Chinese Crepes Recipes

JIAN BING, CHINESE CREPES (煎饼)

Steps:

• Brush a thin layer of water on a wonton wrapper. Stick another one on the top then using a rolling pin to press tight. Cut two lines in th middles. Repeat to make another 7 pairs.
• Heat up oil in a wok/pot. When the temperature reaches 180°C/360°F, start frying.
• Gently slide in wonton wrappers. Flip over to fry the other side.
• Pick out when they're lightly brown (Do not overcook). Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
• Put all-purpose flour and wholemeal flour into a mixing bowl. Pour in the water. Stir to combine until smooth.
• Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat (I use a 28cm/11inch pan). When it's warm to touch (not burning), pour in ¼ part of the batter. Move the pan to allow the batter to evenly cover the entire surface.
• When there is no runny batter can be seen, crack an egg on top. Use the back of a spoon to break the yolk and spread.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions.
• When the crepe becomes firm and slides easily in the pan, it's time to flip it over. To avoid tearing, slide the crepe onto the inner side of a large lid then put it back to the pan.
• Turn off the heat after flipping (the remaining heat will cook through the egg). Brush soybean paste and chilli garlic sauce over the crepe (see note 3 for other sauce options).
• Add coriander and lettuce leaves if using. Place two pieces of fried crackers in the middle.
• Fold the crepe to wrapper everything (Please refer to the video below). Serve immediately.
• You may fry the crackers in advance. Once completely cool, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• The crepe batter can be kept in the fridge overnight. Stir well before pouring into the pan.

BAKED CHEESE CREPES

Steps:

• Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Heat a 6-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Brush the skillet with some butter. Working quickly, pour 3 tablespoons of the egg mixture into the pan, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. Cover and cook until the egg crepe is just set, about 1 minute. Invert the skillet over a plate, and allow the egg crepe to drop onto the plate. Repeat to make 10 crepes total, brushing the skillet with melted butter as needed and stacking crepes on the plate.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Arrange 1 egg crepe on a work surface. Place some of the fontina and mozzarella cheese in the center of the egg crepe, then sprinkle with some basil. Roll up the crepe. Place the filled crepe in the prepared baking dish, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining egg crepes, cheese, and basil. Spoon the marinara sauce over the crepes. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and dot with 2 tablespoons of butter. Bake until the cheese melts and the top is golden, about 15 minutes.
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 small onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 (32 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 dried bay leaves
• In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)
• Yield: 2 quarts
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

THE BEST CREPES

Steps:

• Add the milk, eggs, flour, sugar, vanilla and salt to a blender. Puree on high speed until completely smooth and slightly thickened and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the melted butter and puree until incorporated, 30 seconds more. Let the batter rest in the blender carafe for at least 1 hour at room temperature or refrigerate up to 24 hours. The longer you allow the batter to rest and hydrate, the lighter and softer the texture of the crepes will be; overnight is ideal.
• Before cooking, re-blend the batter at high speed for 30 seconds. This will reincorporate the ingredients, a vital step in getting an even golden color on the crepes. Wipe 1/2 teaspoon of oil on a large crepe pan or a 10-inch nonstick skillet with a paper towel. You don't want to see any drops of oil in the pan, just coat with the thinnest layer. Heat the pan over medium heat until hot.
• Ladle 1/4 cup batter into the pan. Working quickly off the heat, swirl and shake the pan to evenly coat the bottom with the batter. Return to the heat and cook the crepe, reducing the heat if it's browning too quickly, until the edges are light golden, about 2 minutes. Slide a spatula underneath to loosen the crepe and carefully flip it over. Cook on the other side until a few brown spots appear, 15 to 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, wiping pan with oil each time. Stack the crepes on the plate as you go (you should have about 15 total). Let the crepes cool for 10 minutes before serving or filling.
• For fillings, we suggest Nutella and bananas or peanut butter and jelly for sweet crepes. Ham and cheese makes a great filling for savory crepes.

CHINESE EGG ROLL CREPES

Steps:

• Mix chicken, vegetables, onion, ginger, almonds, soy sauce, sugar, and extract (if used).
• Place about 2 tablespoons mixture on each crepe; fold over sides and roll up.
• Seal edges with a little leftover batter or use a slightly beaten egg for the glue.
• Heat oil to about 350 degrees and drop each egg roll into the hot oil and fry till golden.
• Drain; cut into smaller pieces if desired; serve hot with a sweet and sour duck sauce (I use La Choy Sweet and Sour Duck Sauce).

JIAN BING, BEIJING STYLE (CHINESE BREAKFAST BURRITO)

Steps:

• To make the crepe batter, mix the flour, 1 tablespoon oil, milk, and ½ cup water together until smooth.
• In a small pan, add ½ teaspoon oil, and heat on medium. Add the sliced green onions to the pan. Fry for about 30 seconds, then add the Hoisin sauce and chili sauce. Cook for 1 minute. Add ½ cup water, and stir. Set aside for later use.
• Using a folded paper towel, coat the bottom of a large skillet or hot plate with ½ teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Heat on medium high heat, wait until the pan is heated. Stir the crepe batter again, and pour ¼ cup of it into the pan. Using a large rectangular spatula, spread into a 8 inch by 12 inch thin layer. Cook for about 30 seconds.
• Beat an egg in a small bowl and pour on top of the crepe. Spread the egg evenly on the top of the crepe using a the back of a spoon. Cook about 1 minute more, until the egg has partially solidified and the crepe is beginning to brown on the bottom, then flip over.
• Cook until the egg begins to brown, about 1 minute, then flip over so egg side is up.
• Using the back of a spoon spread ¼ of the sauces and green onion mixture evenly onto the egg surface. Evenly spread two teaspoons of the chopped cilantro over the egg/crepe.
• Lay one half of a Flat and Square You Tiao/Chinese Cruller on the middle of the egg/crepe.
• Fold both sides of the egg/crepe over the YouTiao/ Chinese Cruller. Crease the Jian Bing in the center with a spatula, and fold in half. Fold a paper towel in half, and use it to hold the Jian Bing as you eat it.
• Repeat steps 3 to 8 for the remaining three Jian Bings this recipe makes.

BASIC CREPES

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
• Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
• Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.