Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Boiling water
• 1/2 cup Cold water
• 1 cup Scallions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour with the 1 cup of boiling water. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the mixture just starts to come together into a shaggy dough.
2. 2Add the 1/2 cup of cold water to the shaggy dough. Continue to mix and knead the dough in the bowl until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. 3Lightly dust a clean work surface with a little all-purpose flour. Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out into a thin circle, about 8-10 inches in diameter.
4. 4Spread 1/2 tablespoon of the 2 tablespoons of sesame oil evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough circle. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of the 1 teaspoon of salt over the oil, followed by about 1/4 cup of the 1 cup of scallions.
5. 5Starting from one edge, tightly roll up the dough circle into a long log. Gently twist the log to seal the edges. Then, coil the log into a flat spiral shape, tucking the end underneath. Flatten the spiral gently with your hands or a rolling pin to form a pancake about 6 inches in diameter.
6. 6Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 for the remaining 3 portions of dough.
7. 7Heat 1 tablespoon of the 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet (about 10-12 inches) over medium heat, which is about 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place one scallion pancake into the skillet.
8. 8Cook the pancake for 3-4 minutes per side, until it is golden brown and crispy. You should hear a gentle sizzle. Flip the pancake and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the cooked pancake from the skillet and set aside. Repeat this step with the remaining 3 pancakes, adding 1 tablespoon of the 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet for each new pancake.

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