If you have yet to discover the magic of Jian Bing, you are in for a treat with this Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe. This beloved Chinese street food is a crispy, savory crepe layered with fresh herbs, a perfectly cooked egg, and a satisfying crunch that makes every bite a dance of textures and flavors. It’s quick to whip up, incredibly customizable, and utterly delicious, combining simple ingredients into a spectacular breakfast or snack that feels like a warm hug with each mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the smooth batter to the fresh herbs and the crunchy filling, simplicity meets authenticity in every element.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that creates the tender, thin crepe layers you’ll love.
- 2 tablespoons mung bean flour (or cornstarch): Adds a subtle chewiness and crispness to the crepe’s texture.
- 1 ¼ cups water: Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency for a smooth spread.
- 2 large eggs: Cooked directly on the crepe, the eggs add richness and help bind the layers.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for cooking): Essential for cooking and adding a golden finish to the crepe’s surface.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors throughout the batter and filling.
- ½ cup chopped scallions: Fresh and mildly pungent, scallions light up the flavor profile beautifully.
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish.
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips or Chinese fried dough (youtiao): The star crunch that sets Jian Bing apart with every bite.
- Hoisin sauce to taste: Adds sweet and tangy depth that complements the other savory elements.
- Chili garlic sauce to taste: Brings a spicy kick that wakes up the palate in the most satisfying way.
How to Make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, mung bean flour (or cornstarch), water, and salt in a mixing bowl until you have a silky smooth batter free of lumps. This batter is the heart of your Jian Bing, ensuring a crepe that cooks evenly and holds all its toppings perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Crepe
Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly oil it for a golden finish. Pour about half a cup of the batter into the pan, immediately tilting the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even round. Think of this as creating a delicate canvas for the layers to come.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Crack one large egg directly onto the still wet crepe and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. This step transforms the crepe with a luscious egg layer that cooks quickly while adding texture and flavor.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Herbs
Once the egg is mostly set—usually within one to two minutes—sprinkle the chopped scallions and cilantro generously on top. These fresh herbs bring brightness and balance to the rich egg and batter.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip the crepe over and cook for another 30 seconds until everything is just set. This step ensures the crepe has a tender yet sturdy structure ready for delicious fillings.
Step 6: Add Sauces and Crunch
Flip the crepe back over, then quickly spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce and chili garlic sauce to your preferred spiciness. Next, place a generous handful of crispy wonton strips or youtiao in the center, adding that iconic crunchy texture you cannot skip in your Jian Bing.
Step 7: Fold and Serve
Fold the sides of the crepe inward to enclose the filling, then fold the top and bottom, creating a neat rectangular pocket packed with flavor. Remove from the pan and serve hot. Repeat the process with the remaining batter to make more servings.
How to Serve Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, you can sprinkle extra chopped scallions or cilantro on top before serving. A drizzle of additional chili garlic sauce or hoisin can enhance the flavor and presentation. These simple garnishes add freshness and a pop of color, making your dish look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve your Jian Bing with sides like pickled vegetables or a light Asian-style salad to balance the richness with tangy, crisp textures. A hot cup of jasmine tea or a cold soy milk pairs wonderfully, turning your meal into a truly authentic experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Jian Bing into smaller, bite-sized pieces for a fun party appetizer or street food platter. You could also customize the filling with crispy tofu, sautéed mushrooms, or even a spicy pork option for variety. The versatility of this Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe makes it perfect for experimenting in your kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Jian Bing, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the crepes from getting soggy, place parchment paper between layers before stacking.
Freezing
Freezing Jian Bing is possible but best done without the crispy fillings to preserve texture. Freeze the plain crepes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to one month. Reheat fully before adding fresh fillings and sauces.
Reheating
For the best reheat results, warm your Jian Bing in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat to revive the crispy edges and melt the fillings without drying out. Microwaving is faster but risks a soggier texture, so use it only if time is tight.
FAQs
Can I make Jian Bing without mung bean flour?
Absolutely! While mung bean flour adds an authentic chewiness and crispness, cornstarch is a fine substitute that still gives delightful texture, so don’t worry if you can’t find mung bean flour easily.
Is Jian Bing suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe is naturally vegetarian as written. You can keep it meat-free with the fresh herbs, eggs, and crispy fried dough. For a vegan version, consider substituting the egg with a plant-based replacement.
How thin should the crepe batter be spread?
The batter should be spread as thin and evenly as possible so the crepe cooks quickly and crisps slightly on the edges while holding the fillings. Aim for a delicate, pancake-thin layer about the size of your pan’s surface.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick whisk before cooking as the flour might settle or thicken slightly with time.
What are some popular variations of Jian Bing?
Many like to add extra fillings like lettuce, ham, pickled mustard greens, or tofu for different textures and flavors. Feel free to customize your Jian Bing to suit your cravings and enjoy endless delicious versions!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and enjoying this Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe at home. With its harmonious blend of crispy, fresh, savory, and spicy elements, it’s no wonder this street food favorite wins hearts worldwide. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, stir up the batter, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful culinary adventure that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat.
Print
Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 crepes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Jian Bing is a popular Chinese street food featuring thin, crispy savory crepes filled with egg, scallions, cilantro, and crispy wonton strips, all wrapped up with flavorful hoisin and chili garlic sauces. Perfect for a breakfast or snack, these crepes offer a deliciously balanced taste of crispy textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons mung bean flour (or substitute with cornstarch)
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Crepe Filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for cooking)
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips or Chinese fried dough (youtiao)
- Hoisin sauce to taste
- Chili garlic sauce to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, water, and salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Heat the pan: Warm a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly brush the surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the crepe base: Pour about ½ cup of the batter onto the skillet and tilt the pan to spread it thinly and evenly, forming a crepe.
- Add the egg: Crack one egg directly onto the crepe and use a spatula to spread the yolk and white evenly over the surface.
- Cook with toppings: Let the egg cook for 1–2 minutes until it is mostly set. Then evenly sprinkle the chopped scallions and cilantro over the egg layer.
- Flip the crepe: Carefully flip the entire crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Apply sauces and add filling: Flip the crepe back over to the egg side and spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce and chili garlic sauce to your taste over the surface. Place a handful of crispy wonton strips or fried dough in the center of the crepe.
- Fold the crepe: Fold the sides of the crepe inward to enclose the filling, then fold the top and bottom to create a rectangular pocket.
- Serve: Remove the folded crepe from the pan and serve immediately while hot. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and ingredients.
Notes
- For an authentic texture, try to find mung bean flour at an Asian grocery store. Cornstarch works well as an alternative.
- Feel free to add extra fillings like lettuce, ham, or pickled mustard greens for additional flavor and texture.
- Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned crepe pan to ensure the crepes don’t stick and remain easy to flip.
- Adjust the amount of hoisin and chili garlic sauce according to your spice preference.
