Jianbing
Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jianbing#/media/File:%E7%85%8E%E9%A5%BC%E9%A6%83%E5%AD%90%E5%88%B6%E4%BD%9C%E8%BF%87%E7%A8%8B5.jpg
Jianbing is an eggy wheat crepe, served with various savory fillings. It's a popular street food in China, and typically eaten for breakfast.
The crepe batter itself can be made with different grain bases, can be flavored, and the available fillings range wildly. Westernized versions have sometimes made it to the US and UK.
Like the dorayaki legend in Japan (where that pancake was first cooked on a samurai's gong), there is a legend that jianbing was first cooked on soldier's shields, where field operations precluded a bringing along a wok.
Photo: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Jianbing.jpg
Jianbing Recipe (Chinese Street Food Pancake)
Ingredients (Makes 4 Jianbing)
For the Batter:
- All-purpose flour – ½ cup
- Mung bean flour or cornstarch – ½ cup
- Water – 1 cup
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
For the Fillings:
- Eggs – 4 (1 per Jianbing)
- Scallions – 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Cilantro – 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Fried wonton wrappers or crispy crackers – 4 pieces
- Sweet bean sauce – 4 tablespoons
- Chili sauce – 4 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
- Sesame seeds – 2 teaspoons (optional)
For Cooking:
- Vegetable oil – For greasing the pan
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, mung bean flour (or cornstarch), water, and salt until smooth and lump-free. The batter should be thin and pourable.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet and quickly swirl it around to form a thin, even layer.
- Crack an egg onto the pancake and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds (if using) over the egg.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the bottom of the pancake is set and lightly golden.
Step 3: Add Fillings
- Flip the pancake to cook the egg side briefly, about 30 seconds.
- Flip it back and spread a thin layer of sweet bean sauce and chili sauce over the egg side.
- Place a fried wonton wrapper or crispy cracker in the center of the pancake.
Step 4: Fold and Serve
- Fold the edges of the pancake over the crispy cracker to form a square or roll it up burrito-style.
- Remove from the skillet and serve immediately. Repeat with the remaining batter and fillings.
Serving Suggestions
Jianbing is best enjoyed fresh and hot, making it a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Pair it with:
- Hot tea
- Fresh fruit
Name_ | Jianbing |
---|---|
Origin_ | 🇨🇳 China |
Morphology_ | ⟁ Crepe |
Flavor_ | savory |
Filling_ | cracker, sauce, various |
Topping_ | none |
Recipe_ | Jianbing Recipe |
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