Jian Bing, also known as Chinese crepes, is a beloved street food in China and is often eaten for breakfast. This crispy, savory treat combines a thin crepe with an egg, crunchy fried crackers, savory sauces, and fresh herbs. With its layers of flavor and texture, it’s not only popular in China but has also gained recognition in cities around the world. Making Jian Bing at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun and satisfying dish to try in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crackers:

• 16 ready-made wonton wrappers

• Cooking oil (for deep frying)

For the Batter:

• 70g all-purpose flour (½ cup)

• 40g wholemeal flour (¼ cup)

• 300ml water (1¼ cup)

For the Crepes:

• 4 eggs

• 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

• 4 teaspoons finely chopped scallions

For the Sauces:

• 4 teaspoons soybean paste

• 4 teaspoons chili garlic sauce

• Optional: Fresh coriander, lettuce leaves

Directions

1. Make the Crackers: Brush a thin layer of water on each wonton wrapper. Stick a second wrapper on top and press tightly with a rolling pin. Cut two lines in the middle of each pair. Heat oil in a wok or small pot and fry the wonton wrappers until lightly golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, wholemeal flour, and water. Stir until smooth, forming a thin batter.

3. Cook the Crepes: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Pour a portion of the batter into the pan, swirling to cover the surface. Once the batter sets, crack an egg on top and spread it with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Let the crepe cook until firm, then flip it over gently.

4. Assemble: Brush soybean paste and chili garlic sauce over the crepe. Add coriander and lettuce leaves, and place two crispy crackers in the center. Fold the crepe around the crackers and serve immediately.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 400-450 kcal

• Protein: 14-18g

• Fat: 20-25g

  • Saturated Fat: 3-5g

• Carbohydrates: 45-50g

  • Fiber: 4-6g

  • Sugars: 5-7g

• Sodium: 600-800mg

• Cholesterol: 180-200mg

A Crispy and Savory Start to Your Day

One of the reasons Jian Bing is so popular is because it offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The crepe itself is thin and soft, while the egg adds richness and a satisfying texture. The deep-fried wonton crackers provide an irresistible crunch, making every bite a satisfying mix of softness and crispness. The savory sauces, including soybean paste and chili garlic sauce, contribute an umami depth that enhances the overall flavor. The addition of fresh coriander and lettuce adds a refreshing contrast, making Jian Bing a well-rounded dish that’s perfect for starting your day with a burst of flavor.

A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish

The beauty of Jian Bing lies in its simplicity. Despite the many layers of flavor and texture, the ingredients come together quickly, and the process is surprisingly easy to follow. The recipe starts with making the crackers. Ready-made wonton wrappers are used, brushed with water and stacked to create a double-thick layer. After frying, they become crispy, golden, and the perfect addition to the crepe. These crispy crackers provide the signature crunch that makes Jian Bing so distinctive.

The batter for the crepe is a mix of all-purpose flour and wholemeal flour, combined with water to form a smooth, thin consistency. This batter is poured into a non-stick frying pan, where it’s cooked until just firm enough to add the egg. The egg is cracked on top, gently spread with a spoon, and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions for added flavor and crunch.

The Magic of Sauces

The key to unlocking the full flavor of Jian Bing is in the sauces. The soybean paste gives the crepe a rich, umami flavor, while the chili garlic sauce adds a nice kick of heat, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their meal. These sauces are spread generously over the crepe before the crispy crackers are added, which ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor. For those looking for a milder version, the chili garlic sauce can be adjusted or even omitted entirely.

Fresh coriander and lettuce leaves are optional but highly recommended for added freshness. The combination of the savory crepe, spicy sauce, and cool, crisp veggies is what makes Jian Bing such a satisfying and versatile dish. You can also get creative with your fillings, adding ingredients like pickled vegetables or even tofu for a more vegetarian option.

A Fun and Interactive Meal

One of the joys of making Jian Bing at home is the opportunity to customize the dish to your liking. You can get creative with the fillings, sauces, and even the choice of greens. Whether you prefer extra heat, more crunch, or a touch of sweetness, Jian Bing is a flexible dish that allows you to personalize it however you like.

Additionally, making Jian Bing is a fun, interactive experience that’s great for sharing with friends and family. If you’re cooking for a group, you can set up a Jian Bing station with all the ingredients laid out and let everyone assemble their own crepes. This can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Perfect for Any Time of Day

While Jian Bing is typically enjoyed for breakfast in China, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a savory lunch, or a snack, Jian Bing can be adapted to fit any occasion. It’s an ideal meal for those who love to try new flavors and experiment with different textures. The combination of crispy, savory, and fresh ingredients makes Jian Bing a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

Easy to Make at Home

Despite its popularity as a street food, Jian Bing is easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Most of the components can be found at your local grocery store or Asian market, and the process doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. With a non-stick frying pan, some basic kitchen tools, and a little practice, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. Plus, making Jian Bing at home allows you to control the flavors and adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.

The crackers are simple to make by frying wonton wrappers, which adds a delicious crunch to the crepe. The batter is made with just flour and water, making it easy to prepare. The crepes themselves are quick to cook, and the process of adding the egg, sesame seeds, and scallions is simple and straightforward. Once assembled, the crepe is topped with savory sauces and fresh herbs, creating a dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Fun Dish to Try at Home

Jian Bing is a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this savory Chinese crepe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. With its crispy crepe, savory egg, crunchy crackers, and flavorful sauces, Jian Bing is a street food favorite that’s easy to recreate at home. It’s also a versatile dish, allowing you to customize the fillings and toppings to suit your tastes. So, if you’re looking for something new and exciting to try in your kitchen, give Jian Bing a go—you won’t be disappointed!