Pepper Salt & Sesame Yeast Pancakes (Crispy Outside, Soft & Fluffy Inside)
This Chinese-style yeast pancake is loved for its soft interior and crispy crust. The pepper-salt oil paste creates delicate layers inside, while sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and crunch. It’s made with simple ingredients but delivers a bakery-style flavor that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light meal.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Chinese
Dough
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 5 g yeast
- 5 g sugar
- 300 g warm water
- 10 g dry flour for dusting
Pepper Salt Oil Paste
- 30 g flour
- 15 g pepper salt seasoning
- 40 –50g cooking oil
Topping & Cooking
- 40 g white sesame seeds
- 20 g water for brushing
- 20 –30g cooking oil for pan-frying
Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix 500g all-purpose flour, yeast, and sugar.
Gradually add 300g warm water, stirring until shaggy dough forms. Knead until smooth and soft, about 6–8 minutes.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes so the gluten can relax.
Prepare the pepper salt oil paste
In a bowl, mix 30g flour and 15g pepper salt seasoning.
Add oil gradually while stirring until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, similar to yogurt. Set aside.
Roll and layer the dough
Dust the work surface lightly with flour.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle about 3–5 mm thick.
Spread the pepper salt oil paste evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll the dough tightly into a long log, gently stretching the dough as you roll to create more layers.
Divide and shape
Cut the log into equal pieces (about 80–100g each).
Seal both ends of each piece, tuck the edges underneath, and shape into a round dough ball.
Brush the surface lightly with water and coat with white sesame seeds.
Flatten each dough ball into a pancake about 1 cm thick.
Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
Pan-fry the pancakes
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add a small amount of oil.
Place the pancakes in the pan sesame side down first.
Cover and cook until golden brown, then flip.
Continue cooking, flipping every 1–2 minutes, until both sides are golden and the pancake is cooked through.
The pancake should puff slightly and feel soft when pressed.
Serve warm.