Jian Bing Chinese Crepes Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the crepe batter, providing structure and texture.

Water: Helps to achieve the right consistency for the batter.

Milk: Adds richness and a slight sweetness to the crepe.

Egg: Used in the batter to bind the ingredients together.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crepe.

Beaten eggs: Spread on the crepe to create a delicious, savory layer.

Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savory sauce that adds depth of flavor.

Scallions: Fresh and chopped, they add a mild onion flavor.

Cilantro: Chopped and fresh, it adds a burst of herbal freshness.

When spreading the batter in the pan, use a spatula or the back of a ladle to ensure an even, thin layer. This helps the crepe cook uniformly and achieve the desired texture.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option.

• 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 dairy-free alternative that provides a slightly nutty flavor and is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

• egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. This is a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the crepes.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to a smooth consistency and used as a vegan alternative to eggs, providing a similar texture.

• hoisin sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a similar sweet and savory profile, making it a good alternative.

• chopped scallions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct replacement.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and can be used if cilantro is not available or preferred.

• Allow the jian bing to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the crepes soggy.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper between each crepe to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store the crepes in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
• For short-term storage, keep the container in the refrigerator. The jian bing will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. The crepes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, reheat the crepes in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Heat each side for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the jian bing in a microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the crepe and microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds.
• Avoid reheating the crepes in an oven, as this can make them too crispy and lose their soft texture.
• If you have leftover hoisin sauce, scallions, or cilantro, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use them within a week for the best flavor.
• When assembling the reheated jian bing, you can add fresh ingredients like scallions and cilantro to enhance the taste and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the jian bing on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. Place the jian bing in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until hot and crispy.

• For a quick method, use a microwave. Place the jian bing on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the jian bing in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking and ensure it stays crispy.

• For a steamer method, bring water to a boil in a steamer pot. Place the jian bing on a heatproof plate and set it in the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the crepe soft.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the flour, water, milk, egg, and salt to make the batter.

• Whisk: This is essential for mixing the batter until it is smooth.

• Non-stick pan: Heat this over medium heat to cook the crepe evenly without sticking.

• Ladle: Use this to pour a thin layer of batter onto the pan.

• Spatula: This will help you spread the batter evenly and flip the crepe.

• Measuring cups: These are necessary for accurately measuring the flour, water, milk, and hoisin sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the salt and any other small quantity ingredients.

• Knife: Chop the scallions and cilantro with this.

• Cutting board: Use this as a surface for chopping the scallions and cilantro.

• Small bowl: Beat the eggs in this before adding them to the crepe.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop scallions and cilantro ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use a blender: Blend the batter ingredients to save mixing time and ensure smoothness.

Preheat the pan: Have your non-stick pan preheated to the right temperature before starting.

Cook multiple crepes: Use a larger pan or multiple pans to cook more crepes simultaneously.

Ready-made hoisin sauce: Use store-bought hoisin sauce to avoid making it from scratch.