Delicious Filled Pancakes for Breakfast, Chinese-Inspired
Jian Bing, a type of Chinese breakfast pancake filled with savory ingredients, is a popular street food in China. These crunchy, tasty pancakes have a perfect mix of flavors and textures, being slightly chewy like crepes.
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They are typically topped with various ingredients such as eggs, pickled vegetables, herbs, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce. The addition of crispy elements like fried wonton or crackers makes them a tempting option to start the day.
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Here is a detailed recipe to make this delicious breakfast at home and enjoy it with a friend, bringing the traditional Chinese street food experience to your own kitchen.
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Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Mung bean flour (or extra all-purpose flour) | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Hot sauce | 2 teaspoons (or more if desired) |
| Chopped green onions | 1 cup |
| Freshly chopped cilantro | 1 cup |
| Chopped pickled vegetables (like daikon and carrots) | 1 cup |
| Large crackers or crispy fried dumplings | 4 |
| Olive oil for cooking | As needed |
- Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, mung bean flour, water, and salt until smooth. Let the batter sit for about 15 minutes to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Cook the Crepes
- Heat a crepe maker or nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan. Tilt and rotate the pan quickly to spread the batter evenly in a thin layer.
- Crack an egg onto the batter and quickly spread it with a spoon. Sprinkle some chopped green onions over the egg.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned and the edges start to lift from the pan.
- Add the Fillings
- Spread hoisin sauce and hot sauce on the cooked side of the pancake. Add pickled vegetables and freshly chopped cilantro.
- Place a cracker or crispy fried wonton in the center for a crunchy texture.
- Fold and Serve
- Carefully fold the pancake in half with a spatula, then fold it again to form a quarter. Press gently to flatten the crispy element inside.
- Transfer the pancake to a cutting board. Cut it into smaller pieces or serve it whole for an authentic street food experience.
- Repeat
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter and fillings to make additional pancakes.
Chinese-style breakfast pancakes are a delicious and unique choice for any meal. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures with each bite. Customize the fillings to your preferences or dietary needs to add a special touch to this classic Chinese street food.
