Flaky Scallion Pancakes with Shallots are a savory and irresistible dish inspired by traditional Chinese scallion pancakes, elevated with the addition of shallots for a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. These pancakes are made by layering dough with finely chopped scallions and shallots, then rolling it up and pan-frying it until golden brown and crispy. The result is a crispy, flaky exterior with a soft, flavorful interior, making each bite perfectly savory and satisfying.
I first made Flaky Scallion Pancakes with Shallots when I wanted to create a dish with the perfect balance of crispy and tender textures, and it quickly became a favorite. The layers of scallions and shallots brought an aromatic richness to the pancakes, while the crispy edges gave them the perfect bite. What I love most about this recipe is how the simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent.
What’s great about Flaky Scallion Pancakes with Shallots is how versatile they are. You can enjoy them on their own with a dipping sauce, or serve them as a side dish or appetizer alongside a variety of meals. You can also customize the filling by adding extra herbs, garlic, or spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these scallion pancakes are sure to be a flavorful and crowd-pleasing treat!
Perfect for:
- Appetizers
- Snack time
- Chinese-themed dinners
- Brunch gatherings
- Lovers of crispy, savory bites
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Flaky Scallion Pancakes with Shallots will become your go-to savory treat:
- Crispy and Flaky Texture: The dough is expertly layered to achieve the perfect crunch on the outside while remaining soft inside.
- Savory Shallot and Scallion Flavor: The shallots provide a touch of sweetness, while the scallions bring a fresh, sharp bite.
- Easy-to-Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple, with easy-to-follow instructions for a delicious result.
- Perfect for Sharing: These pancakes are ideal for serving as part of a meal or passing around as a party snack.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course.
- Great Dipping Sauce Pairing: These pancakes are delicious with a soy or hoisin dipping sauce.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare and freeze them in advance, so they’re ready whenever you need them.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with vegetables, these pancakes are a great choice for vegetarians.
- Customizable Fillings: Add extra ingredients like sesame seeds, garlic, or chili flakes for a personalized twist.
- Satisfying and Comforting: There’s something comforting about the crispy texture and warm, flavorful filling.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 pancakes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 6g
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup warm water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
The Filling:
- 4 scallions, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Scallions and Shallots: Offer a delicate balance of savory flavor and a subtle sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty depth to the filling.
- Warm Water in Dough: Helps activate the gluten, giving the pancakes their chewy and flaky texture.
- Soy Sauce in Filling: Provides an umami depth that complements the sweetness of the shallots.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Shallots and Scallions: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add scallions, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar. Cook for another 2 minutes and remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the Pancakes:
- Roll the Dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a thin circle.
- Add the Filling: Spread a thin layer of the cooled shallot-scallion mixture over each dough circle.
- Shape the Pancakes: Roll each filled circle into a log, then coil the log into a spiral. Flatten the spiral into a pancake shape.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each pancake for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: If using, mix the dipping sauce ingredients together and serve alongside the pancakes.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Flaky Scallion Pancakes with Shallots:
- As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack.
- With Soy Sauce Dipping Sauce: Serve with a soy-based dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- As an Appetizer: Start a Chinese-themed meal with these crispy pancakes.
- For Brunch: Serve with a side of fresh fruit or pickled vegetables.
- With Hot Tea: Pair these pancakes with a warm cup of green tea for a simple, delightful meal.
- As a Side Dish: Serve with stir-fried vegetables or noodle dishes.
- For Parties: Serve them as finger food at a gathering or celebration.
- With Chili Sauce: Spice them up with a sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
- For Lunch: Make a meal out of them by serving with a light salad or soup.
- For a Light Dinner: Enjoy them with some steamed dumplings or a fresh cucumber salad.
Additional Tips
- Even Layering: Make sure the scallion-shallot filling is evenly spread over the dough for uniform cooking.
- Resting Time for Dough: Letting the dough rest helps it roll out more easily.
- Ensure Crispy Texture: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook pancakes in batches for the crispiest texture.
- Avoid Overfilling: Be mindful not to overfill the pancakes to prevent leakage during cooking.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough becomes too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Scallion Pancakes: Add chili flakes or chili oil to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Scallion Pancakes: Add minced garlic to the scallion-shallot mixture for extra depth of flavor.
- Sesame Seed Pancakes: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the pancake dough for an added crunch and flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed Pancakes: Add a small amount of shredded cheese to the filling for a savory fusion twist.
- Vegan Option: Ensure the dough is made with vegetable oil and omit any non-vegan ingredients from the dipping sauce.
- Spinach and Scallion Pancakes: Add sautéed spinach to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Special Equipment
- Rolling Pin: For flattening the dough into thin circles.
- Large Skillet: For frying the pancakes to a golden crisp.
- Bowl: For mixing the dough and filling.
- Spatula: For flipping the pancakes without breaking them.
- Small Pan or Pot: For heating the dipping sauce if preferred warm.
FAQ Section
- How long do these pancakes last?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes, freeze the uncooked pancakes and cook them later. To cook, thaw and fry as usual. - Can I use green onions instead of scallions?
Yes, green onions will work well as a substitute for scallions. - Can I add meat to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, chicken, or beef to the filling for added protein. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. - What if my pancakes aren’t crispy enough?
Make sure to cook them over medium-high heat and add enough oil to the pan to achieve a crispy texture. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends for the dough. - Can I skip the dipping sauce?
Yes, the pancakes are delicious on their own, but the dipping sauce adds extra flavor. - Can I make the pancakes smaller?
Yes, simply divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the cooking time.
Conclusion
Flaky Scallion Pancakes with Shallots are a savory, crispy treat that combines the aromatic flavors of fresh scallions and shallots with layers of flaky, tender dough. The dough is rolled thin, sprinkled with finely chopped scallions and shallots, then folded and pan-fried to create a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The shallots add an extra layer of sweetness and depth, complementing the sharpness of the scallions for a balanced, mouthwatering bite.
These pancakes are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish to accompany a meal. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a soy-based dipping sauce for added flavor. The contrast between the crispy outside and soft inside, along with the fragrant shallots and scallions, makes each bite irresistible.
I can’t wait to see how your Flaky Scallion Pancakes with Shallots turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this dish your own!