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Dou Dou (豆豆)

Crispy Amaranth Pancake — 莧菜煎餅

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Taiwanese

Ingredients
  

  • ½ bunch 莧菜 (Amaranth greens) washed, finely chopped
  • a small handful 紅蘿蔔 (Carrot) shredded into fine strips
  • 3 pieces 秀珍菇 (Oyster mushrooms) pulled into thin threads
  • 70 g 中筋麵粉 (All-purpose flour)
  • 1 tbsp 再來米粉 (Rice flour) adds crispness
  • 1 tbsp 玉米粉 (Corn starch) for soft chewy Q texture
  • 130 ml 水 (Water) adjust to greens' moisture
  • ½ tsp 胡椒粉 (White pepper)
  • ½ tsp 鹽 (Salt)
  • as needed 食用油 (Cooking oil) for pan-frying
  • a handful 海苔碎 (Nori strips, optional) chopped fine, adds aroma

Method
 

  1. Wash and finely chop about half a bunch of amaranth. Shred a small carrot into fine strips. Pull 3 oyster mushrooms into thin, feathery threads.
  2. In a large bowl mix 70 g all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp rice flour, and 1 tbsp corn starch. Add the greens, carrot, and mushrooms. Gradually stir in 130 ml water until a loose batter that just coats the leaves. Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp white pepper; fold in chopped nori if using.
  3. Heat oil in a large 28 cm non-stick pan over medium. Pour in the batter and spread into one thin, even pancake, pressing flat with a spatula. The thinner, the crispier the edge.
  4. Cook over medium-low until the underside is deep golden. Cut into 4 sections to make flipping easy, then flip each piece. Cook until both sides are golden and crisp.
  5. Transfer to a plate, cut into wedges, and eat hot while the edges are crispest. Great for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Notes

The batter should only barely coat the greens — press the pancake thin for crisp edges. Add chopped nori for extra aroma. Swap amaranth for long beans if desired.