Asian Pancakes: A Guide to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Delights

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated August 6, 2022

There are many types of Asian pancakes to choose from. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone.

There’s a lot of variation when it comes to Asian pancakes. Some are thin and crispy like the Japanese okonomiyaki, while others are fluffy like the Chinese bing. Some are filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, and others are filled with savory ingredients like pork.

In this article, I’ll take you through the many types of Asian pancakes and I’ll even share some recipes so you can make them at home.

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When to Indulge in Asian Pancakes

In Asia, pancakes are not just a breakfast food. They are a staple that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there is a pancake for every occasion. In fact, some pancakes are so filling that they can even be a meal on their own.

On Special Occasions

Pancakes are an essential part of many Asian celebrations. For example, in Japan, pancakes are often served during the annual Setsubun festival in February. These pancakes are made with a mix of rice flour and mung bean flour and are known as “e-ho-maki.” They are usually filled with a variety of ingredients, including pork, squid, and eggs. In Vietnam, pancakes known as “banh xeo” are often served during the Lunar New Year.

When You Want to Try Something New

Asian pancakes are a blank canvas for culinary creativity. There are countless variations of pancakes across the continent, each with their own unique flavor and texture. Some of the prevailing kinds include:

• Korean pancakes made with starchy flour and scallion
• Japanese pancakes like Okonomiyaki, a mix of floury batter and meat or seafood, and Dorayaki, a sweet pancake filled with whipped cream or red bean paste
• Vietnamese banh mi, a riff on the classic banh mi sandwich, with flaky, layered pancakes instead of bread
• Osaka-style okonomiyaki, a grilled pancake with layers of meat, seafood, and vegetables
• Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which dictates layering the ingredients instead of mixing them

When You Crave Something Sweet

Asian pancakes are not just for savory dishes. There are many delicious sweet pancakes to try, including:

• Japanese pancakes drizzled with syrup and topped with whipped cream and fruit
• Korean hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts
• Japanese dorayaki, a sweet pancake filled with whipped cream or red bean paste
• Japanese pancakes made with flour and eggs, known as “hotcakes,” which are similar to American pancakes but with a fluffier, more quivering texture
• Japanese pancakes topped with bonito flakes and Kewpie mayonnaise, a popular street food in Japan

No matter what kind of pancake you choose, one thing is for sure: Asian pancakes are a delicious way to experience the flavors of the continent. So go ahead and flip a few pancakes today!

Chinese Pancakes: A Unique and Flavorful Type of Pancake

Chinese pancakes come in various types, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular types:

• Peking Duck Pancakes: These pancakes are thin and smooth and are commonly served with Peking duck. They are made by combining flour, water, and oil to create a dough that is then rolled out into thin circles and cooked on a griddle. They are usually served with sliced scallions, cucumber, and a sweet bean sauce.

• Guo Jian Bing: These pancakes are a common street food in Northern China. They are made by combining flour, water, and potato starch to create a chewy texture. The dough is then filled with shredded pork or beef, chopped scallions, and a special sauce made with soy sauce, mayo, and onion. They are then fried until crispy and served in wedges.

• Shanghai Pancakes: These pancakes are filled with a mixture of pulled pork or beef and chopped scallions. The dough is made by combining flour, water, and oil and is then rolled out into thin circles. They are then cooked on a griddle until golden brown and crispy.

How Chinese Pancakes are Prepared

The preparation of Chinese pancakes involves some extra work compared to regular pancakes. Here are the basic steps:

• Making the Dough: The dough for Chinese pancakes is made by combining flour, water, and oil. Some types of pancakes, like Guo Jian Bing, also contain potato starch or other ingredients to obtain a specific texture.

• Fermentation: Some types of Chinese pancakes, like Shanghai pancakes, require fermentation to obtain the right texture. The dough is left to rest for a few hours to allow the yeast to work its magic.

• Rolling and Cooking: The dough is rolled out into thin circles and cooked on a griddle or boiled in water, depending on the type of pancake. Some pancakes, like Peking Duck pancakes, are served cold, while others, like Guo Jian Bing, are fried until crispy.

The Famous Chinese Pancake Recipes

Chinese pancakes are a popular dish in China and are enjoyed by many people around the world. Here are some of the most famous Chinese pancake recipes:

• Peking Duck Pancakes: These pancakes are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are commonly served with sliced scallions, cucumber, and a sweet bean sauce.

• Guo Jian Bing: This street food is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The crispy texture and flavorful filling make it a must-try dish.

• Shanghai Pancakes: These pancakes are a popular breakfast food in Shanghai and are often served with a hot bowl of soy milk.

Japanese Pancakes That Will Make Your Mouth Water

Dorayaki is a Japanese sweet pancake that is made by mixing flour, sugar, and eggs. The batter is then baked until fluffy and lightly swelled. The term “dora” refers to the sound that the pancake makes when it is cooking. The pancake is then filled with sweet red bean paste, which melts in your mouth. Some variations of dorayaki include green tea, chocolate, and coconut fillings.

Okonomiyaki: The Savory Pancake That Will Satisfy Your Cravings

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that is a popular dish in Japan. The batter is made by mixing flour, eggs, and water or dashi (a type of Japanese soup stock). The remaining ingredients can vary, but usually include cabbage, pork belly, and green onions. The pancake is then topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes. Some variations of okonomiyaki include seafood, cheese, and kimchi.

Hotcakes: The Fluffy Pancake That Will Melt in Your Mouth

Hotcakes or “Hottokeki” are a type of Japanese pancake that is similar to American pancakes. The batter is made by mixing flour, eggs, sugar, and milk. The pancakes are then cooked on a griddle until they are fluffy and golden brown. Hotcakes are often served with butter and syrup, but can also be topped with fruit or whipped cream.

Green Tea Pancakes: The Pancake That’s Good for You

Green tea pancakes are a type of Japanese pancake that are made by mixing flour, sugar, eggs, and green tea powder. The batter is then cooked on a griddle until it is lightly browned. Green tea pancakes are often served with sweet toppings, such as honey or whipped cream.

Discover the Unique and Delicious World of Korean Pancakes

When it comes to Asian pancakes, Korean pancakes like Pajeon are a specific and delicious dish that you should definitely try. Despite being a standard dish in Korean cuisine, it is not as well-known as other Asian pancakes. However, once you try it, you will surely love it.

Ingredients and Preparation

Preparing Korean pancakes is easy and requires only a few ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. Here’s what you need to make Korean pancakes:

• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of chopped vegetables (onions, potatoes, or any other vegetables you prefer)
• 1/2 cup of chopped seafood (optional)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

To prepare the pancakes, follow these simple steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, egg, soy sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the batter is smooth.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and seafood to the batter and gently stir to combine.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to the pan.
4. Once the pan is hot, pour a ladle of the batter onto the pan and spread it evenly to create a thin pancake.
5. Cook the pancake for 2-3 minutes on each side or until it is golden brown and crispy.
6. Once the pancake is cooked, transfer it to a plate and repeat the process until you have used all the batter.

Serving and Storing

Korean pancakes are best served hot and fresh, but you can also store them for a couple of days. Here’s how to serve and store Korean pancakes:

• Serve the pancakes with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chopped green onions.
• To store the pancakes, let them cool completely and then wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
• To reheat the pancakes, simply heat them in a pan over medium heat until they are heated through.

Tips and Variations

• Korean pancakes are extremely versatile and can be loaded with any ingredients you like. Try adding sliced pickled vegetables or strips of cooked meat to the batter for a unique twist.
• To maintain the delicate texture of the pancakes, avoid over-mixing the batter and gently fold the edges of the pancake while cooking to prevent it from breaking apart.
• Despite containing vegetables and seafood, Korean pancakes are not greasy and are a great way to incorporate healthy foods into your diet.
• If you’re not sure where to find the ingredients or want to see the steps in action, check out YouTube for some great Korean pancake-making tutorials.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many types of Asian pancakes. Some are sweet, some are savory, and some are both. They’re a delicious way to experience the flavors of the continent and a great way to start the day!

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.