Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) are the irresistible, savory breakfast street food you’ll find sizzling away on nearly every corner in China. Wrapped in a blanket of eggs, scallions, herbs, and crackling wonton chips, each crepe is a golden, crispy revelation bursting with flavor and texture. Whether it’s your first time trying your hand at these delicate beauties, or you’re already a fan, this recipe lets you recreate that soul-warming, authentic taste of Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) so enchanting is the simplicity of its ingredients—each one carefully chosen for flavor, balance, and crunch! Together, these basic staples create a dish that’s brimming with contrast and character.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup): The base for the crepe, giving structure and an ultra-smooth, flexible bite.
- Mung bean flour or rice flour (¼ cup): Adds a delicate earthiness and enhances crispiness—use rice flour if mung bean isn’t handy!
- Water (1 cup): Essential to loosen the batter for that classic crepe thinness.
- Large eggs (2): Spread right over the crepe, eggs bring richness and bind all the delicious ingredients together.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop without overpowering the crepe’s subtlety.
- Chopped scallions (2 tablespoons): Scattered over the eggs, scallions add a fresh, oniony zing and lovely green flecks.
- Chopped cilantro (2 tablespoons): For a citrusy burst and extra color, cilantro is a must!
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): This sweet-savory sauce is classic for an authentic Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) experience.
- Chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): For those who like it spicy, this brings mellow heat and aromatic punch.
- Crispy wonton strips or fried wonton wrappers (½ cup): Crumbled inside for that signature crunch—absolutely addictive!
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): A light greasing for your pan, ensuring the crepes don’t stick and cook to a gentle golden brown.
How to Make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Step 1: Mix Up the Batter
Grab a bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, mung bean (or rice) flour, water, and a pinch of salt until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. The mixture should be just pourable, so add a touch more water if needed. This batter is your blank canvas, setting the stage for the magic of Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes).
Step 2: Heat and Grease Your Pan
Set a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat, then add a small amount of vegetable oil. Use a brush or folded paper towel to spread the oil evenly—you’re aiming for a lightly greased surface, not a swimming pool!
Step 3: Swirl and Cook the Crepe
Pour about half a cup of batter into your hot pan. Immediately pick up the pan and swirl to spread the batter into a thin, even circle. Work quickly—the thinner, the better! Let it cook for about one minute, just until the surface looks set but not dry.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Herbs
Crack an egg right onto the crepe. With the back of a spoon or spatula, gently spread the egg to cover the surface. Sprinkle on the chopped scallions and cilantro to add bursts of color and freshness. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the egg is nearly set.
Step 5: Flip and Crisp
Now comes the tricky part—carefully flip the entire crepe over so the egg side faces down. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect! Let it sizzle for 30 seconds, crisping the bottom and locking in all those layers.
Step 6: Add Sauces and Crunch
Flip the crepe back so the egg side is up. Spread hoisin sauce (and chili garlic sauce if you’re bringing the heat) evenly across the surface. Lay a thick stripe of crispy wonton strips down the center—these will become the crackly core of each bite!
Step 7: Fold and Serve
Fold the crepe’s edges over the filling, creating a tidy rectangle or roll (just like the street vendors do!). Slide it out of the pan and onto a plate, and repeat with your remaining batter. Serve your Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) piping hot, with sauces and toppings at the ready.
How to Serve Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Garnishes
A little extra flourish goes a long way with Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes). Scatter more chopped scallions or cilantro over the top for a fresh finish, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to bring out a gentle nuttiness. A dash of extra chili sauce on the side lets each person dial the heat to their liking.
Side Dishes
To round out your feast, think light and refreshing: cold cucumber salad, pickled radishes, or some sweet soy-marinated tofu. Anything bright and crisp complements the rich, crunchy layers of your Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) beautifully and makes breakfast or brunch feel so special.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your creations by slicing Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) into bite-sized pieces for an irresistible party appetizer plate, or wrap them like burritos for grab-and-go snacking. Tuck in extra fillings like thinly sliced ham, roasted mushrooms, or shredded lettuce for inventive twists that honor tradition while making it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes), let them cool completely on a wire rack, then layer parchment paper between each one before sealing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days, though they’re at their very best fresh off the pan.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual crepes (without the crispy wonton filling) in plastic wrap and tuck them into a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, add fresh wonton strips after reheating for that signature crunch.
Reheating
To revive leftover Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes), reheat them gently in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat, covered, until warmed through. This helps crisp the outside without drying out the delicate crepe. Microwave is not recommended, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) gluten free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and use rice flour instead of mung bean. Just be sure to check the sauces for hidden gluten as well.
What kind of pan works best?
A non-stick skillet or crepe pan is ideal for this recipe. It makes swirling the batter super easy and ensures you can flip the crepe without fear of sticking. If you have a seasoned cast-iron crepe pan, that’s a solid choice too!
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you’re out of hoisin, try a mix of soy sauce, a bit of honey, and a dab of peanut butter to capture some of that signature sweetness and depth. Oyster sauce can work in a pinch, but will be less sweet.
Can I add protein to Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)?
You certainly can—thin slices of ham, shredded tofu, or even cooked chicken tuck in perfectly with the classic fillings. Just keep the layers thin so your crepe can fold beautifully.
Why are my crepes sticking to the pan?
Usually it’s either not enough oil, an under-heated pan, or a pan that isn’t non-stick. Make sure your pan is nicely greased and properly preheated before you pour in the batter for each Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes).
Final Thoughts
Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) are truly a celebration of taste, nostalgia, and crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside comfort. Whether you crave something new for breakfast or want to relive a favorite street food memory, these crepes invite you to roll up your sleeves and enjoy every warm, messy, flavor-packed bite. Dive in—homemade Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) are about to become your new obsession!
Print
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, herbs, sauces, and crispy wonton strips.
Ingredients
Crepes:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup mung bean flour or rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
Fillings and Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
- ½ cup crispy wonton strips or crumbled fried wonton wrappers
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk together flours, water, and salt until smooth.
- Cook the Crepes: Pour batter into a greased pan, add egg, scallions, and cilantro. Cook until set.
- Add Fillings: Spread hoisin and chili sauce, add wonton strips. Fold the crepe.
- Serve: Remove from pan and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Best served hot and fresh.
- Customize with ham, tofu, or lettuce.
- Substitute rice flour for mung bean flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crepe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
