Crispy Layered Scallion Flatbread (You Suan Qian Ceng Shao Bing)

Cooking Steps

Cooking Process

1. Step 1 Detail

   Dissolve the yeast in warm water (below 40°C/104°F) and let it sit for a few minutes.

2. Step 2 Detail

   Add baking powder and sugar to the flour, mix well. Pour in the yeast water and stir with chopsticks to form a dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 5 minutes.

3. Step 3 Detail

   After 5 minutes, remove the plastic wrap, dust the surface with flour to prevent sticking, and knead by pushing from the outside inward. About two rounds of kneading should make it smooth. Cover again and rest for another 5 minutes.

4. Step 4 Detail

   Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead again. Cover and rest for 10 minutes. Kneading twice makes the dough smoother and more elastic.

5. Step 5 Detail

   For the oil paste filling: heat cooking oil until hot, then pour it over the flour. Add salt and stir until well combined.

6. Step 6 Detail

   Take the rested dough — no need to knead — and roll it out into a large thin rectangle. Brush a layer of the oil paste filling evenly over the surface, then roll it up tightly from one side to the other. Cut into 8 equal portions.

7. Step 7 Detail

   While rolling, gently stretch the dough as you roll — this creates more layers.

8. Step 8 Detail

   Folding technique demonstration (see image).

9. Step 9 Detail

   Take one portion, pinch both ends tightly sealed, place seam-side up, and use your palm to gently gather it into a round shape. Repeat with all portions, then roll each into a flat round disc.

10. Step 10 Detail

    Brush a layer of oil on a baking sheet, place the flatbreads on it, and brush the tops with oil as well. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.

11. Step 11 Detail

    Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). Bake for 11-13 minutes.

12. Step 12 Detail

    The flatbreads are done!

13. Step 13 Detail

    They’re so flaky they crumble at the slightest touch.

14. Step 14 Detail

    The exterior is golden and incredibly crispy — it shatters with every bite.

15. Step 15 Detail

    Look how irresistible they are!

16. Step 16 Detail

    The inside is wonderfully soft with beautiful distinct layers.