If you have ever wandered the bustling streets of China, the irresistible aroma and crisp warmth of Jian Bing will have surely caught your attention. This Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe is a beloved street food classic that combines a delicate, thin crepe with a perfectly cooked egg, aromatic scallions, fresh cilantro, and a tantalizing mix of sauces. What truly elevates this dish is the delightful crunch from crispy wonton wrappers or fried dough tucked inside, making every bite a harmonious dance of textures and flavors. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, and I can’t wait to share this hidden gem from Chinese breakfasts with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Jian Bing starts with straightforward, humble ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting that unique combination of taste, texture, and color you expect from this dish.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the crepe, creating that tender yet slightly chewy texture.
- Mung bean flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and lightness; chickpea flour is a great alternative if needed.
- Water: Essential for making the batter smooth and easy to spread in the pan.
- Large eggs: Cooked directly on the crepe for rich flavor and protein.
- Chopped scallions: Infuse a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Bring a bright, herby note that lifts the dish beautifully.
- Chinese pickled mustard greens (optional): Add a tangy, salty contrast that deepens flavor complexity.
- Chili garlic sauce: For just the right kick of heat and spice.
- Hoisin sauce: Offers sweet, savory richness that balances the heat.
- Soy sauce: Adds that essential salty umami that ties everything together.
- Crispy wonton wrappers or fried dough (like youtiao): The crunchy element that makes Jian Bing unforgettable.
- Oil for cooking: Helps create that perfect golden sear on the crepe.
How to Make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, and water in a bowl until the batter is silky smooth. This simple mixture is the foundation of your crepe’s delicate texture. Avoid lumps by taking your time with the whisking—it really makes a difference when you cook.
Step 2: Cook the Crepe and Egg
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, adding just enough oil to coat the surface lightly. Pour a thin layer of batter into the pan and swirl to cover the surface evenly. Crack an egg directly onto the crepe and use the back of a spoon to spread it gently across the surface. Sprinkle the scallions over the egg and let everything cook without disturbance for 1 to 2 minutes until the egg sets and the crepe edges start to lift.
Step 3: Flip and Add Flavor
Carefully flip the entire crepe so the cooked side is now facing up. This side will become your canvas for flavor—spread hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce evenly across it for a balanced taste of sweet, salty, and spicy notes.
Step 4: Layer Your Fillings
Add your preferred fillings on top of the sauce-covered crepe side: fresh cilantro, optional Chinese pickled mustard greens for an extra tang, and nestle a crispy wonton wrapper or piece of fried dough right in the center. This crunchy surprise is what truly defines Jian Bing.
Step 5: Fold and Crisp
Fold the sides of the crepe over the fillings to form a neat square or roll it up like a wrap. Let it cook for an additional 30 seconds so the crepe crisps up slightly and melds all those amazing flavors together. Then, it’s ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
Garnishes
Serving Jian Bing with an extra sprinkle of chopped scallions or cilantro adds freshness and a pop of color that’s simply irresistible. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce will give it more heat and depth.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderful on its own for a snack or breakfast, but pairing Jian Bing with a side of light soup, pickled vegetables, or even a simple cucumber salad can elevate your meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy crepe.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box? Try folding Jian Bing into small bite-sized rolls for a party appetizer or layering several together with different fillings for a colorful platter of variety. The versatility makes this Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe perfect for sharing with friends and family in inventive ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated and try to consume within one day to enjoy the best texture and flavor since the crispy element can soften over time.
Freezing
While freshly made Jian Bing is unbeatable, you can freeze individual crepes without fillings. Place parchment paper between each crepe to prevent sticking, and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Reheating
To bring back some of that original crispness, reheat your Jian Bing in a nonstick pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. Avoid using a microwave as it tends to make the crepes soggy, and that’s the one texture you do not want to lose!
FAQs
Can I make Jian Bing without mung bean flour?
Absolutely! Mung bean flour adds a subtle flavor and light texture, but chickpea flour or even all-purpose flour alone can work just fine without drastically changing the dish.
What if I don’t have crispy wonton wrappers or fried dough?
No worries. You can substitute with crushed tortilla chips, rice crackers, or even crispy fried onions for that much-needed crunch in the crepe.
Is Jian Bing suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian sauces and omit any non-vegetarian fillings.
How do I get the crepe nice and thin?
Swirling the batter quickly and evenly over a hot, well-oiled pan helps you achieve that classic thin crepe texture. Using a nonstick skillet is key for easy flipping and removal.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce or skip it altogether if you prefer a milder crepe. The sauces are very forgiving, and you can customize the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on how to make this delicious Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe at home, I promise you it’s worth every second spent in the kitchen. From the crispy, savory layers to the bold sauces and fresh herbs, every bite feels like a comforting hug wrapped in a crepe. So grab your pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bring a little taste of authentic Chinese street food right into your own kitchen!
Print
Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Jian Bing is a popular Chinese street food featuring thin, savory crepes made from a delicate batter of all-purpose and mung bean flour. Filled with eggs, scallions, cilantro, pickled mustard greens, hoisin, soy, and chili garlic sauces, and wrapped around crispy wonton wrappers or fried dough for crunch, this flavorful dish makes a perfect breakfast or snack. Quick to prepare on the stovetop, it offers a delightful combination of textures and umami-rich flavors, ideal for those seeking an authentic vegetarian Chinese crepe experience.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup mung bean flour (or chickpea flour as substitute)
- 3/4 cup water
Fillings and Toppings
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup Chinese pickled mustard greens (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 crispy wonton wrappers or pieces of fried dough (like youtiao)
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, and water until the batter is smooth without lumps.
- Heat the pan: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the crepe base: Pour a thin layer of the batter into the skillet, swirling to evenly coat the surface and create a thin crepe.
- Add the egg: Crack one egg directly on top of the crepe and use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the crepe’s surface.
- Sprinkle scallions and cook: Evenly distribute the chopped scallions onto the egg and let the crepe cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the egg is set.
- Flip the crepe: Carefully flip the crepe to cook the other side gently.
- Add sauces and fillings: Spread hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce over the cooked side. Add pickled mustard greens if using, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and place a crispy wonton wrapper or a piece of fried dough in the center.
- Shape the crepe: Fold the sides of the crepe over the fillings to form a square or roll it up tightly.
- Finish cooking: Cook for an additional 30 seconds to crisp the crepe slightly, then remove it from the pan.
- Serve hot: Serve the Jian Bing immediately while warm and enjoy its unique blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- You can substitute mung bean flour with chickpea flour or use all wheat flour if desired.
- The crispy element can be replaced with crushed tortilla chips or rice crackers for similar texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic, hoisin, and soy sauce to suit your spice and sweetness preferences.
- Pickled mustard greens are optional but add an authentic tangy flavor to the crepe.
