Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes. They offer a savory filling of scrambled tofu and fresh veggies, all wrapped in a homemade dough and pan-fried to perfection. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack, these pancakes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them at your convenience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these pancakes ready in no time.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of tofu, carrots, scallions, and red bell peppers creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Meal Option: These pancakes can be served as an appetizer, breakfast, or snack, making them suitable for any occasion.
- Make Ahead: Prepare a batch in advance and store them for quick meals throughout the week.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and plant-based protein, these pancakes are a nutritious choice.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness for the pancake dough, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spills.
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan: Prevents sticking during cooking, making flipping easier and cleaner.

Ingredients
To create your Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes, gather the following 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 but highly recommended)
- 1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (for the vegetable mix)
For Cooking
- Sesame oil or other oil (for cooking)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (for 2 pancakes)
- 1 tbsp water (for each pancake)
How to Make Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough rests, crumble the extra firm tofu into a bowl. Add turmeric powder, black salt, shredded carrots, chopped scallions, diced red bell peppers, additional salt, and 5 spice powder. Heat toasted sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir-fry the mixture until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pancakes
Divide the rested dough into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 6 inches wide. Place two tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the edges over to enclose the filling completely and pinch to seal.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
In a non-stick skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add one pancake at a time. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process for all pancakes.
Step 5: Serve
Enjoy your Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes warm! They can be served alone or with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
These delicious pancakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a hearty breakfast or a light snack, these Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes are perfect for any occasion.
With Dipping Sauce
- Soy Sauce: A classic choice that adds a salty, umami flavor.
- Chili Oil: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, drizzle some chili oil for extra heat.
- Sesame Sauce: Creamy and nutty, sesame sauce pairs wonderfully with the pancakes.
As a Light Meal
- Fresh Salad: A side salad with cucumbers and carrots complements the pancakes’ savory flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adding steamed broccoli provides a nutritious boost and a pop of color.
For Breakfast
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices on the side enhance the texture and flavor.
- Scrambled Tofu: Serve alongside more scrambled tofu for an extra protein-packed breakfast.
How to Perfect Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
Creating the perfect Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and tofu to enhance the flavor of your pancakes.
- Don’t Overstuff: Fill your pancakes carefully; overstuffing may cause them to break during cooking.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking at medium heat allows the pancakes to become golden brown without burning.
- Let Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest makes it easier to roll out and helps achieve a tender texture.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to try different veggies or spices in the filling for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and bok choy add crunch and nutrition.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumber, sesame oil, and vinegar is light and zesty.
- Miso Soup: This warm soup complements the pancakes nicely, adding depth to your meal.
- Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame is a protein-packed option that also serves as a tasty nibble.
- Rice Noodles: Tossed in soy sauce or sesame oil, rice noodles make a delightful addition alongside the pancakes.
- Kimchi: This fermented side dish offers tanginess that beautifully contrasts with the savory pancakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Skipping the resting time: Not allowing the dough to rest can lead to tough pancakes. Make sure to let it rest for at least 30 minutes for a soft texture.
- Overfilling the pancakes: Using too much filling can cause the pancakes to burst while cooking. Stick to a moderate amount of filling for even cooking.
- Ignoring the oil temperature: Cooking in oil that’s too hot or too cold can result in uneven cooking. Use medium heat to ensure a golden-brown finish.
- Not prepping the filling properly: If your veggies are not finely chopped, they can create uneven textures. Take the time to chop everything uniformly for a better bite.
- Using low-quality flour: Poor quality flour can affect texture and flavor. Always choose high-quality all-purpose flour for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
- Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe ziplock bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes.
Can I use different vegetables in my filling?
You can absolutely customize your filling! Feel free to experiment with any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand.
How do I make these pancakes gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
Can I prepare these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and fill the pancakes ahead of time. Just store them properly before cooking.
What can I serve with Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes?
These pancakes pair well with soy sauce, chili sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
How do I know when my pancakes are cooked through?
The pancakes should be golden brown on both sides and feel firm but not hard when cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables or sauces, making them perfect for any meal of the day. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful culinary experience!
Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes
Enjoy delicious Chinese-Style Savoury Stuffed Breakfast Pancakes filled with tofu and veggies! Try this simple recipe today!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 lb extra firm tofu
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
- Sesame oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add warm water until a dough forms. Knead until smooth, then cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Crumble tofu into a bowl and mix with turmeric, salt, carrots, scallions, bell peppers, and sesame oil. Stir-fry over medium heat until heated through.
- Assemble: Divide the dough into eight pieces, roll each into a circle, place filling in the center, fold edges over to seal.
- Cook: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook each pancake for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg