Jian Bing Chinese Crepes Recipe – Chinese Special
Jian Bing (煎饼) is a beloved Chinese street food, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or satisfying snack. These savory crepes are made from a smooth batter of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and water, cooked on a griddle, and topped with a variety of fillings. A thin layer of hoisin sauce and chili paste adds depth, while a cracked egg is spread over the crepe, binding the ingredients together. Chopped scallions and sesame seeds provide freshness and crunch, and crispy wonton crackers or fried dough strips (youtiao) add texture. Once cooked, the crepe is folded into a handheld parcel, making it perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Total Time25 min
For the Crepe Batter:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (or mung bean flour for authenticity)
- 1 cup water
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Filling:
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup crispy wonton crackers or fried dough (puffed crackers for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
Prepare the Batter:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, water, egg, salt, and sesame oil until smooth.
Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the fillings.
Cook the Jian Bing:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
Pour ¼ cup of batter into the pan, swirling to spread it into a thin crepe.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, then brush the surface with a thin layer of hoisin sauce and chili paste.
Crack an egg over the crepe and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
Add the Crunch & Fold:
Once the egg is set, place crispy wonton crackers in the center.
Use a spatula to carefully fold the sides of the crepe over the filling.
Fold the crepe in half and press lightly to seal.
Serve:
Transfer to a plate, slice in half, and garnish with cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve hot with extra hoisin sauce or chili paste for dipping.
Recipe Notes :
Flour Variations: Traditional Jian Bing recipes often use mung bean flour or millet flour. While these flours provide authenticity, all-purpose flour is a suitable substitute for home cooks.
Crispy Add-ins: For added crunch, consider using youtiao (Chinese fried dough sticks) or crispy wonton wrappers. These ingredients are commonly used in authentic Jian Bing.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your heat preference. For a milder version, reduce the chili paste or omit it entirely.
Serving Suggestions: Jian Bing is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Serve with extra hoisin sauce or chili paste on the side for dipping.
Storage: While Jian Bing is best eaten fresh, leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a pan to retain some crispiness.
