Appetizer

Chinese Scallion Pancakes with Gochujang and Kewpie Mayo

A golden-brown Chinese scallion pancake cut into wedges, drizzled with red gochujang sauce and white Kewpie mayo in zigzag patterns, served on a ceramic plate
Prep
30 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
FusionIntermediateSnackVegetarian

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

grain

250 grams (about 2 cups)

Imperial measurement: 2 cups all-purpose flour

salt

spice

1 teaspoon

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon salt

boiling water

liquid

180 ml (3/4 cup)

Imperial measurement: 3/4 cup boiling water

vegetable oil

fat

1 tablespoon

Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

vegetable oil for frying

fat

60 ml (1/4 cup)

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup vegetable oil

sesame oil

fat

2 tablespoons

Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons sesame oil

scallions, finely chopped

vegetable

1 cup chopped (about 8 medium scallions)

Imperial measurement: 1 cup chopped scallions

gochujang

other

3 tablespoons

Imperial measurement: 3 tablespoons gochujang

rice vinegar

liquid

1 tablespoon

Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

sugar

other

1 teaspoon

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon sugar

Kewpie mayonnaise

fat

4 tablespoons (60 ml)

Imperial measurement: 4 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise

Method

1

Make the dough

25 minutes

In 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.

2

Prepare the scallion filling

2 minutes

In a small bowl, mix the chopped scallions with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Set aside.

3

Make the gochujang sauce

2 minutes

Whisk together gochujang, rice vinegar, sugar, and 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Set aside.

4

Roll and fill the pancakes

10 minutes

Divide 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.

5

Roll out pancakes

5 minutes

Using 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.

6

Pan-fry the pancakes

12 minutes

Heat 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.

7

Finish and serve

2 minutes

Cut pancakes into wedges. Drizzle with gochujang sauce and Kewpie mayonnaise in zigzag patterns. Serve immediately while crispy.

Equipment

  • [object Object]

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
6 g
Protein
40 g
Carbohydrates
22 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
750 mg
Sodium

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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Yuki Sugiyama

Recipe by

Yuki Sugiyama

Specialises in Japanese cuisine

Yuki makes okonomiyaki with a mountain of bonito flakes. They dance in the heat.

Describe yourself in three words: Playful, dancing, mayo artist.