Jian Bing is a popular Chinese street food that offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. This savory crepe is a perfect breakfast or snack option, combining a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. The combination of scallions, cilantro, and a crispy cracker adds a unique twist to the traditional crepe, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore new culinary experiences. With a touch of hoisin sauce and chili sauce, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
When preparing Jian Bing, you might find that some ingredients are not typically stocked in your pantry. Hoisin sauce and chili sauce are essential for adding depth and spice to the crepes. These can usually be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Additionally, the crispy wonton wrappers or crackers might require a trip to an Asian grocery store if they're not available in your local market. Make sure to check the availability of these items before starting your culinary adventure.

Ingredients For Jian Bing Chinese Crepes
All-purpose flour: A versatile flour used as the base for the crepe batter.
Water: Helps to achieve the right consistency for the batter.
Milk: Adds richness and a slight creaminess to the crepe.
Eggs: Used both in the batter and as a topping for each crepe, providing structure and flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crepe.
Scallions: Adds a fresh, onion-like flavor to the crepe.
Cilantro: Provides a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
Crispy crackers: Adds a crunchy texture, often substituted with wonton wrappers.
Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savory sauce that complements the flavors of the crepe.
Chili sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
Technique Tip for Perfect Crepes
To achieve the perfect crepe texture, ensure your batter is smooth and lump-free. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the flour, water, milk, and eggs. If you notice any lumps, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. When pouring the batter into the skillet, swirl it quickly to create an even, thin layer. This technique helps in achieving a delicate and crispy crepe that cooks evenly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, making the crepes a bit healthier.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add a subtle depth of flavor to the crepes.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that maintains the liquid consistency needed for the batter.
beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while still providing the saltiness needed.
eggs - Substitute with tofu scramble: Crumbled tofu can mimic the texture of scrambled eggs and is a good plant-based alternative.
chopped scallions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct substitute.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro if you prefer a different taste.
wonton wrappers crispy crackers - Substitute with tortilla chips: Tortilla chips can provide a similar crunch and are readily available.
hoisin sauce - Substitute with plum sauce: Plum sauce has a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it a good alternative.
chili sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha offers a similar level of heat and can be used to add spice to the crepes.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze These Crepes
Allow the crepes to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
For short-term storage, place the crepes in an airtight container, separating each with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap each crepe individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This ensures they maintain their texture and flavor. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the crepes in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain their integrity.
Reheat the crepes in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook until they are warmed through and regain their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives the delightful crunch of the crispy crackers inside.
Serve with fresh scallions, cilantro, and your favorite sauces like hoisin sauce and chili sauce to enhance the flavors once more.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each jian bing in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method ensures the crepes remain soft and the crispy crackers retain some crunch.
Use a skillet over medium heat for a quick reheat. Place the jian bing in the skillet without any oil. Cover with a lid to trap the steam, which helps in reheating evenly. Flip after a couple of minutes to ensure both sides are heated. This method keeps the scallions and cilantro fresh and aromatic.
For a microwave option, wrap the jian bing in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm. This method is quick but may soften the crispy crackers more than other methods.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 320°F (160°C) and place the jian bing inside for about 3-5 minutes. This method can help maintain the crispiness of the crackers while evenly warming the crepe.
For a steaming method, place the jian bing in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the crepes moist and soft, enhancing the flavors of the hoisin and chili sauce.
Essential Tools for Making These Crepes
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and whisk together the ingredients for the crepe batter until smooth.
Whisk: A utensil used to beat the eggs and mix the batter ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps.
Non-stick skillet: A flat-bottomed pan that prevents the crepe from sticking, allowing for easy flipping and even cooking.
Spatula: A flat tool used to spread the egg evenly over the crepe and to fold the crepe into a square shape.
Measuring cup: A tool used to accurately measure the flour, water, and milk for the batter.
Ladle: A deep-bowled spoon used to pour a thin layer of batter onto the skillet, ensuring even coverage.
Knife: A sharp tool used to chop the scallions and cilantro finely.
Cutting board: A flat surface used to safely chop the scallions and cilantro.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop scallions and cilantro ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save time during cooking.
Use pre-made crispy crackers: Instead of making your own, buy pre-made wonton wrappers or crispy crackers to speed up the process.
Mix batter ahead: Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. This allows you to start cooking immediately.
Cook multiple crepes: Use a large skillet to cook two crepes at once, reducing overall cooking time.

Jian Bing Chinese Crepes Recipe
Ingredients
Crepe Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs beaten
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 4 eggs one per crepe
- ½ cup scallions chopped
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- 4 crispy crackers or wonton wrappers
- to taste hoisin sauce
- to taste chili sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, milk, 2 beaten eggs, and salt until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour a thin layer of batter, swirling to cover the bottom.
- Crack an egg onto the crepe, spread it evenly, and sprinkle with scallions and cilantro.
- Place a crispy cracker on top and press gently.
- Fold the crepe into a square and cook until golden brown. Serve with hoisin and chili sauce.
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