Crispy Chinese Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing) : A Family Favorite!

Name: Crispy Chinese Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup warm water; Salt, to taste; 4 scallions (green onions), finely chopped; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus extra for brushing)

Posted on January 12, 2026

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This delicious Crispy Chinese Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing) comes together in about 30 minutes and is a quick savory delight that your family will love! Ideal for a weeknight dinner, these pancakes are super versatile too, switch up the scallions for whatever you have in your fridge, or try adding some leftover proteins like chicken or tofu. Trust me, the kids will gobble these up like they’re candy!

Ingredient Breakdown

When it comes to making these Crispy Chinese Scallion Pancakes, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your dough. You could also use bread flour if you want a chewier texture, totally up to you!
Water: It’s key for binding the flour. Make sure it’s warm to help the dough come together more easily.
Salt: Just a couple of pinches adds the perfect flavor, don’t skip this part!
Scallions (Green Onions): These are the star of the show! They bring a fresh, oniony kick.
Vegetable Oil: Helps with frying and adds a crispiness that we all love. You can even use sesame oil for an extra punch of flavor!

Fun Fact:

If you want to experiment, feel free to swap in other herbs or greens instead of scallions. Chopped cilantro or spinach can also be a delightful addition!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Dough (Time: 10 minutes) : In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and a couple of pinches of salt. Gradually add in 3/4 cup of warm water, mixing as you go until a sticky dough forms. Now, it’s time to knead! Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This rest period is essential as it helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out later.
Rolling Out the Pancakes (Time: 10-15 minutes) : After your dough has rested, divide it into four equal pieces. Take one piece and roll it out into a thin circle (about 10 inches in diameter). This is where the magic starts! Brush the dough with a bit of vegetable oil and generously sprinkle finely chopped scallions over the top. Don’t be shy with those scallions, they’re what make these pancakes fun and, honestly, a bit addicting!
Rolling and Coiling (Time: 5 minutes) : Now, roll the dough tightly into a log (like a jelly roll). Coil this log into a round shape like a snail shell and gently flatten it down. You can roll it out again to about 1/4 inch thick for crispier results, but if you like ’em a bit thicker, just leave them!
Frying to Perfection (Time: 10-15 minutes) : Heat about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully lay one pancake into the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden and crispy, then flip it and fry the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining pancakes.
Serve and Enjoy! (Time: Immediate) : Once fried to a lovely golden brown, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels. Cut them into wedges and serve hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

My Personal Connection

Honestly, this is my go-to recipe anytime I’m looking to whip up something comforting yet fun. You know, it’s super versatile, whether I have scallions or some wilted herbs, I can always make it work! I remember the first time I made these for my kiddos; they were skeptical at first (long story, my 8-year-old is a total food critic!), but once they took that first bite, they asked for seconds! I’m a real sucker for recipes that bring everyone around the table, and these pancakes are just that!

Be sure to check out my Japanese Soufflé Pancakes, my Classy Blueberry Pie, or my Gourmet Mushroom and Leek Puff Pastry Bites! Each of these recipes is a family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights, just like the scallion pancakes!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t know what to make.

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand; swap scallions for chives or whatever greens need to be used up!

Crowd-Pleaser

These crispy, golden delights are the kind of comfort food that everyone loves. Seriously, every time I whip these up, my family goes crazy for them!

Budget-Friendly

With just five basic ingredients, you can make a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can easily prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a day or two. Just roll out and fry when you’re ready!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Chinese Scallion Pancakes can be served on their own as a snack, or you can pair them with a side of soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce for that extra kick! They also make a great side dish alongside stir-fried vegetables or grilled meats.

Storage

Leftovers? No worries! Store any uneaten pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply fry them again on a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side until they’re crispy again. It’s like they’re freshly made all over again!

Freezer Friendly

You can freeze the uncooked pancakes! Just stack them with parchment paper in between and store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, you can fry them straight from frozen, just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time!

So what’re you waiting for? Get those ingredients ready and try these Crispy Chinese Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing) tonight! They’re sure to become a cherished addition to your family meal repertoire. Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.