Discover the Delicious World of Jian Bing: China's Crispy and Savory Crêpe

Antoine Elie @ Apr 20, 2023

Jian Bing is a popular Chinese street food that has been gaining popularity all over the world. This savory and crispy crêpe is a staple breakfast option in China, and can be enjoyed any time of the day. It is a thin and crispy crêpe made from wheat flour and mung bean flour, filled with a variety of fillings, and served with a selection of sauces. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Jian Bing, including its different types, how it is made, and why it is so popular.

Types of Jian Bing

Jian Bing is popular throughout China, but its style and fillings can vary based on regional differences. Here are a few of the most common types:

Beijing Jian Bing - This is the most famous type of Jian Bing, originating from Beijing. It is made with a crispy crêpe that is stuffed with crispy wonton skins, egg, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.
Shandong Jian Bing - This style of Jian Bing comes from Shandong province, and is made with a slightly thicker crêpe. It is filled with hoisin sauce, fried dough sticks, and egg.
Suzhou Jian Bing - This type of Jian Bing is made with a sweet and crispy crêpe that is filled with sweetened bean paste and sesame seeds.
Shanghai Jian Bing - The Shanghai version of Jian Bing is made with a crispy crêpe that is stuffed with fried dough sticks, scallions, and soy sauce.

How Jian Bing is Made

Jian Bing is made using a special technique that involves spreading a thin layer of batter on a griddle and then adding the fillings on top before folding it up. Here are the basic steps:

The batter is made by mixing wheat flour, mung bean flour, water, and sometimes eggs together.
The batter is then spread thinly on a hot griddle or crêpe pan.
The fillings are added on top of the batter while it is still cooking.
The Jian Bing is then folded up and cut into bite-sized pieces.

What Makes Jian Bing so Popular

Jian Bing is loved by many people for its crispy texture and savory flavor. It is also a convenient and quick breakfast option for people who are on the go. Jian Bing can be customized to suit individual preferences by adding different fillings, sauces, and toppings. It is also a relatively healthy option compared to other street foods, as it is low in fat and calories.

Conclusion

Jian Bing is a delicious and popular street food in China that is now enjoyed by people all over the world. With its crispy crêpe and variety of fillings, Jian Bing has something to offer for everyone. Whether you prefer it with egg and scallions, or with sweet bean paste and sesame seeds, Jian Bing is a must-try dish for any food lover.

References:

The Woks of Life. (2018). Jian Bing – Savory Chinese Crepes. https://thewoksoflife.com/jian-bing/

The Spruce Eats. (2021). Jianbing Chinese Street Food. https://www.thespruceeats.com/jianbing-chinese-street-food-694613

Food & Wine. (2019). Jianbing (Chinese Crepes). https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/jianbing-chinese-crepes

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