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
Scale
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.
