Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes Recipe

Few frozen foods have achieved cult status quite like Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes. Crispy, flaky, and filled with the irresistible aroma of green onions, these savory pancakes are a staple for quick meals and late-night cravings. They deliver that perfect balance of texture and flavor – golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.

The best part? You don’t have to rely on the frozen aisle to enjoy them. This homemade Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancake Recipe captures everything fans love about the original – but fresher, hotter, and more customizable. You can top it with an egg, dip it in chili oil, or serve it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make scallion pancakes with egg or plain, plus expert tips for getting that signature Trader Joe’s crispiness at home.

What Are Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes?

Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes are the brand’s take on the classic Chinese dish known as Cong You Bing. Traditionally made from simple dough and finely chopped green onions, these pancakes are pan-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. Trader Joe’s made them famous by offering a frozen version that’s easy to heat and ready in minutes.

The flavor is mildly savory with a hint of sweetness from the scallions, and the texture is delightfully flaky – similar to layered flatbread. Because of their versatility, they’ve become a fan-favorite snack or side dish, often paired with eggs, soy sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce.

Whether you’re a long-time Trader Joe’s shopper or simply love Asian-inspired comfort food, this recipe lets you recreate that same taste at home using fresh ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancake Recipe

The beauty of this Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancake Recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples and some fresh scallions to make the magic happen.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup hot water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for flavor and layering)
• ½ cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
• 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Additions:

• Extra scallions for garnish
• Chili oil or soy-vinegar sauce for dipping

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Mixing bowl
2. Rolling pin
3. Sharp knife & cutting board
4. Measuring cups & spoons
5. Non-stick or cast-iron skillet
6. Spatula or tongs
7. Pastry brush (for oil)
8. Plate or wire rack (for cooling)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Add an Egg – Make a Scallion Pancake with Egg

Want to turn your pancake into a satisfying meal? Add an egg!
Making a scallion pancake with egg is incredibly easy. Simply crack an egg into the pan after flipping your pancake, then let it fry and set before folding it together. The result is a crispy, savory pancake enriched with soft egg and layered flavor – perfect for breakfast or brunch.

This version also increases the protein content and pairs beautifully with spicy chili oil or sweet soy glaze. Many fans even call it the “breakfast edition” of Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes.

How to Make Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes at Home

Creating that signature flaky texture may look tricky, but it’s simple once you understand the process. Here’s how to make the perfect Trader Joe’s-style scallion pancakes from scratch.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add hot water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Roll and Layer:
Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a thin circle, brush with sesame oil, and sprinkle with chopped scallions. Roll it into a log, coil it into a spiral, and flatten again – this creates those signature flaky layers.

3. Pan-Fry to Perfection:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

4. Serve Hot:
Slice into quarters and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or a fried egg on top.

Pan-Frying Tips for Extra Crispiness

Getting that Trader Joe’s–level crunch is all about heat control and oil technique:

• Use medium-high heat – too low, and the pancakes turn soggy; too high, and they burn before cooking through.
• A cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan gives the best texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry one at a time for consistent crispiness.
• For extra layers, lightly press the pancake while frying to puff it slightly.

These tips ensure every bite tastes just as good – or even better – than Trader Joe’s frozen scallion pancakes.

Scallion Pancake with Egg – A Delicious Twist

Adding an egg transforms your Trader Joe’s scallion pancake from a tasty snack into a complete, protein-packed meal. This version – known as a scallion pancake with egg – is especially popular in Taiwanese and Korean street food culture.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Cook your scallion pancake as usual until one side is golden.
2. Flip it over, and crack an egg directly into the pan.
3. Lightly scramble the egg just enough to spread it out.
4. Press the pancake gently onto the egg so it sticks.
5. Flip again and cook for another minute until the egg sets.

Serve it folded or rolled, street-food style, with chili oil or soy dipping sauce. The egg adds a soft, rich layer that complements the crispy pancake perfectly. This twist is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying afternoon snack.

Dipping Sauces & Pairing Ideas

A great dipping sauce elevates your Trader Joe’s scallion pancake recipe from good to unforgettable. You can stick with a simple soy-vinegar mix or experiment with spicy and nutty flavors for variety.

Classic Soy-Vinegar Dipping Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Optional: chopped garlic or red pepper flakes

Creative Pairing Ideas

• Spicy Chili Oil: For heat lovers – drizzle over your pancake for that restaurant-style kick.
• Garlic Sesame Sauce: Combine tahini, soy sauce, and honey for a creamy, umami-rich dip.
• Breakfast Combo: Pair your scallion pancake with egg and avocado for a modern twist.
• Side Dish Pairings: Serve with miso soup, dumplings, or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover scallion pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, layer the cooked pancakes with parchment paper between each one and seal them in a freezer-safe bag – they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When reheating, the best method is to pan-fry them over medium heat or use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pancakes soft instead of crunchy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you miss the small details. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for when making your Trader Joe’s scallion pancake recipe:

• Overworking the Dough: Makes the pancakes tough instead of flaky.
• Skipping Resting Time: The dough needs to relax to roll out smoothly.
• Using Too Much Oil: Leads to greasy, soggy pancakes instead of crisp layers.
• Uneven Rolling: Causes uneven cooking and texture.
• Low Heat: Pancakes won’t crisp up properly – medium-high heat works best.

Following these simple tips ensures you get golden, crispy scallion pancakes every single time.

 

FAQs About Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancake Recipe

1. How do you eat scallion pancakes from Trader Joe’s?

We usually pan-fry them until they’re golden and crispy, then slice them into quarters. They’re perfect with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce or topped with a fried egg for a quick meal. Sometimes, we even wrap them around scrambled eggs or veggies like a savory breakfast wrap.

2. What are the ingredients in Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes?

Trader Joe’s frozen scallion pancakes are made with wheat flour, water, green onions, soybean oil, and a touch of salt – that’s pretty close to the homemade version. We like to enhance ours with sesame oil and extra scallions for even more aroma and flavor.

3. How are scallion pancakes made?

From our experience, the key is in layering the dough. You roll it out, brush it with oil, sprinkle chopped scallions, roll it up, coil it, and flatten it again before frying. That’s what gives the pancakes those signature flaky layers you find in Trader Joe’s version.

4. How long to cook Trader Joe’s green onion pancake?

We’ve found that 2–3 minutes per side on medium-high heat gives the perfect crispness. If you’re cooking from frozen, don’t thaw them – just place them directly on the hot pan. You’ll know they’re ready when both sides are golden brown and slightly puffed.

5. Can you bake Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes instead of frying?

Technically, you can, but we don’t recommend it. Baking won’t give you that classic crispy texture. Pan-frying with a little oil really makes a difference – it’s the secret to that irresistible crunch.

6. How do you make scallion pancakes extra crispy?

We’ve learned that letting the dough rest, using hot oil, and not overcrowding the pan make all the difference. Also, pressing lightly with a spatula while frying helps the pancake puff up and crisp evenly.

7. Can I add an egg to my scallion pancake?

Absolutely – and we do it all the time! Crack an egg into the pan after flipping your pancake, spread it slightly, and let it cook into the pancake. It becomes a delicious scallion pancake with egg – perfect for breakfast.

8. What sauce goes best with Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes?

Our go-to is a simple soy sauce and rice vinegar mix with a drizzle of sesame oil. For a spicy kick, we love chili oil or sriracha mixed in. You can also try a peanut-sesame sauce if you want something creamier.

9. Can I freeze homemade scallion pancakes?

Yes! We always make a big batch and freeze them between layers of parchment paper. When you’re ready to eat, just cook them straight from frozen – no need to thaw. They taste just as good as Trader Joe’s frozen ones.

10. Are Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes vegan?

Yes, Trader Joe’s version is fully vegan – no eggs or dairy. Our homemade recipe can be vegan too if you skip the egg version and just stick with flour, water, scallions, and oil.

Recreating the Trader Joe’s scallion pancakes recipe at home is easier than you might think – and the results are fresher, crispier, and more flavorful than anything from the freezer aisle. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of pan-frying, you’ll have restaurant-quality pancakes ready to enjoy any time.

Whether you keep it classic or make a scallion pancake with egg, this dish is endlessly versatile – great for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce and savor that irresistible mix of flaky layers and savory scallion flavor.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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