Shanghai Scallion Flatbread, also known as Cong You Bing, is a classic Chinese street food that combines simplicity with bold flavors. This crispy, savory bread is infused with the fresh taste of scallions, complemented by a subtle hint of Sichuan peppercorns and white pepper. It’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Made with basic pantry ingredients, this flatbread is surprisingly easy to prepare at home and is sure to impress with its delicious layers of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (or substitute with instant yeast)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3/4 cup tepid water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns (optional; can substitute with five-spice powder)
- 3 scallions, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2-3 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (plus more for brushing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and sea salt. Slowly add the tepid water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Season the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 1/4-inch thick). Brush the surface with oil, then sprinkle evenly with white pepper, ground Sichuan peppercorns (if using), and chopped scallions.
- Form the Flatbread: Starting from one edge, roll the dough into a tight cylinder. Coil the cylinder into a spiral, then gently flatten the spiral with your hands or a rolling pin until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Brush both sides of the flatbread with oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Cook the Flatbread: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the flatbread in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The flatbread should be soft on the inside with a crispy, golden exterior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the flatbread into wedges and serve immediately. This Shanghai Scallion Flatbread is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the skillet, as a snack or appetizer alongside a dipping sauce of your choice.
Conclusion:
Shanghai Scallion Flatbread is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The fragrant scallions, the crispy sesame seeds, and the subtle kick of spices make this flatbread an irresistible treat. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light snack or serving it as part of a larger meal, this flatbread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Shanghai Scallion Flatbread: A Crispy and Flavorful Delight
This Shanghai Scallion Flatbread is a crispy,savory treat made from a simple dough flavored with scallions, white pepper,and optional Sichuan peppercorns. Easy to prepare, it's perfect as a snack orappetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast or substitute with instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3/4 cup tepid water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns optional; can substitute with five-spice powder
- 3 scallions finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2-3 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil plus more for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and sea salt. Slowly add the tepid water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Season the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 1/4-inch thick). Brush the surface with oil, then sprinkle evenly with white pepper, ground Sichuan peppercorns (if using), and chopped scallions.
- Form the Flatbread: Starting from one edge, roll the dough into a tight cylinder. Coil the cylinder into a spiral, then gently flatten the spiral with your hands or a rolling pin until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Brush both sides of the flatbread with oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Cook the Flatbread: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the flatbread in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The flatbread should be soft on the inside with a crispy, golden exterior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the flatbread into wedges and serve immediately. This Shanghai Scallion Flatbread is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the skillet, as a snack or appetizer alongside a dipping sauce of your choice.