What Is Jianbing & How To Make This 2,000-Year-Old Chinese Crepe
Originating in northern China, the fried crepe can be found in street stores in the UK, US, Australia, and China.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 28 May 2024, 03:23 PM
Hailed as one of China's most popular street foods, the 2,000-year-old jianbing, a type of Chinese pancake or crepe, has gained international popularity in recent years
Most recently, singer-songwriter Rihanna was seen making the traditional Chinese crepe during her visit to Shanghai, China.
Originating in northern China, the fried crepe can be found in street stores in its origin country. They're freshly made in front of the customers with fillings customisable to include sauces, eggs, meat, and vegetables. Due to this, the Chinese often eat it in the morning when they're on the way to work or school.
The crepe is currently gaining popularity in the UK, US, and Australia. Much of it is sold by Western vendors and young Chinese entrepreneurs.
According to local legend, jianbing was created by Chancellor Zhuge Liang, who lacked a wok to cook for his hungry soldiers
Liang solved the hunger problem by ordering his cooks to mix water with wheat flour and spread the batter on shields over a flame.
The yummy fried crepe not only satisfied the soldiers' hunger but also boosted their morale to win an important battle.
The recipe was then passed on through the generations and quickly spread throughout China.
The legend can be traced to Shandong province during the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220–280).
Turns out, jianbing is not only nutritious but also easy and quick to make. These are the utensils and ingredients you need to make it:
Utensils:
- Knife
- Nonstick pan
- Spatula
- Lid
- Container
- Spoon
- Plate
- Brush (optional)
Ingredients:
Batter:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup mung bean flour (or substitute with chickpea flour)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg
Filling:
- 1-2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup Chinese pickled mustard greens or kimchi, finely chopped
- 1-2 pieces of Chinese fried dough (youtiao) or crispy wonton strips
- 2-3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1-2 tbsp chilli sauce (optional, for spice)
Additional:
- Oil for cooking
- Sesame seeds (optional)
STEP 1: Prepare the batter
In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and mung bean flour. Gradually add water and milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
Next, add the salt and whisk until you have a smooth batter.
Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes.
STEP 2: Heat the pan to cook the crepe
Heat a large non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and spread it evenly.
Once the pan is warm enough, pour a ladle of batter into the pan and quickly swirl it around to form a thin crepe.
Next, crack an egg over the crepe and spread it out with a spatula. Sprinkle chopped scallions and cilantro over the egg.
STEP 3: Add fillings, sauces, and crispy elements of your choice
Once the egg is set, flip the crepe over to cook the other side.
Brush the sauce of your choice over the crepe. You can also experiment by adding pickled mustard greens or kimchi.
Optionally, you can also place crispy wonton strips in the center of the crepe.
Once the crepe is cooked, fold the sides over the filling to form a rectangular or square shape.
