The Ultimate Guide to Frozen Scallion Pancakes: Which One to Choose

By the Editors

Craving a snack that transports you to Asia without leaving your kitchen?? The scallion pancake, also known as Cong You Bing, is a staple of Chinese street food. Crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside, it's the ultimate comfort snack. Due to its popularity, this delicacy is now available in a multitude of frozen versions, making it hard to know which to choose.

This guide is here to cut through the noise and help you find THE savoury Chinese pancake that will delight your taste buds and fit your lifestyle.

How to Choose Your Frozen Scallion Pancake?

Before we get to our top picks, here are the key criteria to keep in mind.

1. Texture: Flaky or Dense?

Texture is the most crucial element of a good scallion pancake. Some versions feature a very pronounced, flaky texture with multiple thin, airy layers that become exceptionally crispy when cooked. Others have a slightly denser, chewier dough. It's up to you to decide if you're on team extra-crispy or team soft and chewy.

2. The Aromatic Ingredient: Scallion, Leek, or Chinese Chives?

The term "scallion" can refer to a few different things. Classic scallions (or green onions) offer a fresh, slightly sharp flavour. Some recipes, like the Japanese-style green onion pancake, may use Chinese chives or leeks, which provide different aromatic notes that are often milder or more herbaceous. A quick look at the ingredients list will reveal the flavour profile that appeals to you.

3. Ease of Preparation: With or Without Oil?

For an on-the-go meal, every minute counts. Most frozen pancakes can be pan-fried directly from frozen. The real bonus?? Versions that can be cooked without a drop of oil, saving time on both cooking and cleanup.

Our Top Scallion Pancake Picks

Here are our selections, with options for every preference.

San Quan Scallion Flavour Pancake 320g

The Highlight: This pancake is the quintessential traditional version of the savoury Chinese pancake. Its secret?? An incredibly flaky texture and no-oil-added cooking, delivering a golden, crispy result in minutes.

Pros:

• Express Cooking: Ready in 3 minutes flat in a pan.
• Impressive Texture: The crispy exterior hides a soft, delicately layered centre.
• Ultra-Convenient: Cook from frozen with no oil required.

Best for? Purists seeking authentic flavour and a truly flaky texture, all with disarming simplicity.

Mitsuru Leek Pancake 4pcs 460g

The Highlight: This option strays slightly from tradition with a Japanese-inspired twist, swapping classic scallions for Chinese chives. The result?: a more herbaceous and truly original flavour profile.

Pros:

• Original Flavour: The Chinese chives provide a delicious and distinct aroma.
• Versatility: While a pan is the best option, it can also be baked in the oven for those in a hurry.
• Generous Size: The 460g pack (4 pieces) is perfect for an appetiser or a snack to share.

Best for? Flavour explorers curious to try a more fragrant and aromatic version of the green onion pancake.

Synear Scallion Flavour Pancake 450g

The Highlight: The Synear pancake comes as frozen raw dough, with a multi-layered structure that puffs up beautifully during cooking. Its key advantage?? Versatility. It's the ideal base to top with an egg, ham, or vegetables to create a complete meal.

Pros:

• 100% Customisable: Its texture and shape are perfect for adding other ingredients during cooking.
• Rich Texture: The raw dough ensures a final result that is both crispy and chewy.
• Balanced Flavour: The scallion taste is present but subtle, leaving room for other flavours to shine.

Best for? Creatives who love to customise their dishes and turn their scallion pancake into a breakfast of champions or a quick lunch.

Looking for Other Flavours?

Our guide focuses on the scallion pancake, but the world of frozen Asian pancakes is full of treasures. Want to explore other options?? Vegetables, meat, seafood... Discover our full range to mix things up.

Explore All Our Frozen Pancakes and Crêpes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you properly cook a frozen scallion pancake?

For a perfect result, there's no need to thaw?! In fact, it's not recommended. Heat a pan over medium heat, place the frozen pancake in it, and let it brown for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping frequently. Pro tip for flaky versions?: towards the end of cooking, gently tap the edges with a spatula. This will help the layers separate for an even airier result.

What do you serve with a savoury Chinese pancake?

The scallion pancake is delicious on its own, but a simple dipping sauce elevates it. The classic choice?? A quick sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of chilli oil. It's also perfect for wrapping a fried egg, sliced beef, or crunchy vegetables.

What's the difference between a scallion pancake and a Korean pancake (Pajeon)?

Although both are stars of Asian street food, they are completely different, from the dough to the texture. The Chinese scallion pancake (Cong You Bing) is made from a dough that is kneaded, rolled, and coiled to create its signature flaky layers. The Korean Pajeon, on the other hand, starts with a liquid batter (similar to crêpe batter) into which the fillings (scallions, seafood, kimchi, etc.) are mixed directly before cooking. The final result is more like a thick, savoury pancake or a filled omelette.