SCALLION AND GINGER PANCAKES

Scallion and Ginger Pancakes image

This recipe is easy to make and I am always surprised at how delicious these little "pancakes" taste after they have freshly sliced scallions and the ginger dressing drizzled on them. I like to fry them in batches as I need them because they taste great fresh.

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories appetizer

Time 35m

Yield Makes about 18 pancakes

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional if needed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup boiling water
2 bunches scallions, green and white parts both, sliced into thin rounds
6 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
Canola oil, for frying the pancakes

Steps:

For the pancake batter: Sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour and salt over a medium bowl. Stir in the canola oil and boiling water. Use your hands to work the dough into a smooth ball. It should be fairly firm. If it isn't, stir in some additional flour. Turn the dough onto a flat surface and flatten it with the palm of your hand until about 1-inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the fridge while you make the dressing and heat the oil.
For the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, red wine vinegar, ginger and garlic. Taste for seasoning.
To roll the dough: Lightly flour a flat surface and divide the dough into four parts. Use a rolling pin to roll out the first piece. When about 1/4-inch thick, sprinkle with scallions and fold the dough in half so the scallions are hidden inside. Roll thin again and cut into rounds using a glass (or round cookie cutter) about 2 inches in diameter. Transfer the rounds to a baking sheet fitted with parchment paper.
To cook and serve: In a large saute pan, heat 1/4-inch canola oil. Prepare a baking sheet fitted with a kitchen towel to drain the pancakes as they cook. When the oil smokes ever so slightly, use a pair of tongs or spoon to lower a few of the rounds into the oil. Fry for a minute on one side and then another on the second side. Use a slotted spoon or metal spatula to remove the pancakes and drain them on the kitchen towel. Sprinkle with remaining scallions and serve with the dressing on the side for dipping. Alternatively, drizzle the dressing over the pancakes. Serve immediately.