Aromatic Henan-style Stuffed Pancakes

Ingredients

While the original Aromanian plăcintă is typically made with a different set of ingredients and spices, this adapted recipe incorporates the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Henan cuisine. The filling of minced pork, scallions, ginger, and soy sauce adds a distinct Henan twist to the traditional dish. Additionally, the cooking technique and texture of the pancakes have been adjusted to match the preferences of Henan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Plăcintă aromână, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 200g minced pork 200g minced pork
• 2 scallions, finely chopped 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For frying: For frying:
• Vegetable oil Vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt for the dough. Gradually add warm water while kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the minced pork, chopped scallions, minced ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil for the filling.
3. 3.
   Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the stuffed pancakes until golden and crispy on both sides.
6. 6.
   Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic Henan-style stuffed pancakes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Minced pork — Make sure to use lean minced pork for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute it with minced chicken or beef.
• Scallions — Use both the white and green parts of the scallions for added flavor.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the salt content.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the pancakes.
• Experiment with different fillings such as mushrooms, cabbage, or shrimp to add variety to the dish.
• Serve the pancakes with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil for an extra kick of flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a small amount of chili paste or Sichuan peppercorns to the filling mixture.
• Leftover pancakes can be reheated in a toaster oven or pan for a quick and tasty snack.

Serving advice

Serve the aromatic Henan-style stuffed pancakes as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden stuffed pancakes on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve them alongside a small bowl of dipping sauce to enhance the visual appeal.