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Chinese Spring Pancakes 1

Paper-Thin Chinese Spring Pancakes (Soft, Pliable & Never Tough)

I always make these homemade spring pancakes for the start of spring because nothing beats wrapping warm stir-fried vegetables or braised meat in a soft, paper-thin pancake. The best part? They stay tender and flexible even after cooling. Once I learned this steam-and-roll method, I never bought store-made again.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • 500 g all-purpose flour
  • 5 g salt
  • 180 g boiling water
  • 170 g cold water reduce to 150g for easier handling

Oil Paste (for layering)

  • 40 g all-purpose flour
  • 50 g neutral oil

Instructions
 

Make the Hot-Water Dough

  • In a large bowl, mix 500g flour and 5g salt.
  • Pour in 180g boiling water all at once and stir quickly until shaggy crumbs form. This hot-water step is the key to soft pancakes.
  • Add 170g cold water and mix until no dry flour remains. When cool enough to handle, knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  • Divide into two portions. Roll into logs and cut into small pieces, about 30–35g each. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
  • Note: If you are new to dough handling, reduce cold water by 20g for easier kneading. Slightly firmer dough is easier to control.

Prepare the Oil Paste

  • Mix 40g flour and 50g oil until smooth and brushable. There should be no dry lumps.
  • This paste prevents sticking and creates distinct layers.

Roll and Stack (6 Per Stack)

  • Roll each dough ball into a small round wrapper (about dumpling-wrapper size).
  • Brush a thin layer of oil paste onto one wrapper. Place another wrapper on top and brush again. Repeat until you have 6 wrappers stacked.
  • Lightly pinch the edges together to secure, then gently flatten with your palm.
  • Note: Apply oil paste thinly. Too much makes the pancakes greasy; too little causes sticking.

Roll Thin

  • Roll the stacked dough into a large circle about 20cm wide. Roll gently and flip occasionally to ensure even thickness.
  • Roll until paper-thin but not torn. The thinner the pancake, the better the texture for wrapping.
  • Place the rolled stack into a steamer lined with parchment or damp cloth. Repeat with remaining dough.

Steam

  • Bring water to a full boil before placing the steamer over the pot.
  • Steam over high heat for 8–10 minutes. Do not over-steam, or the pancakes may become overly soft.
  • Remove immediately and do not leave covered.
  • Note: Always steam after the water reaches a rolling boil. This ensures proper layering and texture.

Separate While Warm

  • When cool enough to handle but still warm, gently peel the pancakes apart from the edges. They should separate easily into 6 thin sheets.
  • If fully cooled before separating, they may stick slightly — warm separation is key.
  • Stack and cover to prevent drying.

Serve

  • Wrap with stir-fried potatoes, mixed vegetables, shredded pork, or braised meats.
  • Optional: For a slightly chewy toasted finish, heat each pancake in a dry pan over low heat for 10 seconds per side.

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