Have you ever had a scallion pancake? Scallions, the key ingredient, are also known as green onions.
Have you ever had a scallion pancake? In Mandarin, it’s known as cong you bing. If you come from a Chinese or Taiwanese background, your parents might make these crispy treats from time to time. What are scallions? Scallions are also known as green onions, Essentially, a scallion pancake a type of flatbread that has been folded over several times and grilled or fried in oil and mixed with a generous helping of these green onions. But when did these tasty pancakes first appear?
The Origins
The scallion pancake has been around for so long, that like many other foods, its origins have passed into myth, folklore, and guesswork. It’s hard to tell where it was first created, but many of these tales point to Shanghai in northeastern China; at least, this is the most commonly accepted theory behind its creation. But why is this hypothesis so plausible? Shanghai has a large and diverse population, mainly of people who aren’t Chinese, such as the Indians. The scallion pancake greatly resembles an Indian flatbread known as paratha.
Common Ingredients
Many different recipes are going to have unique ingredients. But even so, to make a batch of scallion pancakes, try using these common elements:
- Flatbread dough, often rolled up as if they are about to be made into dumplings before be rolled flat again.
- Minced scallions
- Plenty of oil
Popular Cooking Methods
Now that you’ve got the ingredients you need, you also have to know how to cook them properly. Start by scattering the scallions into the dough. Next, you need to add the oil. Instead of dropping the batter into the oil, you should use the cooking oil to coat the dough instead. Then, it’s time to fry it. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns golden brown but is still tender.
If you like, you can use sesame oil to fry the pancakes, and then add any leftover scallions into the next batch, or several other dishes too.
How Is It Eaten?
Once your scallion pancakes are ready, you can serve them when they’re still fresh and hot, or let them cool off first. Either way, you can cut them into pizza-shaped wedges and share them with your friends by eating the slices with your hands, dipping them in soy sauce.
Did You Know?
Here’s a fun fact about the scallion pancake: according to legend, Marco Polo loved these pancakes. When he returned home to Italy, he had some chefs make a different type of pancake so he could have some more. But what he got was the ancestor of another dish we all know and love her in modern day America: pizza.
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FAQs
Some have speculated that cong you bin may have been inspired by paratha, the Indian flatbread with a visibly similar construction; chopped scallions, a typical Chinese garnish, were possibly added to the dough along the way. By that theory, a busy international port city like Shanghai may have birthed them.
What is the origin of Chinese pancakes? ›
The 3rd Century Origins Of Chinese Pancakes
The snack, similar to what is known in China as “Jianbing,” traces its roots all the way back to the Shandong Province during the Three Kingdoms Period (220 – 280 AD).
What is a fun fact about scallion pancakes? ›
Here's a fun fact about the scallion pancake: according to legend, Marco Polo loved these pancakes. When he returned home to Italy, he had some chefs make a different type of pancake so he could have some more. But what he got was the ancestor of another dish we all know and love her in modern day America: pizza.
What are Chinese scallion pancakes called? ›
Cong you bing (cōngyóubǐng) (Chinese: 蔥油餅; pinyin: cōngyóubǐng; Wade–Giles: Ts'ung1-yu2-ping3; lit. 'scallion oil pancake'; Mandarin pronunciation [tsʰʊ́ŋjǒʊpìŋ]), also known as scallion pancake or "green onion pancake", is a Chinese savory, unleavened flatbread folded with oil and minced scallions (green onions).
What is the history and origin of pancakes? ›
600 BC - The first recorded mention of pancakes dates back to ancient Greece and comes from a poet who described warm pancakes in one of his writings. 1100 AD – Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) becomes a traditional way to use up dairy products before lent – the pancake breakfast is born.
What is the history of scallions? ›
Cultivated since 3,500 B.C. and native to Asia, scallions were one of the earliest cultivated crops. While their versatility in cooking has long been appreciated, they've also been valued medicinally and are often mentioned in ancient Chinese herbals.
What is a Chinese pancake roll called? ›
Pancake Rolls (aka Chun Guin) are a version of a Spring roll. Originally a pancake filled with fresh spring vegetables, Spring Rolls were a welcome change from the preserved foods that people had to eat during the long Chinese winter.
What do pancakes symbolize? ›
Pancakes are celebratory, a festive food considered by many to be “a symbol for life,” perhaps because “the bread-pancake made of unleavened flour and water was the staff of life” (or a dietary staple) in numerous ancient civilizations, the New York Times wrote in 1990.
What does scallion pancake taste like? ›
An informative guide to homemade scallion pancakes, a layered Chinese flatbread loved for its super crispy, flaky texture and oniony, aromatic taste.
Why are my scallion pancakes not flaky? ›
It's important to start with hot water dough in order to roll it out without having the dough bounce back. This way, it'll lead to a more thin and flaky pancake! It's best to roll it out without scallions, then add the scallions at the end since they tend to break up the layers!
From a nutritional perspective, green onions are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They provide vital nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and several nutrient compositions, which play crucial roles in maintaining overall human health.
What do you eat with Chinese scallion pancakes? ›
They're served with a sweet soy-ginger-Sriracha dipping sauce and paired with a lightly dressed red cabbage-cucumber salad for a classic Chinese treat you won't be able to get enough of.
When were Chinese pancakes invented? ›
Jianbing originated in northern China, where wheat- and broomcorn-based flatbreads, pancakes and pies (collectively called bing) are common as staple foods. Its history can be traced back 2,000 years to Shandong province during the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220–280).
What is scallion in Chinese? ›
SCALLIONS OR GREEN ONIONS (香葱, Xiāng cōng)
In Chinese, scallions (AKA green onions) are often simply referred to as, cōng (葱).
Where did green onion cakes originate? ›
Origin of the Green Onion Cake
Chang-Yen Phillip's research led him to discover that the dish was popularized in the 1980s, thanks to chef Siu To. Siu To came from northern China and began his restaurant career in 1978. His green onion cakes were an immediate hit, with no other restaurants in Edmonton selling them.
Why are scallion pancakes so good? ›
The secret to scallion pancakes is the crispy, flaky exterior that gives way to a slightly chewy interior of thin layers. When fresh-off-the-stove, it is extra crunchy and addictively fragrant. They are such a treat that you can enjoy them on their own, and they're perfect for snacking.
How are you supposed to eat scallion pancakes? ›
They're served with a sweet soy-ginger-Sriracha dipping sauce and paired with a lightly dressed red cabbage-cucumber salad for a classic Chinese treat you won't be able to get enough of.
Who invented the first pancake mix? ›
The original Pearl Milling Company ready-mix pancake recipe was not created by Nancy Green. It was developed by Chris Rutt and Charles Underwood in 1889 in St. Joseph, Missouri. In 1890 The Aunt Jemima Milling Company which was based in St.
