Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) captures the very heart of China’s bustling breakfast scene, wrapping savory fillings, crunchy bits, and vibrant herbs into a golden, handheld delight. If you’ve ever strolled through Beijing’s morning markets, the aroma of crepes sizzling on a griddle is unmistakable—comforting and mouthwatering at once. Making Jian Bing at home brings that magic to your own kitchen: think juicy eggs, crispy wonton or dough, sweet and spicy sauces, and a confetti of fresh greens, all bundled together in every glorious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Jian Bing only requires a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building the mosaic of flavors, textures, and signature colors. Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand, but sticking to the essentials gives you that authentic street-food taste!
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the crepe, lending structure and a delicate bite.
- Mung bean flour or whole wheat flour: Adds earthiness and authenticity—mung bean flour is classic, but whole wheat flour works beautifully if that’s what’s in your pantry.
- Water: Hydrates your batter to create a smooth, pourable consistency for perfectly thin crepes.
- Eggs: Bring richness, color, and that signature layered flavor—don’t skip this!
- Salt: A pinch goes a long way to perk up every other ingredient.
- Green onions: Scattered atop the crepe, they provide a pop of color and a gentle bite that wakes up the whole dish.
- Vegetable oil: A touch in the pan ensures your crepes are lacy and just a little crisp on the edges.
- Hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory, this iconic sauce brings instant depth to Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes).
- Chili sauce: Adds irresistible heat—adjust to your preferred spice level!
- Fresh cilantro leaves: The herbal freshness ties everything together and offers bold flavor.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional): Offers crunch and a cooling contrast; use whichever you prefer or have handy.
- Fried wonton wrappers or fried Chinese dough (bao cui): Essential for that signature crunch; tortilla chips can be a quick substitute in a pinch.
How to Make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Combine all-purpose flour, mung bean (or whole wheat) flour, water, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk enthusiastically until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps. The batter should be thin and silky, much like classic crepe batter. This simple step is key to achieving those irresistible, delicate Chinese crepes.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Preheat a large nonstick skillet or flat griddle over medium heat. Add a dab of vegetable oil and swirl it around to lightly coat the surface—this ensures easy flipping and those perfectly golden edges that make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) so inviting.
Step 3: Swirl and Cook the Crepe
Pour about 1/2 cup of your batter into the hot pan. Quickly swirl or use a spatula to spread it into an even, thin layer. This is the foundation for your Chinese crepe, so take a moment to get the shape just right for easy folding later.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Scallions
While the crepe is still wet on top, crack one egg directly onto the batter. Gently spread the egg with your spatula so it covers the entire surface. Sprinkle chopped green onions evenly across—the sizzling egg and scallions are what define Jian Bing’s signature flavor.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Let your crepe cook until the bottom is set and golden, then skillfully flip it over. Cook for just about 30 seconds more, allowing the egg to finish setting and melding with the crepe. Flip one more time to bring the eggs back on top for filling.
Step 6: Layer the Sauces and Fillings
Spread a thin, even layer of hoisin sauce and chili sauce over the hot crepe—this duo delivers that classic sweet-tangy-spicy punch. Pile cilantro, lettuce or cabbage (if using), and plenty of crunchy fried wonton wrappers or bao cui in the center. This is where you can really let your tastes shine!
Step 7: Fold and Serve
Fold the crepe into thirds first, then fold in half to make a neat, portable packet. Each Jian Bing (Chinese Crepe) is now ready to devour, warm and crispy straight from the pan. Repeat with the remaining batter for more crepes—don’t be surprised if they disappear before you finish making them!
How to Serve Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes)
Garnishes
Topping your Jian Bing with extra fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, or even a few sesame seeds adds a vibrant burst of color and flavor. For those who love spice, set out extra chili sauce for some tableside drizzling.
Side Dishes
Pair your crepes with a piping hot bowl of soy milk for a truly authentic Chinese breakfast vibe. Lightly pickled veggies or a fresh fruit salad also make wonderful sides, balancing out the robust flavors of Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes).
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing Jian Bing into bite-size pinwheels for a party platter, or serve half-folded for an eye-catching brunch spread. You can even let everyone add their own favorite fillings or crunchy bits at the table—DIY crepe bars are a huge hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store completely cooled Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) in an airtight container lined with parchment, separating each crepe to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days—though the crunch may soften a little.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked crepes (without fillings or sauces) by stacking them with parchment between each one, wrapping tightly in plastic and foil, and freezing for up to a month. This way, you can reheat and assemble fresh whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive leftover crepes, place them on a lightly oiled skillet and warm over medium heat until heated through and edges are crisp again. Refill with fresh greens and sauces just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for both the all-purpose and mung bean flour. The texture will differ a bit, but you’ll still get a tasty, thin crepe. Just watch the sauces—choose gluten-free versions of hoisin and chili sauce.
What if I can’t find mung bean flour?
No worries! Whole wheat flour or even more all-purpose flour makes a fine substitute. The taste will be a bit more like a classic crepe, but you won’t miss out on the comforting, hearty appeal of these Chinese crepes.
Is there a way to make these vegan?
Yes, with a few swaps! Omit the egg and substitute with a chickpea flour “egg” or a thin layer of silken tofu whisked with a pinch of turmeric. Opt for vegan hoisin sauce and your favorite plant-based crunch for those nostalgic textures.
Can I customize the fillings?
Absolutely—think of Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) as your canvas. Add shredded roasted chicken, grilled tofu, sauteed mushrooms, or leftover veggies to make the crepe your own. Street vendors across China offer endless combinations, so feel free to get creative.
What’s the difference between Jian Bing and other crepes?
It’s all in the layering: Jian Bing crepes combine a batter with eggs, sauces, and crunchy elements cooked directly in the pan, creating a multi-textured, savory snack. French crepes are typically sweeter, softer, and stuffed after cooking, while Jian Bing is crafted for savory handheld enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes are as fun to make—or share!—as Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes). Once you master this recipe, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new breakfast (or anytime snack) obsession. Mix it up, make it your own, and most of all, enjoy every crispy, saucy, herb-packed bite!
Print
Jian Bing (Chinese Crepes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Street Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make Jian Bing, a popular Chinese street food consisting of savory crepes filled with flavorful ingredients like hoisin sauce, chili sauce, cilantro, and fried wonton wrappers. These handheld packets are perfect for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Main Crepe Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup mung bean flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fillings:
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 4 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
- 1/2 cup fried wonton wrappers or 2 sheets fried Chinese dough (bao cui) for crunch
Instructions
- Prepare Crepe Batter: Whisk together all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, water, and salt until smooth.
- Cook Crepes: Heat a skillet, pour batter, crack an egg, add green onions, cook until set. Flip, add sauces, cilantro, lettuce, and crunch. Fold and serve warm.
Notes
- Mung bean flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour.
- For extra crunch, use fried dough (bao cui) or crushed wonton wrappers/tortilla chips.
- Adjust chili sauce according to spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crepe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
