Cong You Bing (葱油饼) — Chinese scallion pancakes — are crispy, chewy flatbreads flavored with scallions (green onions). They’re pan-fried and great as a snack, side, or breakfast.
🥢 Classic Scallion Pancake (Cong You Bing) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup hot water
- 1–2 tbsp neutral oil (plus extra for frying)
- 4–5 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- ½ tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
- Make the dough
- Put flour in a bowl.
- Gradually pour in hot water while mixing with chopsticks or a spatula.
- Once cool enough, knead into a smooth, elastic dough (~5–7 minutes).
- Cover and rest 20–30 minutes.
- Roll & layer
- Divide dough into 4 balls.
- On a floured surface, roll one ball into a thin circle (about 8–10″).
- Brush a thin layer of oil, sprinkle some salt, then spread a handful of scallions evenly.
- Shape the pancake
- Roll the circle into a tight log, then coil it into a round snail-shape.
- Flatten gently, then roll into a pancake about ¼″ thick.
- Cook
- Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry each pancake ~2–3 min per side until golden & crispy.
- Press gently with a spatula so it puffs and layers.
- Serve
- Cut into wedges and enjoy hot.
🍽 Dipping Sauce (Optional)
Mix together:
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- A little sugar
- Chili flakes or sesame oil
💡 Tips for Best Cong You Bing
- Rest the dough — makes it chewy and easier to roll.
- Hot pan, moderate oil — yields a crispy outside with layered pockets inside.
- Add extras like sesame seeds or a bit of cracked pepper for flavor.
Want a video-style step-by-step, a gluten-free version, or a quick microwave dough hack? Just ask!
