Cong You Bing (葱油饼)
China
Thin, flaky Chinese pancakes with fragrant green onions, a crispy crust, and a delicate layer of aromatic oil. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 250 g wheat flour (dough)
- 160 ml water
- to taste vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp rendered pork fat
- 0.25 tsp ground Sichuan pepper
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 40 g green onion
- to taste homemade chili oil
- to taste black rice vinegar
- to taste light soy sauce
Steps
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In a bowl combine wheat flour (dough) and hot water, stir with chopsticks, then knead a rough dough by hand.
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Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.
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In a small bowl mix rendered pork fat, wheat flour (filling), ground Sichuan pepper and salt, stirring until a homogeneous paste forms.
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Remove the wrap, knead the dough until smooth, and brush it and the work surface with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
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Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a thin rectangle about 43×33 cm.
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Spread the dough with the prepared paste, then sprinkle finely chopped green onion on top.
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From the short side, roll the dough into a log, not too tightly.
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Cut the log into 4 pieces, press each piece with your hand and roll into a pancake about 13 cm in diameter (or make thinner pancakes).
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Heat vegetable oil in a pan over high heat; test readiness by dropping a piece of onion into the oil – it should sizzle.
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Reduce heat to medium, place the pancakes (top side down) and fry, covering with a lid, about 2 minutes until golden brown.
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Flip the pancakes, cover again and fry the other side until golden.
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Transfer the cooked pancakes to a rack and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
FAQ
What is Cong You Bing?
Cong You Bing are thin, flaky Chinese pancakes filled with fragrant green onions, known for their crispy crust and delicate, aromatic layers.
How do you pronounce 葱油饼?
The pronunciation for 葱油饼 is 'Cong You Bing' (tsung yoh bing), meaning 'scallion oil pancake'.
Can I make Cong You Bing without green onions?
While green onions are key to the traditional flavor, you can explore substitutions like chives or a mix of herbs, though the taste profile will change. Our app can help suggest alternatives.
What Chinese dishes are similar to Cong You Bing?
Similar dishes include other types of Chinese flatbreads like 'bing' (饼) variations, often differing in fillings or preparation methods, but sharing the savory, pan-fried dough concept.
Where can I find more anime-inspired recipes?
Umami Guru specializes in authentic Japanese, Korean, and Chinese recipes, many of which are featured in beloved anime. Explore our collection for more Ghibli-style culinary adventures!