil as needed.
- Step 6: Drain pancakes on paper towels and cut into wedges. Serve warm as a flavorful Shanghainese street food snack or appetizer.









