Jianbing (Chinese Street Food Breakfast Pancake)

For the Pancake Batter

150g plain flour
300ml water
1 teaspoon salt

 For the Filling

2 eggs
2 spring onions, finely sliced
Handful fresh coriander leaves
2 frankfurters
50g crispy wonton skins (or plain crisps)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

The Sauces

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon chilli bean sauce (or chilli oil)

PREPARATION

1. Whisk the plain flour, salt and water together until you have a smooth batter with a consistency similar to double cream.
2. Finely slice the spring onions and roughly chop the coriander, then set them aside ready for assembling the pancake.

COOKING

1. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat and add a little vegetable oil, ensuring the surface is evenly coated.
2. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and swirl it around quickly to create a thin, even pancake.
3. Crack the eggs directly over the pancake and immediately spread them across the surface using a spatula or spoon.
4. Scatter the sliced spring onions over the egg while it is still wet so they adhere to the surface as it cooks.
5. Continue cooking gently until the egg is about three-quarters cooked and the underside of the pancake is golden.
6. Carefully loosen the edges with a spatula and flip the pancake over so the egg side faces down onto the pan.
7. Spread the hoisin sauce and chilli bean sauce generously over the cooked side of the pancake while it finishes cooking.
8. Warm the frankfurters briefly in the pan, then place them across the centre together with the crispy wonton skins and coriander.
9. Fold the sides of the pancake inwards and roll it up tightly, similar to a burrito, enclosing all the fillings.
10. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while the pancake is crisp, warm and packed with contrasting textures.

School of Wok Tips

• Keep the heat moderate so the pancake cooks through without burning.
• The batter should be thin enough to spread easily but thick enough to hold together.
• Crispy wonton skins provide the traditional crunch, but plain crisps work surprisingly well too.
• Be generous with the sauces as they provide much of the signature Jianbing flavour.

FAQs

What is Jianbing?
Jianbing is a popular Chinese breakfast street food made from a savoury pancake cooked with egg and filled with sauces, herbs and crunchy ingredients.

Can I use different fillings?
Yes, bacon, ham, cooked chicken, tofu or Chinese dough sticks (youtiao) are all popular alternatives.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, the batter can be mixed several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.