A street food twist on a French classic—rolled Japanese Crêpes!
A delicious food trend in Japan, these fun and customizable crêpes are a playful twist on the classic French dish of the same name, which first appeared in Brittany back in the 13th century. Japanese crêpes likely made their debut on the streets of Harajuku in the 1970s and were served in a signature cone shape. If you find yourself in Japan and want to sink your teeth into some of the country’s most delicious crêpes, you might want to take a stroll along Takeshita Street to sample crêpes from the many colorful shops along the way.
But there’s no need to book a flight. Luckily, Japanese crêpes are super easy to make at home. With endless filling options, they’re perfect for a DIY crêpe bar at your next brunch. Lay out the crêpes alongside bowls of fresh berries, chocolate, yogurt, cream, bananas, hazelnut spread, jams, and nuts, and let everyone get creative with their own combinations. It’s a can’t-go-wrong way to please a number of palates all at the same time.
Are Japanese Crêpes Healthy?
The crêpes themselves are relatively unremarkable. It all depends on what you add to them. If you stick with fresh fruits (or even veggies!) and go easy on the sugary, rich toppings, then they’ll be a bit healthier for you. It’s another story if you fill them with whipped cream, caramel, or chocolate! Essentially, the crêpe is the vehicle, so whether they’re healthy or not really depends on where you take them.
To make the recipe suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, replace the milk and butter with plant-based versions.
What Other Fillings Can Be Used?
I’m all about eating with the seasons, but a few staples are always in season at my house: home-canned pears, frozen organic berries, bananas, chia pudding, dark chocolate, and cacao nibs. And, yes, all of these are perfect in a Japanese crêpe! Any combo of fresh fruit with a creamy filling like yogurt, whipped cream, lemon curd, or even tapioca pudding is a win, too.
To take it up a notch, add chopped nuts with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Or go for pie-inspired fillings. Think classic pie flavors like cherry or apple, and finish with a dollop of baked oatmeal crumble on top for a little extra magic!
And let’s not forget the whole other world of savory fillings! With these, it’s really about whatever you’re craving. Try Sautéed Mushrooms, onions, or sweet peppers; maybe even add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for good measure. Asparagus is another fantastic choice, especially with a drizzle of lemony sauce to brighten things up. Honestly, any roasted vegetable would be delicious here. I can already see plenty of Japanese crêpe nights in the near future!
Can I Prep This Ahead?
The batter can be made and refrigerated 1 day in advance. The unfilled crêpes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze for up to 3 months, separate each crêpe with parchment paper or plastic wrap and place the stack in a large freezer-safe bag.
Serving Suggestions
Japanese crêpes pair well with both sweet and savory fillings. For sweet variations, drizzle them with this decadent Dairy-Free Vegan Caramel Sauce or some Roasted Strawberries with mascarpone cheese and shaved chocolate. Looking for savory options? Try Sautéed Broccolini with ricotta and fresh lemon zest!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups milk
Instructions
- Sift flour and salt into a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Preheat a nonstick crêpe pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease with butter.
- Pour 1/3 to 1/2 cup of batter into the pan, tilting to spread evenly into a thin layer.
- Cook until the edges are crispy and lightly browned, about 1 minute, then flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Transfer the crêpe to a plate, cover to keep warm, and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Fill crêpes with your choice of sweet fillings, roll into a cone shape, and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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