Oriental Pancakes

Oriental Pancakes Recipe - Authentic Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Oriental Pancakes are a delicious and savory dish that combines the flavors of cabbage, shrimp, and rice in a tasty pancake form. These pancakes are perfect for a light and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

The recipe for Oriental Pancakes has its origins in Asian cuisine, where pancakes are a popular dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The combination of cabbage, shrimp, and rice in a pancake form is a unique twist on traditional pancake recipes.

Ingredients

3 cups finely shredded cabbage
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
2 cups cooked rice
1 8 oz (227 g) package frozen peeled, deveined cooked shrimp, chopped
2 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp soy sauce
8 eggs, beaten
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Oriental Sauce

1.5 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce

How to prepare

Combine cabbage, onion, rice, and shrimp. Add salt, pepper, and soy sauce to eggs. Stir into cabbage mixture. For each pancake, pour 0.25 cup of the mixture onto a lightly greased griddle. Cook until brown on each side, turning only once. Serve with Oriental Sauce.
Oriental Sauce: Blend chicken broth and cornstarch. Cook until thickened. Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Add in additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely shred the cabbage to ensure that it cooks evenly in the pancake mixture.

- Be sure to cook the pancakes on a lightly greased griddle to prevent sticking.

- Only turn the pancakes once to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Oriental Pancakes with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pancakes on a medium heat to ensure that they cook through without burning.

- Use a spatula to gently flip the pancakes to prevent them from falling apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white or brown rice instead of cooked rice for a different texture.

- Substitute the cabbage with shredded kale or spinach for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pancake mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The Oriental Sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oriental Pancakes on a platter with a drizzle of Oriental Sauce and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Oriental Pancakes with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Oriental Pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a griddle until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oriental Pancakes contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oriental Pancakes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Oriental Pancakes contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Oriental Pancakes contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Oriental Pancakes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Oriental Pancakes contain shrimp and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Oriental Pancakes are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Oriental Pancakes are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of cabbage, shrimp, and rice in a delicious pancake form. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, these pancakes are a nutritious and delicious meal option for any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei Ling in her quaint little kitchen. Mei Ling was a master in the art of Asian cuisine, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

As we chatted over cups of fragrant jasmine tea, Mei Ling suddenly pulled out a worn, tattered recipe card from her recipe box. She smiled mischievously and said, "I have a special treat for you today, my dear. I'm going to teach you how to make my favorite Oriental Pancakes."

I watched in awe as Mei Ling gathered the ingredients for the pancakes - flour, water, eggs, scallions, and sesame oil. She explained each step in detail, from mixing the batter to frying the pancakes until they were golden brown and crispy. The tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

As we sat down to enjoy the pancakes, Mei Ling shared the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The recipe was a family treasure, a reminder of their cultural heritage and the love they shared through food.

I savored each bite of the crispy, savory pancakes, feeling a connection to Mei Ling's family and their traditions. I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe myself, to pass it down to my own children and grandchildren one day.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for Oriental Pancakes, adding my own twist with extra scallions and a dash of soy sauce. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

One day, while browsing through an old cookbook at a flea market, I stumbled upon a similar recipe for "Scallion Pancakes" in a Chinese cookbook. The ingredients and method were almost identical to Mei Ling's recipe, but with a few subtle differences.

Intrigued, I bought the cookbook and tried out the recipe at home. The pancakes turned out delicious, with a slightly different flavor profile than Mei Ling's version. I realized that there were many variations of this dish across different regions of Asia, each with its own unique twist.

I continued to experiment with different versions of Oriental Pancakes, incorporating ingredients like shrimp, mushrooms, and even kimchi. Each variation was a delightful surprise, showcasing the diversity and richness of Asian cuisine.

As I shared these new recipes with my friends and family, I felt a sense of pride in preserving and honoring the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me. Cooking became not just a way to nourish my loved ones, but also a way to connect with my cultural heritage and create lasting memories.

Now, whenever I make Oriental Pancakes, I think of Mei Ling and her grandmother, and the bond we shared over a love of food and cooking. I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will learn this recipe from me, and carry on the legacy of delicious, homemade meals that bring joy and comfort to our family.

And so, the recipe for Oriental Pancakes continues to be a cherished tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation with love and pride.