Appetizer
Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Gochujang and Kewpie Mayo

About this dish
A playful fusion that dances between three beloved cuisines: the flaky, scallion-studded layers of a classic Chinese pancake, the bold fermented kick of Korean gochujang, and the creamy umami of Japanese Kewpie mayo. I love drizzling the sauce in zigzag patterns—like a little mayo art on every plate.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
all-purpose flour
grain250 grams (about 2 cups)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups all-purpose flour
salt
spice1 teaspoon
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon salt
boiling water
liquid180 ml (3/4 cup)
Imperial measurement: 3/4 cup boiling water
vegetable oil
fat1 tablespoon
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
vegetable oil for frying
fat60 ml (1/4 cup)
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup vegetable oil
sesame oil
fat2 tablespoons
Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons sesame oil
scallions, finely chopped
vegetable1 cup chopped (about 8 medium scallions)
Imperial measurement: 1 cup chopped scallions
gochujang
other3 tablespoons
Imperial measurement: 3 tablespoons gochujang
rice vinegar
liquid1 tablespoon
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
sugar
other1 teaspoon
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon sugar
Kewpie mayonnaise
fat4 tablespoons (60 ml)
Imperial measurement: 4 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise
Method
Make the dough
25 minutesIn a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually pour in boiling water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, then knead by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
Prepare the scallion filling
2 minutesIn a small bowl, mix the chopped scallions with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Set aside.
Make the gochujang sauce
2 minutesWhisk together gochujang, rice vinegar, sugar, and 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Set aside.
Roll and fill the pancakes
10 minutesDivide dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly oiled surface, roll one piece into a thin rectangle (roughly 8x12 inches). Brush with a thin layer of the remaining sesame oil, then spread 1/4 cup scallions evenly over the surface. Starting from a long edge, roll tightly into a log. Coil the log into a snail shape, tucking the end underneath. Flatten gently with your palm.
Roll out pancakes
5 minutesUsing a rolling pin, gently roll each coiled piece into a disk about 6 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with remaining pieces.
Pan-fry the pancakes
12 minutesHeat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add one pancake (or more if pan allows) and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining pancakes.
Finish and serve
2 minutesCut pancakes into wedges. Drizzle with gochujang sauce and Kewpie mayonnaise in zigzag patterns. Serve immediately while crispy.
Equipment
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Nutrition facts
Tips
- Use boiling water to make the dough, it pre-cooks the gluten and gives the pancakes a tender yet flaky texture.
- Don’t skimp on the oil when pan-frying — it’s essential for that crispy golden crust.
- For a dipping sauce twist, add a splash of soy sauce to the gochujang mixture — it brightens the flavor in a completely different way.
- Leftover pancakes can be reheated in a dry skillet over medium heat for a couple minutes to restore crispiness.
Serving suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer at parties, or as a snack with a cold beer. Pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad.
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Recipe by
Yuki Sugiyama
Specialises in Japanese cuisineYuki makes okonomiyaki with a mountain of bonito flakes. They dance in the heat.
Describe yourself in three words: Playful, dancing, mayo artist.