Lykkers, if you've ever missed the satisfying crunch and savory flavor of Jianbing, the popular Chinese street food, you're in for a treat.
After months of craving it and being disappointed by the takeaway versions, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands and recreate this delicious breakfast classic at home.
While there are a few key factors that make a great Jianbing—such as the batter, the heat, the sauce, and the crispy layers—we can easily master them with a little patience. Let's jump in and learn how to make our very own Jianbing from scratch!
<h3>Key Ingredients for Jianbing</h3>
Before we get started, here are the key ingredients you'll need for a perfect Jianbing:
• 120g of all-purpose flour (or mung bean flour)
• 25g of cornstarch (or rice flour)
• About 240g of water (you can substitute part of the water with egg whites for extra texture)
• 3-6 eggs (depending on how many eggs you like in your Jianbing)
• Spring onions (chopped)
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Black sesame seeds
• White sesame seeds
• Chili powder (optional for heat)
• Crispy snacks (thin crispy crackers, or something like "paixiao" from Beijing, or even potato chips)
• Optional fillings: lettuce, prosciutto, or whatever you like!
<h3>Making the Batter: The Secret to a Smooth, Non-Breaking Base</h3>
The key to a good Jianbing batter is smoothness and stickiness. To achieve this, we'll use a couple of tricks:
1. Replace about 1/5 of the flour with cornstarch or rice flour. This addition helps improve the batter's adhesiveness, so it won't break easily while cooking.
2. Another secret: add egg whites to the liquid part of the batter. This also increases its stickiness and helps it hold together while you cook it.
Mix the flour, cornstarch, and water together, making sure there are no lumps. The batter should be smooth and easy to pour.
<h3>Cooking the Jianbing: Patience is Key!</h3>
Once your batter is ready, the next step is to cook it! You can use a traditional flat griddle, an electric pancake maker, or a regular frying pan. The important thing is to keep the heat on low and be patient. Cooking on low heat ensures that the batter cooks evenly without burning. It also gives the batter time to firm up properly, which is essential for that crispy texture.
Start by brushing a little oil on the griddle. Pour a ladle of the batter onto the griddle and quickly spread it into a thin, even layer. If the batter doesn't spread evenly or has gaps, you can always patch it up with a little more batter or even an egg to fill in the gaps.
<h3>Adding the Egg and Toppings</h3>
Once the batter starts to set but is still slightly wet on top, break 1-2 eggs over the surface. Spread the egg evenly across the batter, making sure it covers the entire surface. This step adds extra flavor and helps keep the Jianbing moist.
Now, before the egg fully cooks, sprinkle some chopped spring onions, cilantro, black sesame, and white sesame on top. You can also add chili powder here for a little extra heat if you like.
<h3>Flipping the Jianbing and Adding the Sauces</h3>
Once the egg is mostly set, it's time to flip the Jianbing. Use a spatula or a similar tool to gently lift the edges and flip it over. This step can be a bit tricky, but with practice, we'll feel like a Jianbing vendor in no time!
After flipping, spread a little sweet bean paste or chili sauce (or both) on top, and add the crispy snack layers (like the thin crackers or “paixiao”). These crispy layers are what make Jianbing so satisfying, adding that perfect crunch to the soft and flavorful base.
<h3>Rolling and Serving</h3>
Once everything is cooked and seasoned, it's time to roll up your Jianbing! Simply fold in the sides, roll it up like a burrito, and cut it into pieces. You'll want to eat it while it's still hot to get that perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures.
If you want to add extra fillings, you can throw in some fresh lettuce or slices of prosciutto for a heartier meal. But honestly, with the savory sauces and crispy snacks, this Jianbing is already packed with flavor.
<h3>Conclusion: Your Homemade Jianbing Awaits!</h3>
Lykkers, after following these steps, you'll have your very own Jianbing ready to devour! There's something so satisfying about making this classic street food at home—especially when we get to tweak it to our exact liking. Whether you prefer extra egg, more spice, or a bit of crunch, homemade Jianbing is a breakfast we can all enjoy.
Give it a try next weekend and wow your friends and family with your cooking skills. The crispy, savory goodness is totally worth the effort! Enjoy, and happy cooking!
