Scallion Pancake Beef Rolls

Tender, braised beef enveloped with a flaky, crispy scallion pancake. A classic in Taiwanese and Shanghainese restaurants.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Trim connective tissue off of beef shank.

Step 2

In a dutch oven or braising pot, sear beef shank and season with salt.

Step 3

Deglaze with shaoxing wine then add enough water to cover the beef.

Step 4

Tie up star anise, dried chilies, cinnamon, fennel seed, white pepper, and Sichuan peppercorn in a cheesecloth bouquet. Add soy sauces, onion, garlic, ginger, rock sugar, and the spices tied up in a cheesecloth bouquet.

Step 5

Bring to a simmer and cover with a parchment lid (cartouche).

Step 6

Braise for 60 to 75 minutes until beef is tender, but not falling apart. Remove from heat and cool to room temp.

Step 7

In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly drizzle in boiling water while mixing with a chopstick. Once it comes together roughly, transfer to a table and knead until a firm ball of dough is formed (about 10 min). Cover dough and rest for 30 min.

Step 8

Melt lard and combine with salt and 5-spice.

Step 9

Split dough into 6 even pieces (~ 80 g each) and roll into balls. Cover and rest another 10 min.

Step 10

Roll each ball into a thin rectangle (15 x 25 cm) and brush the lard over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.

Step 11

Sprinkle scallions (~ 2 tbsp) over the surface, concentrating on the bottom and right edge.

Step 12

Roll the dough bottom-up into a log and seal the right side. Tightly roll the sealed side to meet the unsealed side. Press down with the palm of your hand to seal the pancake.

Step 13

Roll a pancake into a thin circle (~18 cm diameter).

Step 14

Heat a heavy-bottom pan over medium-low and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Gently place the pancake on the oil, cover, and cook until browned (~ 2 min). Flip and cook the other side uncovered until browned.

Step 15

To assemble, slice the cooled braised beef. Then on the bottom of a pancake, apply hoisin sauce, cucumbers, cilantro, and sliced beef in a line. Tightly roll up and cut into 2-3 pieces. Enjoy!