Chinese crepes, often referred to as “jianbing,” are one of the most beloved and iconic Chinese breakfast dishes. These savory crepes are a popular street food in China, enjoyed by people on busy mornings as they head to work or school. A jianbing typically consists of a wheat and grain-based crepe, an egg, crispy fried wonton strips, chopped scallions, soybean paste, chili garlic sauce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The crepe is then folded into an envelope-like shape, making it a convenient and delicious meal to enjoy on the go.
While jianbing is a classic Chinese breakfast, it has gained recognition worldwide for its freshness and complex flavor profile. Originating in Shandong and thriving in Tianjin, this dish has become a staple in Chinese cuisine. In recent years, its popularity has extended beyond China’s borders, making it a must-try dish for anyone exploring Chinese cuisine.
The great news is that you can recreate this delectable breakfast at home with ease. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step recipe for making Chinese crepes, along with some tips to ensure your jianbing turns out perfectly.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serving: 4
INGREDIENTS:
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole meal flour
- 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- 4 whole eggs
- 4 teaspoons chopped scallions
- 4 teaspoons soybean paste
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- Chopped lettuce (for garnishing)
- Chopped coriander (for garnishing)
- 16 pieces wonton wrappers
INSTRUCTIONS:
Frying the Wonton Wrapper Strips
- In a large skillet, heat cooking oil for frying.
- Cut the wonton wrappers into thin strips and add them to the hot oil.
- Fry the wonton wrapper strips until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried wonton strips from the skillet and place them on a plate.
Preparing the Crepe Batter
- In a large bowl, combine the water, whole meal flour, and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth batter.
Cooking the Chinese Crepes
- Heat a large pan and add a few drops of oil to prevent sticking.
- Ladle a portion of the crepe batter into the pan and spread it evenly to create a thin crepe.
- Crack one whole egg onto the crepe and spread the egg yolk.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, fried wonton strips, diced tomatoes, soybean paste, and chili garlic sauce evenly on top of the crepe.
- Carefully fold the crepe in half to cover the toppings and press it down gently.
- Cook the crepe until it turns golden brown on both sides.
- Once cooked, remove the crepe from the pan.
Serving Your Chinese Crepes (Jianbing)
- Garnish the crepe with chopped lettuce leaves and fresh coriander.
- Your homemade Chinese crepe is now ready to be served.
TIPS FOR PERFECT CHINESE CREPES (JIANBING):
- Thin Crepe Batter: Ensure that your crepe batter is thin and smooth. A runny batter will help create a delicate and crispy crepe.
- Even Spreading: When spreading the crepe batter in the pan, aim for an even and thin layer to achieve a well-balanced texture.
- Quick Assembly: As the crepe cooks quickly, have all your toppings prepared and ready for assembly before you start cooking.
With this homemade Chinese crepe recipe, you can enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of jianbing right in your own kitchen. These savory crepes are perfect for breakfast or as a quick and satisfying snack. By following the tips provided and the step-by-step instructions, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of authentic Chinese street food. Enjoy your homemade Chinese crepes!
