Green Onion Pancakes are a popular Chinese dish that has won hearts across the globe with their savory flavor . Made with simple ingredients like flour, water, and fresh green onions, these pancakes are easy to prepare and offer a delicious combination of chewy interior and crispy outer layers.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Layers: The crispy, golden exterior contrasts perfectly with the tender, flavorful interior, thanks to the green onions.
- Quick and Easy: While they may look like a complicated dish, green onion pancakes are surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need any special equipment—just a few ingredients and a hot pan!
- Versatile Toppings: These pancakes can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, chili oil, or hoisin sauce, making them customizable to your taste.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether served as a savory snack, side dish, or appetizer, green onion pancakes are suitable for any occasion. They also pair well with various dishes, from stir-fries to soups.
- Budget-Friendly: With only a handful of ingredients, green onion pancakes are an affordable dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Don’t Skip Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for a tender texture. It helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out and achieve the right texture.
Roll Thin: For the best crispy result, roll the dough as thin as possible without tearing it. The thinner the dough, the crispier the pancake.
Use a Hot Pan: A hot pan ensures that the pancakes get crispy and golden on the outside while staying soft on the inside.
Oil the Dough Generously: Don’t skimp on oil when layering the dough with green onions. The oil helps in creating the crispy layers.

Variations
- Spicy Green Onion Pancakes: Add some finely chopped chili peppers to the green onion mixture for an added kick of heat. You can also drizzle some chili oil over the pancakes after frying.
- Cheese-filled Pancakes: For a fusion twist, sprinkle some shredded cheese in between the dough layers before rolling it up. The melted cheese inside creates a delightful surprise.
- Herb-infused Pancakes: Experiment with adding other herbs to the green onion filling, such as cilantro, parsley, or dill, for a fresh twist.
- Vegan Pancakes: If you’re avoiding animal products, substitute the sesame oil with olive oil and skip the egg wash when serving. These pancakes are already plant-based and delicious.
How to Serve
Green onion pancakes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili oil for a savory and spicy complement to the pancakes.
- As a Side Dish: Pair these crispy pancakes with a Chinese-style stir-fry or a bowl of warm soup.
- As an Appetizer: Serve these pancakes as an appetizer at your next dinner party or family gathering.
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh salad for a light breakfast or brunch option.
How to Store
- Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Green onion pancakes can be frozen for later. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to one month. To reheat, simply pan-fry them for a few minutes until crispy.
- Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Recipe FAQs
1. Why are my green onion pancakes not crispy?
The key to crispiness is a hot pan and enough oil. If the pan is not hot enough, the pancakes will not crisp up properly. Also, ensure that you’re frying the pancakes on medium-high heat.
2. Can I use pre-made dough for green onion pancakes?
While it’s possible to use store-bought dough, the texture and flavor will be different. Homemade dough ensures the right consistency and flavor for the pancakes.
3. Can I make green onion pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and cook them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container and reheat in a hot pan for a few minutes before serving.
4. Can I make green onion pancakes without sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil. However, sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor that is part of what makes these pancakes so delicious.
5. How can I make the dough softer?
If you find your dough a little tough, add a bit more warm water while mixing or kneading. A softer dough will result in a more tender pancake.
Green Onion Pancakes

Green Onion Pancakes are a popular Chinese dish that has won hearts across the globe with their savory flavor. Made with simple ingredients like flour, water, and fresh green onions, these pancakes are easy to prepare and offer a delicious combination of chewy interior and crispy outer layers.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup chopped scallions (adjust to taste)
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons vegetable oil (or as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Place the flour in a bowl. Gradually add the hot water while stirring constantly. Add the cold water and mix until there are no dry spots left. Knead lightly on a floured surface until a dough ball forms. Place in a resealable plastic bag and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Season the Scallions: In a bowl, mix the chopped scallions with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a thin rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with the seasoned scallions, leaving the top edge clear.
- Form the Rolls: Roll the dough up tightly from the opposite edge, pulling gently to keep the roll tight. Slice the roll into 3- to 4-inch pieces and pinch the ends to seal.
- Shape the Pancakes: Lightly flatten each piece into a circular pancake shape.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the pancakes for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. To create a flaky texture, gently press the pancakes with spoons or ladles on both sides while cooking.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 187Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 12mgSodium 63mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 4g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Green onion pancakes are an easy, flavorful dish that brings comfort and excitement to any meal. With a crispy outer layer and a savory green onion filling, they are the perfect treat for anyone who loves bold flavors. Whether served as a snack or paired with your favorite dish, these pancakes will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and dipping sauces to make them your own!
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