Green Onion Cakes Recipe
Introduction
Green onion cakes are a delicious and crispy Chinese snack that’s easy to make at home. These savory pancakes are filled with fresh green onions and fried until golden brown, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to form.
- Step 2: When the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a thin circle on a floured surface.
- Step 5: Brush each circle with vegetable oil and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions.
- Step 6: Roll each circle into a log, then coil it into a ball, tucking the ends underneath. Flatten each ball into a disk about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 7: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the cakes until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 8: Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of five-spice powder to the dough or sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before frying.
Storage
Store leftover green onion cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and cooking.
What can I serve with green onion cakes?
They pair well with soy sauce, chili oil, or a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
PrintGreen Onion Cakes Recipe
Green Onion Cakes are a deliciously crispy and savory Chinese street food snack made from a simple dough filled with fresh green onions, pan-fried to golden perfection. These flaky pancakes are perfect as an appetizer or side dish and are best served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Filling
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring continuously with a fork until the dough just starts to come together.
- Knead Dough: Once cool enough to handle, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make rolling easier.
- Divide and Roll Dough: After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Add Filling: Brush each dough circle lightly with vegetable oil and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions.
- Shape Cakes: Roll each dough circle into a log, then coil it into a ball with the ends tucked underneath. Flatten each ball into a small disk about 1/4 inch thick.
- Fry Cakes: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the cakes until golden brown and crispy on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked cakes from the skillet, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the water is boiling when adding to the flour; this helps create a tender dough.
- Resting the dough is crucial for easier rolling and flakier texture.
- Chop green onions finely for even distribution in the cakes.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring the inside cooks fully.
- Serve with soy sauce, chili sauce, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Keywords: green onion pancakes, scallion pancakes, Chinese appetizer, savory pancakes, fried pancakes, green onion cakes recipe

