Sesame Mandarin Pancakes

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes Recipe: Authentic Chinese Flavors Straight from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 40 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes are a delicious and savory Chinese dish that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. These pancakes are made with a simple dough that is rolled out and cooked until crispy and golden brown. The addition of sesame oil gives these pancakes a rich and nutty flavor, while the mandarin oranges add a touch of sweetness.

History

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes have been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The combination of sesame oil and mandarin oranges is a classic flavor pairing that is loved by many. These pancakes are often served as a traditional dish during Chinese New Year celebrations, as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
0.75 to 1 cup boiling water, as needed
3 tbsp sesame oil, or as needed

How to prepare

In a large bowl, add the boiling water to the flour and immediately start stirring it in.
Knead the warm dough until it becomes smooth.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Turn the rested dough out onto a floured surface.
Cut the dough in half.
Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll each half out until it is 0.25 inch thick.
Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough with a diameter of 3 inches.
Brush 0.5 tsp of sesame oil over the top of 2 dough circles using a pastry brush.
Place one pancake on top of the other, with the oiled sides together (it's okay if one edge hangs over the other).
Roll out the pancakes to form a 6-inch circle.
Repeat the process with the remaining pancakes.
Cover the prepared pancakes with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while making the rest.
Heat a heavy frying pan over low heat.
Add one pair of pancakes and cook until both sides are browned (approximately 3 minutes in total; the second side will cook faster than the first).
Remove the paired pancakes from the pan and separate them.
Repeat the process with the remaining pancakes.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add chopped green onions or garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
Substitute the mandarin oranges with pineapple or mango for a different twist.
Serve the pancakes with a spicy chili sauce for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth to ensure that the pancakes have a nice texture.

- Brushing the pancakes with sesame oil before rolling them out helps to create layers and adds flavor.

- Cooking the pancakes over low heat ensures that they cook evenly and become crispy without burning.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes can be served as a snack or appetizer with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. They can also be served alongside a stir-fry or soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Sesame Mandarin Pancakes is to roll out the dough thinly and cook them over low heat. This ensures that the pancakes become crispy and golden brown without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mandarin oranges, you can use canned pineapple or fresh mango instead. You can also substitute the sesame oil with vegetable oil or peanut oil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for the pancakes ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook the pancakes, simply roll out the dough and follow the cooking instructions.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sesame Mandarin Pancakes on a platter with a garnish of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a beautiful presentation. You can also stack the pancakes on top of each other for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes pair well with a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and salads. They also go well with a cup of hot tea or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pancakes in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sesame Mandarin Pancakes contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sesame Mandarin Pancakes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sesame Mandarin Pancakes contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sesame Mandarin Pancakes contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes are a good source of vitamin C from the mandarin oranges.

Alergens

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes contain gluten from the all-purpose flour.

Summary

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes are a delicious and flavorful dish that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates. They are a good source of healthy fats from the sesame oil and provide a small amount of protein.

Summary

Sesame Mandarin Pancakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy texture and a flavorful filling, these pancakes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal for a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei Ling in her cozy little kitchen. Mei Ling was a talented cook, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me. That day, she was making Sesame Mandarin Pancakes, a dish I had never heard of before.

As I watched Mei Ling expertly mix the ingredients together, my mouth watered in anticipation. The aroma of sesame oil and mandarin zest filled the air, and I knew that this dish was going to be something special. Mei Ling explained to me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago.

I was intrigued by the combination of flavors in the pancakes – the nuttiness of the sesame seeds, the sweetness of the mandarin oranges, and the savory notes of the green onions and garlic. Mei Ling told me that the key to making the perfect pancakes was to let the batter rest for at least an hour before cooking them, allowing the flavors to meld together.

After the batter had rested, Mei Ling poured a ladleful onto a hot griddle and spread it out into a thin circle. The pancake sizzled as it cooked, and I could see the sesame seeds start to toast and release their fragrant oils. Mei Ling flipped the pancake over, revealing a crispy, golden-brown surface.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Sesame Mandarin Pancakes. The texture was perfect – crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The flavors danced on my tongue, each bite bursting with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty notes. I couldn't believe how delicious it was.

After that day, I knew that I had to learn how to make Sesame Mandarin Pancakes for myself. I asked Mei Ling for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. I made it my mission to perfect the dish, experimenting with different ratios of ingredients and cooking techniques until I had it just right.

Over the years, I have made these pancakes countless times, each time bringing back memories of that fateful day in Mei Ling's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making Sesame Mandarin Pancakes to the next generation.

To this day, whenever I make these pancakes, I am reminded of the joy of cooking and the power of sharing recipes with loved ones. The simple act of preparing a meal can bring people together, creating lasting memories and traditions that will be cherished for years to come.

So if you ever find yourself craving a taste of something new and delicious, I urge you to give this recipe a try. Who knows, maybe it will become a favorite in your own kitchen, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!