That first hiss from the cooker tells you something good is happening. Like, you just know the kitchen's about to smell real cozy. That valve hiss is kinda like a chef whispering that your scallion pancakes are getting that tender pull inside.

You spot that steam and hear the quick release just right. It’s like a countdown to yum. With every bubble and wobble you feel excitement rise. This recipe won’t keep you waiting forever, but the slow release lets flavors merge deep down in that broth depth you don’t get on a stove top.
It’s kinda funny how just some flour, water, and sourdough discard turn into these amazing pancakes with help from your cooker. You can almost taste the crispy edges before you even lift the lid. The hiss is your signal to get ready, ’cause the feast is near.
The Real Reasons You Will Love This Method
- This method locks in moisture so every bite is juicy and soft inside. Check out other moist pancake recipes and tips for perfect batter.
- Quick release means you don’t gotta babysit the stove the whole time.
- Pressure cooker shortcuts cut down waiting so you eat faster. Learn other pressure cooker recipes for fast meals.
- You get crispy outsides + tender pull inside, all in one go.
- Using sourdough discard puts yummy tang right in the pancakes.
- It’s easy to clean up, ’cause you only need one main cooker.
All the Pieces for This Meal
You’ll need 100 grams of all purpose flour to get things rolling. That’s your pancake base, soft and stretchy.
Next up is 45 grams of warm water to bring the dough to life. Warm but not hot works best, you know?

Now the star ingredient: 50 grams of sourdough starter discard. This adds tang and a bit of fizz to your pancakes.
Don’t forget 12 grams of canola oil, plus some extra for frying. Oil helps with crispiness, and frying is where that flavor shines.
Add 3 grams of salt to season and bring out the flavors in the dish.
Grab 20 to 25 grams of scallions, finely chopped. Think 2 to 3 stalks for that classic oniony kick.
Throw in a handful of sesame seeds to sprinkle over the pancakes. They add a nice nutty crunch and toasty smell.
If you like, have some teriyaki glaze or a dipping sauce ready for serving. It’s optional but kinda makes everything better.
Walking Through Every Single Move
Start by mixing your flour, warm water, sourdough discard, and salt in a bowl. The dough will look shaggy at first, just let it come together.
Turn that shaggy mess onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. Your dough will go from sticky to smooth and soft, that’s the goal. Then cover it up and let it rest for 30 minutes. This chill time relaxes the gluten for easy rolling.
Divide your dough into two halves. Roll each piece out into a thin rectangle. Not paper thin but close.
Brush the surface lightly with canola oil. Then sprinkle chopped scallions and sesame seeds evenly over it. Don’t be shy here, you want those flavors in every bite.

Roll the rectangle up tight into a log, then coil that log into a spiral, kinda like a snail shell. Press it down gently with your hand so it flattens a bit.
Now roll the spiral out flat into a pancake about a quarter inch thick. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry each pancake 3 to 4 minutes a side until golden brown and crispy. Slice up and serve with your favorite dipping sauce or teriyaki glaze.
Valve Hacks You Need to Know
- Start with a quick release when cooking ends to keep pancake texture perfect and avoid sogginess.
- If valve hissing is loud, gently nudge it with a spoon to avoid splatter but let steam out steadily.
- Use the slow release if you want a bit more broth depth flavor before crisping in a pan.
- Keep extra canola oil close so you can drizzle while frying for crisp edges.
- Don’t rush the valve release; those hisses tell you the cooker’s still doing work inside.
Your First Taste After the Wait
When you bite into these pancakes, you notice the crisp golden crust that crackles under teeth. That crunch is the prize after cooking with your pressure cooker.
Inside, there’s a tender pull that feels soft and chewy but with just enough body not to be doughy. The scallions peek out with a fresh oniony punch, balanced by the toasty sesame seeds.
The little tang from the sourdough discard adds that lovely hint of sour that wakes up your tastebuds, making each bite kinda addictive. You’ll want to make these again and again.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh and Ready
If you catch yourself with some extras, wrap the pancakes in foil and toss them in the fridge. They keep good for up to 3 days this way.
For longer storage, pop them in an airtight container or zip bag and freeze. When you ready, just reheat in a skillet to bring back that crisp.
You can also layer parchment paper between pancakes and keep in the fridge for easier grabbing. Just warm ’em up quickly before eating.
Your Most Asked Questions Answered
- Can I use my sourdough starter instead of discard? You totally can but it might make the pancakes a bit more bubbly and tangy. Discard is milder and easier for this recipe.
- Does this recipe work without a pressure cooker? Heck yes, you can do the whole kneading, rolling, and frying part on a stove. Cooker just speeds things up and adds some moisture control. Check out our pressure cooker vs stovetop recipes for more.
- What’s the best oil for frying? Canola or any neutral oil with a high smoke point works real good. Avoid olive oil since it burns faster.
- How thin should I roll the pancakes? Aim for about a quarter inch thick so they cook through without getting too crispy or doughy.
- Can I add other fillings? For sure, try grated carrots, garlic chives, or even chili flakes if you like a kick. Just don’t overload or pancakes get hard to roll.
- What’s the secret to getting a good crust? Make sure your pan is hot and use enough oil when frying. Press pancakes down gently with a spatula for even browning. More tips in our pancake crust tips.

Sourdough Discard Scallion Pancakes 葱油饼
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 100 g All purpose flour
- 45 g Warm water
- 50 g Sourdough starter discard
- 12 g Canola oil plus more to fry in
- 3 g Salt
- 25 g Scallions about 2–3 stalks, finely chopped
- 1 handful Sesame seeds to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Mix flour, warm water, sourdough discard, and salt in a bowl until the dough comes together.
- Knead dough for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and soft. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough in two, roll each into a rectangle. Brush with oil, sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds.
- Roll dough into a log, coil into a spiral. Press gently to flatten.
- Roll out spiral into a pancake about ¼ inch thick.
- Heat canola oil in skillet over medium heat until sizzling.
- Place pancake gently into skillet, cook for 3–4 minutes each side until golden and crispy.
- Remove from pan, cool slightly, slice and serve with dipping sauce or teriyaki glaze.




