Craving the savoury, flaky goodness of a freshly made scallion pancake but short on time? The familiar aroma of cong you bing is a comforting classic, yet making them from scratch is a commitment. Fortunately, the freezer aisle offers a convenient solution, bringing this beloved street food straight to your kitchen.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find products that fit your needs. This guide is designed to walk you through some excellent frozen scallion pancake options available in the UK, helping you choose the right one for your next quick pan-fry breakfast or satisfying snack.
Before we look at specific products, here are a few points to consider when you want to buy cong you bing in the UK.
Here are a few standout options that deliver on flavour and convenience, each offering a slightly different experience.
Why It Stands Out: This pastry from Anjoy is known for its unique texture. The "hand-ripped" style means that as it cooks, you can use a spatula to push the edges toward the centre, creating a fluffy, multi-layered and satisfyingly flaky scallion pancake. The generous 900g pack size also offers great value.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for households that go through scallion pancakes quickly and appreciate a substantial, layered texture that is both crispy and soft.
Why It Stands Out: Synear delivers a taste of tradition with its Classic Shanghai Scallion Pancakes. Made using traditional techniques, these pancakes aim for an authentic flavour profile, featuring a crispy outside, a tender inside and a prominent scallion aroma enhanced with sesame.
Pros:
Who is it for? Perfect for individuals or smaller families who value convenience and are looking for a classic, no-fuss scallion pancake that recalls the authentic street food flavour of Shanghai.
Why It Stands Out: Sanquan offers a textural innovation with its "shredded" pancake. This unique structure is designed to create countless thin, crispy layers upon cooking. If your priority is maximum crispiness, this is a product worth your attention.
Pros:
Who is it for? This pancake is for the texture enthusiast who loves an ultra-crispy, almost shatteringly flaky bite. It's a fantastic option for a quick, crunchy snack.
If these recommendations aren't quite what you're looking for, or if you're curious about other varieties like plain pancakes for wraps or different types of frozen Asian pastries, there are more to discover.
Explore our full range of Chinese pancakes to find the perfect fit for your freezer.
1. How do I cook frozen scallion pancakes for the best texture? For optimal results, always cook from frozen and follow the package instructions. Generally, you'll pan-fry them over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. For pancakes like the Anjoy variety, using a spatula to gently bunch the pancake during cooking helps to separate the layers and create a fluffier texture.
2. Do I need to add oil to the pan? This depends on the product. Some pancakes, like the Anjoy Hand-Ripped Pastry, contain enough oil in the dough to be cooked in a dry, non-stick pan. Others, like the Synear pancakes, benefit from a small amount of oil to enhance crispiness. Always check the cooking instructions on the packaging.
3. What are some popular dipping sauces for Chinese spring onion pancakes? A simple yet classic dipping sauce can elevate your pancake. A popular combination is a mix of light soy sauce, a splash of black rice vinegar and a few drops of sesame oil. For a bit of a kick, you can also add some chilli oil or finely chopped garlic and ginger.