Chinese Scallion Pancakes (Gluten-Free)
These Chinese Scallion Pancakes remind me of our saltfish fritters that I ate while growing up in Jamaica. They are slightly salty and studded with scallions (green onions). We ate them for breakfast, and they were very popular back home. I’m so excited that I can continue to enjoy the taste of home without the addition of salt fish.
Chinese Scallion Pancakes are savory flatbreads folded with oil and scallions. Unlike pancakes in the USA, they are made from dough instead of batter. They are served at Chinese restaurants or found in frozen sections of Asian markets.
Ingredients For Chinese Scallion Pancakes
- Gluten-Free Flour: This alternative to traditional wheat flour provides the necessary structure without gluten, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It helps create a tender yet cohesive pancake.
- Flax Seeds: Ground flax seeds are often used as a healthy binding agent in gluten-free cooking. They add a slight nuttiness and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to the nutritional profile of the pancakes.
- Salt: enhances the flavor of the other ingredients, bringing out the subtle notes of the flour and flax seeds.
- Warm water helps to hydrate the gluten-free flour, making the batter easier to mix and promoting a smooth texture in the finished pancakes.
- Roasted sesame oil imparts a rich, nutty flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes. Just a tablespoon adds depth and a distinct aroma to the pancakes.
- Green onion: Chopped green onions add a fresh, sharp bite and a pop of color, providing a savory contrast to the nutty elements of the pancakes.
- Oil: Used for cooking, oil ensures the pancakes don’t stick to the pan and helps achieve a golden-brown exterior.
How To Make Chinese Scallion Pancakes?
I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour to make the dough, which came together pretty easily. You will find that you don’t need to knead the dough a lot because it is gluten-free and the dough doesn’t need to develop as with regular flour.
Gluten makes dough elastic, so kneading it more results in a tighter and more elastic texture. Since gluten-free flour lacks gluten, it requires less kneading and working.
You just form the dough into a smooth ball until you are ready to roll it out.I added a little ground flaxseed, you can substitute with chia seeds. The dough is quite simple, but the addition of scallions/green onions adds amazing flavor.
I divided the dough into 4 equal balls, then rolled each dough out very thinly, brushed with roasted sesame oil and chopped scallions sprinkled over it.
Here I am rolling the dough like you would when making a jelly roll, then I roll dough into a spiral tucking the end in. The dough is then rolled into a thin circle with a rolling pin.
Here I’m rolling the dough into a spiral tucking the end in.
The pancakes are then cooked on both sides in an oiled, covered skillet.
These Chinese Scallion Pancakes were amazing, they were crispy and chewy at the same time. Full of bold flavors, such a delicious treat. I made 2 batches and they were all gone!
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Chinese Scallion Pancakes (Gluten-Free)
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Pancakes
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon ground flax seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil
- 6 scallion/green onion green parts chopped
- oil for frying
- salt for sprinkling
For The Dipping Sauce
Dipping Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon
- 1 teaspoon roasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon scallion green onion (finely chopped)
Instructions
For The Pancakes
- Place gluten-free flour, flaxseed and salt in a large bowl. Add water and mix until the dough comes together. Using hand, form into a dough ball.
- Divide into 4 equal balls, roll each dough into a circle in between oiled parchment paper or clingfilm. Brush with sesame oil and sprinkle with scallion/spring onion.
- Roll dough into a cylinder, then into a spiral tucking the end in. Roll out into a thin circle.
- Heat oil in a skillet on medium high, gently add pancakes, cover skillet and cook for 2 minutes, turn over, sprinkle with a little salt and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Repeat for the other 3 pancakes. Cut into wedges.
- Delicious served with dipping sauce.
Dipping Sauce
- Mix ingredients for dipping sauce into a small bowl and serve.
These were soo delicious! Since going GF, I’ve missed making green onion pancakes which we always eat with curry. I used Bob’s egg replacement instead of the flax egg and it worked great. The dough takes a bit of getting use to since it’s not the same as regular flour, but once you get the hang of it, it’s great! Thanks for sharing :)
Michelle, thank you for sharing your feedback and adjustments with us. I’m so happy you enjoy it.
Really really yummy!! Have you had any luck with making this a day or two ahead of time and keeping it in the fridge? Thanks!
Sydney, I’m so happy you enjoyed it. I haven’t had any leftovers when I prepare it. However, i would put the leftover in a ziplock bag or container with a lid. Reheat it by covering it in parchment paper and foil paper in a preheated oven at 350 for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer for about 3 minutes at 370.
This is something that I have to try before the year ends.
Recipe of dipping sauce? And can you use another gf flour ie: almond, coconut, rice, oat or a combination?
Marianne, the recipe for the sauce is already there, I added the title. I’m sure you can use a blend of flours but I only experimented with what’s written.
I made these tonight, and they were excellent!! Even my non-gluten-free family members loved them :) I can’t wait to make them again. The sauce especially was amazing!
I’m so happy everyone enjoyed them Betty, I appreciate you leaving a reply.
What kind of oil do you use for frying?
Avocado, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil have high melting points.
Great, thanks! I used avocado oil, and they turned out great!
Which gf flour do you use?
Thanks!
I used Bob’s Red Mills 1:1 baking flour, I mentioned it in the body of the prelude with a link to it on Amazon. I hope you enjoy, not all gluten-free blends are the same so it is best to use the same flour I used
Thanks for the recipe! Can’t wait to try it but first, what is the purpose of the ground flaxseed? Is it optional?
I hope you enjoy it Jackie, depending on the gluten-free flour you use, the ground flaxseeds will provide extra binding capabilities so the dough wouldn’t fall apart.
Michelle,
Thank you for this recipe. My Chinese husband and I haven’t had scallion pancakes since going gf several years ago. I showed him the IG post and he’s very excited-me too!
Gail I hope you both enjoy them. Thank you.
Need to try these!