These Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes are a delicious, vegan twist on a traditional Chinese dish! Filled with a flavorful mix of scrambled tofu and veggies, these pancakes are wrapped in homemade dough and pan-fried to golden perfection. They’re perfect for breakfast, a light meal, or even a satisfying snack. The best part? These pancakes are incredibly versatile, and you can prepare them in advance and store them for later enjoyment. Serve them warm, and they’ll quickly become a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water, plus 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp neutral oil
For the Filling:
- 1 lb extra-firm tofu
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 3/4 tsp black salt or regular salt
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp 5 spice powder (optional)
- 1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil for the vegetable mix
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp neutral oil for cooking each batch
- 1 tbsp water for each pancake
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add warm water and oil, mixing with a spatula. Once the dough starts to come together, knead until smooth. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Drain excess liquid from tofu, then mash it. Heat oil in a pan, and sauté scallions, bell peppers, and carrots for 4-5 minutes until tender. Add sesame oil, salt, sesame seeds, and optional five-spice powder. Add tofu and turmeric; cook until heated through and water from tofu evaporates. Let the filling cool.
- Make the Pancakes: Roll dough into a log, cut into 8 pieces, and roll each into a ball. Roll out each piece into a 5-6 inch round wrapper. Add 1/3-1/2 cup filling to the center and fold edges to seal. Flatten and place on a tray covered with a towel.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat oil in a pan. Add pancakes and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Add water and cover to steam for 5-6 minutes until cooked through. Repeat with the remaining pancakes.
Nutrients
- Calories: 119 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
A Unique Breakfast with a Vegan Twist
Traditional pancakes are often associated with sweet fillings like syrup, fruit, or chocolate chips. However, Chinese-style savory stuffed breakfast pancakes offer a different experience by combining a crispy, golden exterior with a delicious, hearty filling. The filling of these pancakes includes scrambled tofu, shredded vegetables like carrots, scallions, and red bell peppers, and a rich blend of seasonings. The end result is a savory, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for anyone seeking a vegan breakfast or just a fun twist on the usual pancake.
Unlike regular pancakes, which are made from flour, eggs, and milk, this recipe is entirely plant-based. The scrambled tofu mimics the texture of eggs, while the combination of vegetables adds freshness and crunch. The dough used to wrap the filling is soft and chewy, offering a delightful contrast to the crispy, golden crust created when the pancakes are pan-fried. This hearty and delicious meal is filling and nutrient-dense, providing a perfect balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
The Versatile and Convenient Dough
The dough for the savory stuffed pancakes is simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients: flour, salt, warm water, and oil. The dough is kneaded until it forms a smooth ball, then left to rest for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and make it easier to roll out. This dough provides a soft and chewy base that wraps around the flavorful tofu and vegetable filling, giving each bite a satisfying texture.
One of the advantages of this dough is its versatility. It’s easy to adjust the recipe by adding herbs or spices to customize the flavor. Additionally, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it a great choice for meal prep. You can easily assemble and cook the pancakes later, saving you time on busy mornings.
The Flavorful Tofu and Vegetable Filling
The filling for the Chinese-style savory stuffed pancakes is where all the flavor comes together. Tofu, a staple in vegan cuisine, serves as the base of the filling. When scrambled and combined with spices like turmeric and black salt, tofu mimics the texture and flavor of scrambled eggs. The turmeric not only adds a vibrant yellow color to the tofu but also provides a warm, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
In addition to the tofu, the filling includes carrots, scallions, and red bell peppers. These vegetables add color, texture, and freshness to the filling, balancing the richness of the tofu and creating a satisfying mix of flavors. Five-spice powder adds depth and complexity to the filling, while sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil bring a delightful nutty flavor that ties everything together.
This combination of flavors and textures ensures that each bite of the stuffed pancake is satisfying and full of vibrant, savory taste. The tofu and vegetables are cooked together in a pan, making the filling flavorful and well-seasoned, yet not overly greasy. The scrambled tofu offers a hearty, protein-packed base, while the vegetables provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the dough.
Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside
The cooking method for these pancakes creates the perfect contrast between a crispy, golden brown exterior and a soft, savory interior. After the dough is wrapped around the filling, the pancakes are pan-fried in a bit of oil until they develop a crispy, golden crust. The pan-frying ensures that the dough gets crispy without becoming too greasy, while the filling inside stays moist and flavorful.
To ensure the pancakes are cooked all the way through, a small amount of water is added to the pan, and the pancakes are covered and steamed for several minutes. This method ensures that the dough cooks evenly while keeping the filling warm and soft. The result is a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior that holds all the delicious tofu and vegetable filling.
Perfect for Meal Prep or a Quick Breakfast
One of the best things about these savory stuffed pancakes is their convenience. The dough and filling can be prepared ahead of time, and the pancakes can be made in large batches. They store well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated in a pan for a quick breakfast or snack.
For those with busy schedules, these pancakes make a great option for meal prep. You can assemble and cook the pancakes in advance, store them in an airtight container, and then heat them up as needed. They are perfect for a quick, filling breakfast that can be enjoyed on the go.
A Vegan-Friendly Delight
These savory stuffed breakfast pancakes are not only delicious but also completely vegan-friendly. By using tofu as the filling base, this recipe provides a plant-based protein that makes the pancakes filling and nutritious. The vegan-friendly ingredients also make this recipe suitable for people who follow dairy-free or egg-free diets.
The dough is made without any animal products, and the filling is packed with vegetables and tofu. The use of sesame oil and five-spice powder adds layers of flavor, making this dish a flavorful and hearty option for anyone seeking a nutritious, plant-based breakfast or snack.
Versatility and Customization
While the recipe as written is already packed with flavor, there is plenty of room for customization. You can easily adjust the vegetables in the filling based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would all make excellent additions or substitutions for the current vegetables.
Additionally, for those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes or fresh chili to the filling to give the pancakes a spicy kick. You can also switch up the spices based on your preferences. The recipe is very adaptable, allowing you to make these pancakes to suit your own tastes.
Conclusion: A Flavorful and Hearty Breakfast Option
In conclusion, Chinese-Style Savory Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes are a unique and delicious way to start your day. With a flavorful filling of scrambled tofu and vegetables, wrapped in a soft dough and pan-fried to crispy perfection, these pancakes are a satisfying and hearty breakfast or snack. They are vegan-friendly, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, making them a versatile option for anyone looking for a nutritious and filling meal.
Whether you’re preparing them for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, these pancakes are sure to impress with their combination of crispy texture and savory filling. The flavors of sesame oil, turmeric, and five-spice powder combine to create a satisfying and well-rounded dish. Chinese-style savory stuffed breakfast pancakes are the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal that can be made in advance and enjoyed at any time of the day.
