If you’re a fan of Trader Joe’s and love the taste of green onions, you’re in for a treat. Like traditional Asian scallion pancakes, these ready-to-cook snacks are easy and quick to enjoy at home.
They are simple to make and pair well with meals or can be enjoyed alone with your favorite dipping sauces. Whether you want to impress guests or just have a tasty snack, these green onion pancakes are sure to delight with their special flavor.
So without wasting any more time, let’s get started on making this delicious pancakes recipe
What Are Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes and Why Are They Special?
Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes are a popular freezer item. These tasty pancakes come from Chinese cuisine and are called “cong you bing.” They are a favorite among Trader Joe’s shoppers. The pancakes are made from a dough layered with finely chopped green onions which gives them a unique flavor and flaky texture.
What sets these pancakes apart is their versatility. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. Their unique flavor adds something nice to any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For home cooks and food lovers, preparing Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes at home is a great opportunity to experiment with flavors and tweak the recipe to match your taste.
These pancakes are special not just for their taste, but because they use simple ingredients to make something really yummy.
Ingredients Needed for These Pancakes
To make your own version of Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes, you’ll need some basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll actually need:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Boiling water: 3/4 cup
- Cold water: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil: For frying
- Green onions (scallions): 1 cup, finely chopped
Nutritional Information of Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes
To help you understand the nutritional components of these pancakes, here’s a detailed breakdown of their nutritional information presented in a convenient table format:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Potassium | 50 mg |
This table makes it simple to see the main nutritional benefits of these pancakes. As you can see, they are relatively low in calories and have no cholesterol or sugar. They also provide a good amount of dietary fiber and protein.
Equipment Needed
To prepare your homemade Trader Joe’s Pancakes, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Non-Stick Skillet
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Recipe for Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment, it’s time to start cooking. Just follow these easy steps to make yummy green onion pancakes:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing all-purpose flour and salt in a bowl. Slowly add boiling water while stirring with a spoon to help the dough come together. After that, mix in some cold water until the flour forms a dough. Knead the dough with your hands on a flat surface for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy. Once you’re done, cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough soak up water and become easier to handle.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has rested, divide it into four equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, take one portion and roll it out into a thin circle using a rolling pin. Make it as thin as you can for a flaky texture. Brush a little sesame oil on top of the circle. Evenly sprinkle a quarter of the finely chopped green onions over the dough.
Step 3: Form the Pancakes
Gently roll the dough into a log shape, like a jelly roll. After rolling, twist it into a spiral and tuck the end under. Lightly press it down with your hand. Then, use a rolling pin to roll it out into a circle about 6 inches wide. Do the same with the other pieces of dough.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place one of the rolled-out pancakes in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Lower the heat if necessary to avoid burning. If you want, you can add more oil when flipping for extra crispiness. Do the same frying steps with the other pancakes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After cooking all the pancakes, place them on a plate with paper towels to soak up extra oil. You can cut each pancake into wedges or leave them whole. Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes are tasty by themselves or you can enjoy them with soy sauce, hot sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor. Now enjoy it as you like.
If you love pancakes like I do, you should check out our other popular pancake recipes, like the Golden Diner Pancakes and Kodiak Pumpkin Pancakes. They’re tasty and great for breakfast. We’d love to hear what you think, so leave a comment to tell us how they turned out.
Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Non-Stick Skillet
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Boiling water: 3/4 cup
- Cold water: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil: For frying
- Green onions scallions: 1 cup, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Start by mixing all-purpose flour and salt in a bowl. Slowly add boiling water while stirring with a spoon to help the dough come together. After that, mix in some cold water until the flour forms a dough. Knead the dough with your hands on a flat surface for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy. Once you’re done, cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough soak up water and become easier to handle.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into four equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, take one portion and roll it out into a thin circle using a rolling pin. Make it as thin as you can for a flaky texture. Brush a little sesame oil on top of the circle. Evenly sprinkle a quarter of the finely chopped green onions over the dough.
Step 3: Form the Pancakes
- Gently roll the dough into a log shape, like a jelly roll. After rolling, twist it into a spiral and tuck the end under. Lightly press it down with your hand. Then, use a rolling pin to roll it out into a circle about 6 inches wide. Do the same with the other pieces of dough.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place one of the rolled-out pancakes in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Lower the heat if necessary to avoid burning. If you want, you can add more oil when flipping for extra crispiness. Do the same frying steps with the other pancakes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- After cooking all the pancakes, place them on a plate with paper towels to soak up extra oil. You can cut each pancake into wedges or leave them whole. Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes are tasty by themselves or you can enjoy them with soy sauce, hot sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor. Now enjoy it as you like.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes
These pancakes are delicious on their own, but there are countless ways to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few ideas:
- Dipping Sauces: Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces, like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or sriracha, to enhance their flavor.
- Toppings: Top with a fried egg or thinly sliced strips of grilled chicken to transform them into a more substantial meal.
- Salad Accompaniment: Serve alongside a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
- Wraps and Rolls: Use the pancakes as a wrap, filled with vegetables, tofu, or meats, for a creative and tasty twist.
- Soup Pairing: Enhance your meal with a warm bowl of broth-based soup, such as miso or hot and sour, for a comforting addition.
- Stuff Them: Fill with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a rich, savory version, perfect for brunch or a light lunch.
Storage Suggestions
Here are a few tips for storing and reheating your leftover Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes:
- Refrigerate: Put any leftover pancakes in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and tasty.
- Freezing: To freeze pancakes, put them between pieces of parchment or wax paper, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat pancakes well, pan-fry them on medium heat until they’re warm and crispy. You can also use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) and heat them for about 10 minutes. Don’t use the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
- Thawing: If the pancakes are frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps them stay the right texture and avoids too much moisture.
Tips for Making Perfect Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes
If you want your pancakes to come out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the best texture. Make sure it’s fresh for tasty pancakes.
- Knead Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and stretchy. This helps create the gluten needed for a flaky texture.
- Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes or even longer if possible. This helps in gluten relaxation and makes it easier to roll out.
- Thin Rolling: Roll out the dough as thin as possible for a crispy and flaky pancake. The thinner the dough, the better the layers will separate.
- Use Sesame Oil Wisely: Apply a thin even layer of sesame oil before sprinkling the green onions. This adds flavor and helps create better layers in the pancake.
- Manage Cooking Temperature: Heat the skillet on medium and adjust as necessary. Stay away from high heat to prevent burning the pancakes while leaving them uncooked inside.
- Press Gently: After shaping the spiral, press down gently to maintain the layers. Avoid pressing too hard as it might squeeze out the layers.
- Even Onion Distribution: Spread chopped green onions evenly across the dough to ensure every bite has a balanced flavor.
- Try Different Flavors: Think about adding other spices or chopped herbs with green onions to make your pancakes taste unique.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes offer a delightful blend of simplicity and ssavory flavors that can be enjoyed in many ways. With the right storage and reheating methods, they stay a flexible dish great for different meals.
By following the simple steps and helpful tips given, you can make tasty and fluffy pancakes every time. Their versatility means you can pair them with many different flavors which makes them perfect for any taste and occasion. Whether you serve them as a starter, main dish, or snack, these pancakes are sure to impress and please everyone.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour for a healthier version?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version of the pancakes. However, keep in mind that this may change the texture and flavor slightly, possibly making them denser. You might also consider using a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to retain some of the original fluffiness.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to mimic the elasticity of gluten, ensuring the pancakes have the right texture.
What other flavors can I add into the pancakes?
You can make your pancakes better by adding spices like garlic powder, chili flakes, or grated ginger to the mix. Also, adding herbs like cilantro or chives can give them a fresh taste.
What should I do if my pancakes turn out too crunchy or too soft?
If your pancakes are too crunchy, try cooking them for less time or turning down the heat. If they are too soft, turn up the heat a bit, but watch out for burning. You may need to make changes based on your stove and tools.
Why are my pancakes not flaky enough?
Flakiness often stems from proper dough preparation. Make sure that you knead the dough adequately and allow it to rest for the recommended time. Rolling the dough thinly and using a generous layer of sesame oil will also help create distinct flaky layers.
How can I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan?
To avoid sticking, heat your skillet or pan well and use a non-stick surface or a little oil. A hot surface helps pancakes cook evenly and makes them easier to flip.
What is the best way to distribute green onions evenly on the pancakes?
To make sure the green onions spread out well, first sprinkle them evenly over the rolled dough. Lightly press them down with your fingers before rolling the dough into a spiral. This will help them stay put while cooking and give the pancake a nice, even flavor.
