Homemade Hot Water Dough Hand-Torn Pancakes (Plain / Scallion / Beef)

Cooking StepsHow to cook Homemade Hot Water Dough Hand-Torn Pancakes (Plain / Scallion / Beef) step by step

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1 Detail

   Mix the dry ingredients for the dough. Weigh the cold water. Bring water to a boil and pour it into the flour mixture while stirring with chopsticks. Add the room-temperature water. Knead with a stand mixer using the dough hook for about 5 minutes, then add the lard and mix until smooth. Shape the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

2. 
   Step 2 Detail

   Mix the dry ingredients for the oil paste (roux).

3. 
   Step 3 Detail

   Heat the lard until hot.

4. 
   Step 4 Detail

   When the lard reaches nearly 200°C (390°F), pour it over the flour mixture.

5. 
   Step 5 Detail

   Stir until smooth. In cold weather, the mixture solidifies easily — keep a pot of hot water ready to re-melt it over a water bath as needed.

6. 
   Step 6 Detail

   Mix the beef filling ingredients together until well-combined and slightly sticky with a stretchy texture.

7. 
   Step 7 Detail

   Divide the rested dough into 87g portions. Roll each into a long strip, spray with oil, cover with plastic wrap, and rest for 30 minutes.

8. 
   Step 8 Detail

   Roll each strip out into a rectangular shape.

9. 
   Step 9 Detail

   Spread the oil paste (roux) over the dough, add the beef filling, and optionally sprinkle chopped scallions — customize as you like.

10. 
    Step 10 Detail

    Fold the top half down to the center, then fold the bottom half up to the center as well. Do this for all the beef-filled portions and set them aside to rest. This folding method is for filled pancakes.

11. 
    Step 11 Detail

    Continue with the remaining portions.

12. 
    Step 12 Detail

    Let them rest for about 10 more minutes.

13. 
    Step 13 Detail

    Take out the first strip you made — you’ll find it stretches easily and is very pliable.

14. 
    Step 14 Detail

    Gently roll both ends toward the center.

15. 
    Step 15 Detail

    Stack the two coils on top of each other. Continue resting.

16. 
    Step 16 Detail

    Keep resting the dough.

17. 
    Step 17 Detail

    For the plain version (no filling).

18. 
    Step 18 Detail

    For plain and scallion versions, fold the dough like an accordion (fan-fold).

19. 
    Step 19 Detail

    For the scallion version, sprinkle chopped scallions before folding.

20. 
    Step 20 Detail

    Press each portion into a flat pancake, placing it between two sheets of parchment paper.

21. 
    Step 21 Detail

    Continue pressing all portions.

22. 
    Step 22 Detail

    Use a cast-iron pan to press down firmly on the dough.

23. 
    Step 23 Detail

    Press firmly.

24. 
    Step 24 Detail

    After pressing, the pancake should be flat and even.

25. 
    Step 25 Detail

    Stack the pressed pancakes with parchment paper between each layer and freeze.

26. 
    Step 26 Detail

    When ready to eat, cook from frozen — no need to thaw. Spray oil in a pan over medium-low heat, cook about 2 minutes per side until both sides are golden brown and crispy.