Authentic Chinese Street Food: A Step by Step Guide to Making Jianbing at Home

Ingredients

1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1.5 cups of water
2 large eggs
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons of chili sauce
1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
1/2 cup of chopped lettuce
4 Chinese crispy fried crackers or substitute with wonton wrappers
1 tablespoon of oil for cooking

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the water, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with oil.
Pour a ladleful of the batter into the skillet and spread it evenly to cover the bottom of the skillet.
Break an egg onto the batter and quickly spread it around with the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle some chopped green onions over the egg.
Place a Chinese crispy fried cracker or wonton wrapper on one side of the pancake.
Once the bottom of the pancake is crispy and golden brown, flip it over and cook for another minute.
Spread a tablespoon of hoisin sauce and a tablespoon of chili sauce over the pancake.
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and lettuce over the sauces.
Fold the pancake in half and then fold it again into a quarter.
Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Serve the Jianbing hot with your favorite beverage.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For mixing the batter.
Non-stick skillet - To cook the Jianbing pancakes.
Brush - To lightly grease the skillet with oil.
Ladle - For pouring the batter onto the skillet.
Spoon - To spread the egg and toppings on the pancake.
Chopping board - For chopping the green onions, cilantro, and lettuce.
Knife - To finely chop the green onions, cilantro, and lettuce.
Spatula - For flipping the pancake and removing it from the skillet.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Replace the Chinese crispy fried crackers with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy alternative.
Add thinly sliced cooked chicken or beef as a filling for a meaty version.
Add shredded cheese on top of the pancake and melt it for a cheesy twist.
Include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables in the filling for added flavor and texture.
Replace the hoisin sauce with peanut sauce or teriyaki sauce for a different taste.
Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the batter for a nutty flavor.
Make it vegan by omitting the eggs and using a plant-based egg substitute.
Experiment with different sauces such as sweet and sour sauce or sesame sauce.
Top the Jianbing with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Recipe overview

Jianbing is a popular Chinese street food, usually served for breakfast. This savory crepe is packed full of flavors and textures, making it a delightful start to your day. Our recipe will guide you through the process of making Jianbing right at home, using ingredients that are easily accessible. You can expect a perfect balance of soft and crispy textures, complemented by a blend of sweet and spicy flavors from the hoisin and chili sauce. Within the folded layers of the crepe, you'll find crunchy Chinese crackers or wonton wrappers, fresh green onions, cilantro and lettuce, all of which add a refreshing touch to this dish. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor your homemade Jianbing hot and fresh from the pan.

Common questions

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with another type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
What can I use as a substitute for Chinese crispy fried crackers? If you don't have Chinese crispy fried crackers, you can use wonton wrappers or even tortilla chips as a substitute.
Can I omit the hoisin sauce and chili sauce? While the hoisin sauce and chili sauce add a lot of flavor to the Jianbing, you can omit them if you prefer a milder taste or if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I add other fillings or toppings? Absolutely! Jianbing is versatile, and you can customize it by adding other fillings such as sliced meat, shredded cheese, or pickled vegetables.
Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using.
Can I make Jianbing without eggs? Yes, you can make a vegan version of Jianbing by omitting the eggs or using a suitable egg substitute.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large non-stick skillet - A skillet with a non-stick surface to ensure easy flipping and cooking of the Jianbing.
Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the batter and other ingredients.
Ladle - A ladle for pouring the batter onto the skillet.
Spoon - A spoon for spreading the egg and sauces on the pancake.
Brush - A brush for lightly oiling the skillet.

Origin stories

Jianbing is a traditional Chinese street food that has a history of more than 2000 years. Its origin traces back to the Three Kingdoms period when, due to a shortage of wok in the battlefield, Chancellor Zhuge Liang ordered his soldiers to mix water with wheat flour and spread the batter on copper griddles to make thin pancakes. The soldiers loved the taste and the ease of making it. The recipe was passed down through generations and has now become a beloved breakfast staple in China, especially in the northern regions. Over time, various regional variations have developed, and toppings like hoisin sauce, chili sauce, green onions, and crispy fried crackers have been added for extra flavor and texture. This quick, tasty, and economical dish is now enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life in China and has gained popularity worldwide.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.