straw hat cakes

How to Make Grass Hat Pancakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grass Hat Pancakes, named for their resemblance to a woven straw hat, are a crispy yet chewy Chinese breakfast treat. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: You’ll need 200g all-purpose flour, 150ml warm water, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp cooking oil, and sesame seeds for garnish. For extra flavor, some recipes add a pinch of sugar or five-spice powder.

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth, then let it rest for 30 minutes covered with a damp cloth.

2. Divide and shape: Roll the dough into a log and cut into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a thin circle, brush with oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Fold the circle in half, then roll it into a small disc (about 8cm in diameter).

3. Cook the pancake: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the pancake in the dry pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip, press gently with a spatula, and cook for another 2 minutes until crispy. Repeat for all pieces.

Serving tip: Enjoy them warm, plain or dipped in soy milk. They’re best eaten fresh for the perfect balance of flaky layers and crunch!