Spiced Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes

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

Crisp and layered scallion pancakes with a fragrant five-spice kick, bringing a touch of Northeastern Chinese flavor to your brunch. This Chinese-inspired brunch recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, boiling water, vegetable 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 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 cups all-purpose flour in a large bowl. Slowly pour in 3/4 cup boiling water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork until the dough begins to come together.
  2. Step 2: When cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll one piece into a 10-inch circle on a floured surface.
  4. Step 4: Brush the circle evenly with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, sprinkle with 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions, 1/4 tsp five-spice powder, and a pinch of 1/4 tsp salt. Sprinkle 1/4 tbsp black sesame seeds evenly.
  5. Step 5: Roll the dough circle into a log, then coil it into a round bun and flatten gently with your palm. Roll the bun gently into a 7-inch pancake.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
  7. Step 7: Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce with a pinch of five-spice powder for dipping.
  8. Step 8: Serve the scallion pancakes hot with the dipping sauce for a fragrant brunch treat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (45 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 Spiced Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes?

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 Spiced Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes?

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 Spiced Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes 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.

What goes well with Spiced Northeast Chinese Scallion Pancakes?

Chinese brunch like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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