Chinese-style pancakes, also known as spring pancakes or moo shu wraps, are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. These versatile and delicious pancakes can be filled with various ingredients such as savory meats, vegetables, and sauces. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, here is a simple step-by-step guide to making Chinese-style pancakes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Pinch of salt
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring the mixture with a fork or chopsticks. Continue stirring until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour. Once the dough forms a ball, knead it on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
After kneading the dough, place it back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean damp cloth. Let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting time will make the dough easier to roll out and will improve the texture of the pancakes.
Step 3: Divide and Roll out the Dough
After resting, divide the dough into small golf ball-sized portions. Dust your working surface with some flour to prevent sticking. Take one portion of dough and flatten it with your hands. With a rolling pin, roll it into a thin, round pancake shape. Repeat this step for the remaining portions of dough.
Step 4: Brush with Oil
Once all the pancakes are rolled out, brush the top side of each pancake lightly with vegetable oil. This will prevent the pancakes from sticking together when stacked and cooked.
Step 5: Stack and Rest Pancakes
Stack the oiled pancakes on top of each other with the oiled sides facing inward. Cover the stack with a damp cloth and let it rest for another 10 minutes. This resting time will allow the pancakes to absorb some moisture, resulting in a softer texture when cooked.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or a flat-bottomed pan over medium heat. Take one pancake from the stack and place it on the hot pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until small bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until both sides are lightly golden. Repeat this step for the remaining pancakes.
Step 7: Separate the Pancakes
Once cooked, carefully separate the pancakes into individual layers. You can do this by gently peeling them apart or using a butter knife to separate them layer by layer.
Step 8: Fill and Wrap
Now that you have your cooked Chinese-style pancakes ready, it’s time to fill and wrap them. Popular fillings include stir-fried vegetables, shredded chicken or pork, hoisin sauce, and scallions. Simply place the desired filling in the center of a pancake and roll it up tightly like a burrito.
Chinese-style pancakes can be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or as a main course. Their soft and slightly chewy texture combined with flavorful fillings makes them a crowd-pleasing dish. With this step-by-step guide, you can now easily make your own Chinese-style pancakes at home and impress your family and friends with this authentic Chinese delicacy.