Growing up with some non-traditional brunch and breakfast options means that when you’re an adult, you still miss the taste of childhood.  One of my childhood favorites are Chinese crepes, which resemble a green onion cake and are easy to make as well as nutritionally rich and delicious.  Chinese crepes, also known as “jianbing”, are a popular street food in China as well.  They can be found made by vendors on the side of the street.  They are savory and made with a thin, crepe-like batter, filled with various ingredients such as eggs, crispy wonton, green onions, cilantro, and sometimes a spicy sauce.  Here’s a recipe to make Chinese crepes in the comfort of your own home.  It doesn’t require a lot of ingredients and can be a great way to change up your brunch or breakfast options.

Ingredients

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons mung bean flour (optional, for authenticity)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips or fried dough sticks (you tiao)
• 2-3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons chili sauce (optional, for heat)
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Lettuce leaves (optional)

Fresh Chinese crepe has an aroma like none other.

Instructions

1. 1. 1. Make the Batter:
         • In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, mung bean flour (if using), water, and salt. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.  The batter should be thin, like crepe batter.  Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
      2. Prepare the Filling:
         • Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
         • Have your other filling ingredients (crispy wonton strips, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, cilantro, green onions, lettuce) ready to go.
           

           For myself, I prefer to use a frying pan whereas others will prefer to use a crepemaker.

   3. Cook the Crepes:
      • Heat a non-stick skillet or a crepe pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with a little oil.
      • Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and swirl it around to create a thin, even layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the crepe is set.
      • Pour a small amount of beaten egg onto the crepe and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the egg is set.
   4. Assemble the Crepe:
      • Flip the crepe so the egg side is facing down.
      • Quickly spread hoisin sauce and chili sauce (if using) on the crepe.
      • Add crispy wonton strips, cilantro, green onions, and lettuce on top.
      • Fold the crepe in half, then fold again to create a quarter shape or roll it up.
   5. Serve:
      • Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chinese crepe!

   Feel free to customize the fillings according to your taste, as jianbing can be quite versatile.  Some variations include adding ham, pickled vegetables, or other sauces.