Upon first hearing of Trader Joe’s green onion pancakes, most people assume it’s a Western cuisine due to its somewhat American name. But to many’s immense surprises, it turns out to be a China-originated flatbread, which has circulated Asia for decades.
Its greasy texture is a divisive feature – some hate it a lot, but some consider it the main selling point. Regardless of which category you fall into, it’s hard to deny that these cakes are unforgettable!
So what exactly are they, and is there any straightforward recipe to make these cakes at home? Our insightful article will gladly deliver on this aspect. Click and keep scrolling for more!
What Are Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes?
These cakes (also referred to as “Cong-you-bing” in some regions) are cuisines from China – seasoned with minced scallions and oil. Due to the frying process involved, the pancakes enjoy an outside crispy texture, with a chewy and soft inside.
Most traditional pancakes come from batters, but Trader Joe’s versions are made from dough. This notable variation explains why Trader Joe’s and regular breakfast pancakes are vastly different regarding the overall texture.
Many people view them as onion-green pancakes that seem more similar to flatbreads than a typical pancake found in most markets.
The average price range for the cakes is about 2.49$ – though the brand, baking quality, and shipping fees might raise it to $4.5 – depending on each region.
Every package contains 4-6 smaller cakes, which you can find easily in most frozen sections in supermarkets. In huge chains like Walmart, they are a common presence!
Too bad, it seems these cakes are only available in physical retailers and shops. Buying them online can be quite a challenge.
The delicious and teeth-crunching shell makes them popular in Western countries, particularly America. But despite this popularity, the cakes always have a unique Asian feel no matter where they go.
Of course, that does not mean there are no variations; depending on the type of seasoning, toppings, and fillings, Trader Joe’s Scallion taste can vary across each place and area.
How to Cook Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes?
1. Using Skillet – The Traditional Method
The ingredients needed for this process are:
- A package of ready-to-cook Trader Joe’s cakes (easily bought at any store)
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Coconut oil
- Green onions
- Water
- Wheat flour
To cook these cakes, follow our step-by-step guides below:
Step 1. Place one spoonful of coconut oil in the skillet.
Step 2. Put that skillet on the stove. Heat it at a medium-high temperature.
Step 3. Now put the frozen scallion pancakes in this skillet. Cook them for about one minute.
Step 4. Flip the cakes and continue to cook them for another minute.
Step 5. Keep flipping the cake all over until its texture turns puffy, browned, and crispy. The entire process should take you four to six minutes in total.
Step 6. Now remove everything from the heating skillet. Pat the dishes dry using paper towels. It’s time to enjoy your hard work with other beloved ones!
2. Using Stovetop
The ingredients and steps are more or less the same as instructed, except this method is more suited to huge cakes (whose diameter reaches seven inches).
Also, before you start, heat the frying pans until they become hot. Pour some coconut oil at the bottom and cook everything for around 5 minutes at medium heat.
3. Using Air Fryer
This version is also pretty popular, with straightforward cooking steps suited to beginners.
Step 1. Preheat your air fryers to 400F.
Step 2. While the air fryers are preheating, take the time to quarter the cakes. Why is this step important? It cuts down half of the cooking time since your surface areas are reduced.
Step 3. Place the cakes in a fryer basket. Keep cooking until its exterior becomes golden brown (which probably takes about four to six minutes).
Using air fryers means the cake layers grow more pronounced. On the other hand, its taste becomes less greasy – which might not be good news for people falling in love with its trademark grease.
But to each their own! For us personally, air fryer versions are much better than pan frying.
4. Adding Dipping Sauces
Do you want to enhance the taste even more with some extra fillings? Then we suggest you pick up dipping gyoza sauce or soy sauce in the final dish.
Also, some famous Chinese restaurants use sesame seeds, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy, and peanut butter to dip these cakes in!
Do not hesitate to explore and become creative with your formulas. Keep experimenting until you find out the heavenly recipe for your family!
FAQs
1. Are Trader Joe’s Scallion Cakes Healthy?
Overall, it’s safe to say that these foods are good for your health. After all, they include numerous vegetables with lots of vitamins (particularly A and D).
Some versions also include other minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium, boosting your body’s energy and safeguarding it against chronological diseases.
Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that Trader pancakes require frying in most cases. Hence, their inclusion of oil (such as coconut or soybean oil) is inevitable.
Studies also calculate that each serving (about 100 grams) has 160 calories, 50% of which are derived from fat. So for those currently struggling with diabetes-related issues, you might want to consider cutting down some of your Trader pancakes’ input.
2. What Food Will Go Well With These Pancakes?
The answer depends on your preferences. However, our research has revealed some common choices you may want to take into consideration:
- Vinegar sauce (black)
- Chicken kebabs
- Sour and sweet chicken
- Soft-pulled chickens
- Sesame noodles
- Barbecue pork
- Steamed bao buns
Conclusion
This article has revealed some terrific formulas and recipes that can give you an awesome cuisine adventure.
Of course, do not always abide by our suggestions; cooking should be treated as a personal experience, after all, so feel free to get experimental with your Trader Joe’s scallion and green onion pancakes.
See more: Trader Joe’s Sourdough Bread
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