Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling streets of Beijing in the early morning, you’ll know the sheer joy of biting into a fresh Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes). These are crispy, chewy, saucy wonders that wake up your taste buds with every layer. Street vendors make them look effortless, swirling a delicate batter, cracking eggs, piling on crunchy bits and herbs, then slathering everything in a punchy, savory sauce. This recipe brings that same magic home with simple pantry ingredients and a few easy tricks, delivering a Chinese breakfast classic that’s endlessly customizable, incredibly fun to assemble, and just as good as your fondest travel memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) lies in its beautifully simple ingredient list. Every component brings something irresistible to the table, whether it’s crispness, freshness, or savory depth. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one makes a difference:
- All-purpose flour: Forms the tender, slightly chewy backbone of the crepe – don’t skip this classic base.
- Mung bean flour: Traditional and subtly nutty, it adds an extra layer of flavor (if unavailable, just use more all-purpose flour).
- Water: Keeps the batter thin and crepe-like, ensuring a delicate yet sturdy wrap.
- Egg: Binds everything together on the griddle and gives that signature golden color and richness.
- Salt: A simple pinch pulls all the flavors into harmony!
- Vegetable oil: Prevents sticking and delivers a satisfyingly crisp finish.
- Hoisin sauce: Sweet, salty, and deeply savory – this is the heart of the crepe’s flavor profile.
- Chili sauce (optional): For those who adore a good kick, this brings the heat and balances the sweetness of the hoisin.
- Chopped scallions: Fresh, aromatic, and a little zippy – they bring brightness with each bite.
- Chopped cilantro: A fresh herbal note that rounds out all the bold, savory elements.
- Crispy wonton strips or crushed fried crackers: The contrast of crunch is what makes Jian Bing so addictive.
- Chinese crullers (youtiao) or thin crunchy crackers: Traditional, sturdy, and fabulously crispy – totally customizable to what you love or have on hand.
How to Make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Step 1: Whisk the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This step only takes a minute or two but really sets you up for paper-thin, delicate crepes later. Let the batter rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients; this gives the flours time to hydrate and improve the texture.
Step 2: Prep the Skillet and Pour
Set a large nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly brush the surface with a hint of vegetable oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of your batter onto the skillet, quickly swirling or gently spreading it into a thin, even circle. The quicker and thinner you go, the lighter your finished Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) will be!
Step 3: Add the Egg
As soon as the crepe surface looks set but still slightly tacky, crack an egg directly on top. With a spatula, gently spread the egg to cover the whole crepe. Let it cook for another minute, just until the egg is mostly set – it should still look moist but not runny. This step gives Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) their signature color, flavor, and satisfying richness.
Step 4: Flip the Crepe
Carefully work your spatula around the edge and then underneath the crepe, and flip it so the egg side is now on the bottom. Cook for one more minute to fully set the egg and get a bit of crispness. This part takes a little confidence, but don’t worry – even if it folds a bit, it will still taste fantastic!
Step 5: Add Sauces and Fillings
Now flip the crepe back so the egg side is facing up. Brush on a thin layer of hoisin sauce and (optionally) some chili sauce for a boost of flavor and heat. Scatter the chopped scallions, cilantro, and crispy wonton strips over top. Place half a Chinese cruller or a handful of crackers in the center for that authentic snap and crunch. Every bite of Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) should have a mix of saucy, crispy, and fresh!
Step 6: Fold and Serve
Fold the edges of your crepe over the filling to form a tidy square or roll it up burrito-style for the classic street-food feel. Slice your creation in half for a lovely reveal of all those delicious layers, and serve it up while it’s hot and crackly.
How to Serve Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Garnishes
The finishing touches should never be overlooked: a sprinkle of extra scallions or cilantro, maybe a few sesame seeds, or a final drizzle of sauce over the top. Add a few sliced chilies for those who crave even more fire. These simple garnishes add both flavor and a pop of color that’s irresistible on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your freshly made Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) with a bowl of hot soy milk, some lightly pickled vegetables, or a side of fresh fruit. For a brunch spread, serve with lightly steamed dumplings or even a handful of roasted peanuts for extra protein and crunch. It’s a satisfying combo that brings balance to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, slice the crepes into smaller pieces and skewer them for playful Jian Bing “bites,” or set up a build-your-own bar with various fillings—think shredded chicken, veggie strips, or crunchy tofu. Using colorful plates or bamboo trays makes everything feel fresh and festive, and everyone loves customizing their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. While they lose a little crispness, the flavors meld beautifully and make for a quick, satisfying snack or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
To freeze, let the crepes cool completely, layer with wax paper, and seal in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for about a month. When you’re craving one, just grab a crepe and defrost—no need to make the full batch each time!
Reheating
For best results, reheat crepes in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the edges regain their crunch—about two to three minutes per side. You can also pop them in a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to soften the crunch, though in a pinch it will still do the trick.
FAQs
Can I make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend and make sure your hoisin sauce and crackers are gluten-free as well. The texture may be a bit more delicate, but they’ll still be delicious.
What if I can’t find mung bean flour?
No worries—just use extra all-purpose flour in its place. While mung bean flour adds a subtle traditional flavor, the crepes turn out completely delicious with regular flour alone. You won’t miss a beat!
How do I substitute for Chinese crullers (youtiao)?
If you can’t get your hands on youtiao, thin crunchy crackers, crispy wonton strips, or even tortilla chips work wonders. The key is having something crispy and sturdy to hold up inside the Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes).
Are these crepes vegetarian?
The base recipe can be made vegetarian—just skip the egg or use a suitable plant-based egg substitute, and double-check your sauce ingredients. The results are still packed with flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
Certainly! Mix the batter and store it in a covered bowl in the fridge overnight. Give it a quick stir before cooking, and you’re ready to whip up Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) in minutes, even on the busiest mornings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about warm, freshly made Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes): the crisp-tender crepe, the savory sauces, and that irresistible crunch. Whether you try this recipe for breakfast, brunch, or as a fun dinner-party centerpiece, I hope it brings you as much joy (and flavor) as it’s brought my own kitchen. Give it a try and let the magic of homemade Chinese street food brighten your table!
Print
Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 crepes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make Jian Bing, a popular Chinese street food consisting of savory crepes filled with an egg, hoisin sauce, fresh herbs, and crispy toppings.
Ingredients
Main Crepe:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup mung bean flour (or more all-purpose flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips or crushed fried crackers
- 2 Chinese crullers (youtiao) or substitute with thin crunchy crackers
Instructions
- Mix the Crepe Batter: Whisk together all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, water, and salt until smooth. Rest the batter for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook the Crepe: Heat a skillet, pour in batter, cook until set. Crack an egg, spread it, flip, and cook. Add sauces, scallions, cilantro, and wonton strips.
- Assemble: Place cruller in the center, fold the crepe, remove from pan, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute youtiao with rice crackers or tortilla chips.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the egg or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crepe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
