Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
If you’ve ever wandered the lively streets of Beijing in the early morning, you probably remember the unmistakable aroma of sizzling batter and eggs: that’s Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes). This crave-worthy street food wraps up crispy, savory, fresh, and spicy flavors in one irresistible bundle. Whether you’re seeking a quick breakfast or the ultimate midday snack, Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) bring a taste of bustling markets right to your kitchen—which is exactly why I can’t wait to show you how easy and deeply satisfying they are to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering what you need for Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) is wonderfully straightforward. Each ingredient serves a vital role—some bring crunch, others pack in herbs and layers of flavor, and together, they create pure magic.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the essential base for soft, pliable crepes with a subtle chew.
- Mung bean flour (or more all-purpose flour): Delivers extra silkiness and authenticity, but more all-purpose flour keeps things simple if needed.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and brightens up the batter.
- Water: Brings everything together to make a pourable, perfectly thin crepe batter.
- Large eggs: Lends a golden richness and classic Jian Bing texture.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a pop of color and an irresistible savory bite.
- Chopped cilantro: Gives each bite a fresh, peppery brightness that wakes up the palate.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings sweet and salty depth, making every fold of the crepe extra tasty.
- Chili sauce or Sriracha: Offers a customizable kick—just the right hint of heat.
- Chinese fried crackers (baocui) or substitutes: Essential for that signature crunch; crispy wonton strips or tortilla chips work wonderfully in a pinch.
- Oil for the pan: Ensures the crepes cook up golden and release perfectly every time.
How to Make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Step 1: Whisk Up the Batter
Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, salt, and water in a bowl. The goal is a smooth, pourable batter—think slightly thinner than pancake batter, with no lumps. Letting it rest for about 10–15 minutes gives the flours time to absorb the water and results in a suppler texture for your Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes).
Step 2: Cook the Crepe Base
Heat a nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat, giving it a light brush of oil to guarantee a smooth release. Pour a ladleful (about 1/3 cup) of batter onto the hot pan and swirl or spread it quickly—thin is key here! You want the entire surface evenly covered for a delicate and flexible crepe.
Step 3: Layer on the Egg and Fresh Herbs
As soon as the crepe sets (you’ll see the surface turn opaque and matte), crack an egg right onto the crepe. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently spread the egg in a thin layer. Sprinkle on chopped green onions and cilantro—their fragrance fills the air and signals it’s almost time to feast!
Step 4: Flip and Crisp
Carefully flip the entire crepe so the egg side cooks through and becomes chewy and golden. Give it another minute or two—this step ensures both sides are cooked, and the herbs become slightly toasted, intensifying their flavor for the Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes).
Step 5: Sauce, Crunch, Fold, and Serve
Flip the crepe back so the egg side is facing up. Spread with a generous swipe of hoisin sauce and a streak of chili sauce (adjust the heat to your preference). Place your Chinese fried cracker or crispy replacement down the center, then fold both sides in, followed by the top and bottom—aiming for a neat square or rectangle. Press gently to flatten slightly, then slide right onto a serving plate. Enjoy immediately for the ultimate crunch!
How to Serve Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Garnishes
Don’t skip a sprinkle of extra green onion, a few fresh cilantro leaves, or even sesame seeds to finish your Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes). These little touches make every bite pop with color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Jian Bing are fabulously filling on their own, but pair beautifully with a mug of warm soy milk or a light cucumber salad. You could even add a bowl of tangy pickled vegetables for a delightful contrast to the crispy richness of the crepes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) wrapped in parchment for an authentic street-food vibe, or cut them into bite-sized squares for party appetizers. You can also offer an interactive “DIY Jian Bing” spread at brunch—let everyone customize their fillings and sauces to create their own delicious masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes), wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. While they’re tastiest fresh, storing them makes for a next-day treat that’s still lovely with just a bit of attention.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze just the crepe bases (without sauce or fillings) between sheets of parchment in an airtight bag for up to a month. When cravings strike, your Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) are ready to become quick, satisfying snacks.
Reheating
To revive refrigerated or thawed crepes, pop them in a lightly oiled nonstick pan over medium-low heat for a minute or two per side. Add the sauces, egg, and crispy elements just before serving to recreate that fresh-off-the-street-cart texture and taste.
FAQs
What if I don’t have mung bean flour?
No worries—you can simply use more all-purpose flour. While mung bean flour adds an authentic flavor and a silkier bite, your Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) will still taste incredible with only all-purpose flour.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour mixture, and make sure your sauces are gluten-free. The result will still be satisfying, with all the delicious flavors you expect.
Is there a meat-lover’s version?
Definitely! Thinly sliced deli ham, roast chicken, or even cooked bacon can be slipped inside before you fold the crepe, offering a protein boost and even more delicious variety.
What if I don’t have Chinese fried crackers?
Crispy wonton strips, tortilla chips, or even crumbled rice crackers add the essential crunch for Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes). Feel free to get creative with crunchy add-ins you love!
How can I make these vegan?
Swap out the eggs for a vegan egg substitute or a chickpea flour mixture, and use plant-based hoisin and chili sauces. You’ll still enjoy all the iconic textures and bold flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in biting into a homemade Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes), fresh off the pan—crisp, golden, fragrant, and impossibly satisfying. Give this beloved Chinese classic a try, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite all over the world. Happy crepe-making!
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Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make Jian Bing, a popular Chinese street food consisting of savory crepes filled with eggs, green onions, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce, topped with Chinese fried crackers. This vegetarian dish is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Main Crepe:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup mung bean flour (or substitute with more all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1–2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons chili sauce or Sriracha
- 1–2 Chinese fried crackers (baocui) or substitute with crispy wonton strips or tortilla chips
- oil for the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, salt, and water until smooth. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook the Crepe: Heat a nonstick skillet, pour batter, cook until set, crack an egg, add green onions and cilantro, flip, cook until egg is done.
- Assemble: Flip back the crepe, spread hoisin and chili sauce, place the cracker, fold sides, then top and bottom to form a square, press gently.
- Serve: Remove from the pan and serve hot.
Notes
- For an authentic crunch, use Chinese baocui if available.
- You can customize with fillings like lettuce, sliced ham, or tofu for added protein.
- Best served fresh and hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crepe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
