If you've ever been to a Chinese buffet (at least in the UK... though I guess they must have these elsewhere too?), you'll definitely have seen this kind of Chinese pancake. I have no idea how authentically Chinese they are, but they're usually served with shredded duck in hoisin sauce, and thinly sliced cucumber and spring onion.
It sounds weird, but despite obviously not being able to eat the shredded duck, I do sometimes make myself a pancake (or seven) with just the veggies and hoisin sauce - that stuff is amazing, and the texture of the pancakes is so good too. They're so thin and chewy.
This time, rather than just skipping the meat, I thought I'd make my own vegetarian Chinese pancakes, using various mushrooms and homemade hoisin sauce.
You can just use normal mushrooms if you like, but I also used some 'exotic mushrooms' (shiitake and oyster mushrooms) to add some different texture. You could add extra veggies too, if you like - a bit of onion, for example. I thought I'd keep mine nice and simple. The hoisin sauce packs a huge flavour punch, and it's quite salty, so the fresh, crispy veggies are the perfect accompaniment.
This was my first attempt at making homemade hoisin sauce, and I think I did a really good job! My recipe is loosely based around this one. It contains a tiny bit of peanut butter, which I don't think is something you'd usually find in hoisin sauce (correct me if I'm wrong), but it helps to make the sauce thicker and glossier. It may not be authentic, but I'm guessing if you wanted a super authentic hoisin sauce recipe, you wouldn't be coming to me... I'm more of an 'easy versions of old favourites' kind of girl. So just go with it.
Does anyone else love a vegetarian Chinese pancake, or is it just me? That hoisin sauce is just irresistible...
Vegetarian Chinese pancakes with homemade hoisin sauce
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Print Pin CommentIngredients
For the homemade hoisin sauce:
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smooth peanut butter
- ¼ teaspoon Chinese five spice
For the vegetarian Chinese pancakes:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 300 g mushrooms, sliced (~ 5 cups when sliced)
- 100 g exotic mushrooms (I used shiitake and oyster), sliced (~ 2 cups when sliced) - or just more regular mushrooms
- 6 Chinese pancakes
- ½ cucumber, cut into thin sticks
- 4 spring onions, cut into very thin sticks
- 2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- To make the homemade hoisin sauce, add all the ingredients to a small bowl, and mix well. Don't worry if the peanut butter doesn't combine perfectly - it'll all melt together in the pan.
- Heat a dash of oil in a frying pan, and add all of the sliced mushrooms. Cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes, until soft. Pour over the hoisin sauce, and cook for a further 5 minutes, until the sauce has become thick and glossy.
- Serve the hoisin mushrooms in Chinese pancakes, with thin sticks of cucumber and spring onion, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on your exact ingredients. Please calculate your own nutritional values if you require accuracy for health reasons.
Note: Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on exactly what ingredients you choose. Information above is for 1 pancake, including all toppings.
Why not serve up a full Chinese banquet with my sweetcorn egg drop soup and homemade sweet and sour sauce?
M says
I used rice paper rolls instead and absolutely loved this recipe! I'd double the hoisin sauce though. Its so tasty! 😊
Becca @ Easy Cheesy Vegetarian says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Jane says
Such a great idea! I love duck pancakes, but would prefer to order a veggie version when eating out. Great idea :)
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Those look just perfect. Still hungry and drooling! Stumbled, yummed and pinned.
Heidi Roberts says
What a splendid idea to use mushrooms instead of duck! I love hoisin sauce but don't always feel like using meat so ideal!
Hannah says
Really love the idea! Have to try hoisin sauce in a vegetarian version of pancakes, looks delicious! ?
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
I love everything about these ~ they're the perfect antidote to yesterday's over indulgence :)
Patty says
I love these Chinese crepes, your recipe is very close to the original, looks so delicious!
Agata says
Hi Becca, this recipe looks really good. A nice lunch idea too. Out of curiosity which Chinese pancakes did you use/where could I buy them in the UK? Thanks, Agata
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
You can buy them from Waitrose and Ocado :) https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Waitrose-10-Chinese-Pancakes/48066011
Raymond Robbins says
What is Chinese five spice
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
It's a mixture of five spices that are commonly used in Chinese cooking - here's some extra info. It's easy to find in the UK but if you can't find it where you live, you can just skip it and the recipe will still be really tasty :)