Crispy Golden Scallion Cakes

Sure! Let’s dive into the detailed recipe for Scallion Cakes, a delightful Chinese treat that can be enjoyed with various meals or as a standalone snack.

Scallion Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 16 wedges

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 4 scallions (green onions), finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • On a clean work surface or in a mixing bowl, place the flour and create a well in the center.
   • Gradually add the water into the well while mixing with your fingers or a fork until a soft, smooth dough forms.
   • Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

   • Take one portion of dough and roll it out very thin into a large rectangle or oval shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
   • Brush the entire surface of the dough with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
   • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly over the oiled surface.

3. Add Scallions:

   • Sprinkle half of the finely chopped scallions evenly over the oiled and salted dough.

4. Shape the Cake:

   • Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll to form a long cylinder.
   • Coil the cylinder into a spiral shape and gently press it down with your hands.

5. Flatten the Cake:

   • Use a rolling pin to flatten the coiled dough into a circle or oval shape, approximately 7 inches in diameter. Ensure the scallions are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Fry the Scallion Cake:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small sauté pan or skillet over medium heat.
   • Carefully place one scallion cake into the pan and fry for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Repeat with the second scallion cake, adding more oil to the pan if necessary.

7. Serve:

   • Once both cakes are fried and golden brown, remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
   • Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut each cake into 8 wedges.
   • Serve the scallion cakes hot as an appetizer, snack, or alongside dishes like wonton soup or with tea.

Tips:

• Freezing and Reheating: These scallion cakes can be frozen after frying. To reheat, place them in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 180°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

• Variations: Feel free to customize these scallion cakes by adding additional seasonings or ingredients such as sesame seeds, minced garlic, or even a dash of soy sauce to the dough.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

Scallion cakes are a versatile and savory treat that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various dishes. Whether you’re serving them as part of a Chinese-inspired brunch, as a quick snack, or alongside your favorite soups, these crispy, flavorful cakes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe to suit your tastes and preferences! 🌿