Beyond Sweet: A Japanese Crepe Adventure with Savory & Sweet Fillings

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Mai kitchen! Today, we're taking a trip to Japan (sort of) with a recipe for Japanese-style crepes that goes beyond the usual sweet route. Yes, you heard that right – we're making crepes that are both savory and sweet, bursting with unexpected flavor combinations!

The Crepe Canvas:

The base of this recipe is a classic Japanese crepe batter. We'll be using a blend of cake flour and mochiko flour (sweet rice flour) for a light and slightly chewy texture that's perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 60g cake flour

• 20g mochiko flour

• 25g coconut sugar

• 16g melted butter

• 240g milk

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, or in a blender like I used in my reel, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and melted butter.

2. Sift in the cake flour and mochiko flour and whisk until just combined. A few lumps are okay!

3. Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth, pourable batter. Once again, if you are using a blender, you can add all the ingrediets at once then BLITZ!

4. Heat this amazing self-rorating crepe machine. I used the high heat setting. Lightly grease the plate with cooking spray or butter.

5. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the plate and spread the batter with a batter spreader.

6. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

7. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining batter.

Now for the Fun Part: Fillings!

This is where things get exciting. We're ditching the traditional Nutella and strawberries and embracing two unique flavor profiles:

Savory Surprise: Pizza Tuna with Arugula & Prosciutto

Don't knock it till you try it! This savory combination is a revelation. Flaky tuna, zesty pizza sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese will have you question what else you've been missing. Also, peppery arugula, soft brie, and salty prosciutto come together beautifully on the delicate crepe canvas.

Ingredients:

Tuna Pizza

• Canned tuna (flaked): You can substitute tuna for chicken salad too!

• Rao's Pizza Sauce (My fav!)

• Mozzarella Cheese

• Arugula

• Mayonnaise

• Lemon juice

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Balsamic Glaze (optional)

Instructions:

Tuna Pizza

1. Spread a layer of pizza sauce on the crepe.

2. Top with flaked tuna mixed with some mayonnaise and lemon juice, a handful of mozzarella and arugula.

3. Drizzle with a squeeze of balsamic glaze (optional) and a sprinkle of black pepper.

4. Fold the crepe into a triangle or roll it up for a delicious and satisfying snack.
   

Prosciutto Arugula

• Arugula

• Prosciutto

• Brie Cheese

1. Spread a layer brie cheese, a slice of prosciutto, and sone arugula.

2. Fold it up and enjoy!

Sweet Delight: Cheesecake Cream with Fresh Berries

For those who crave a sweet treat, this cheesecake cream filling is a dream come true. Creamy, light, and bursting with fresh berries, it's a delightful and unexpected twist on the classic crepe filling.

Ingredients:

Cheesecake Cream:

• 50g cream cheese, softened

• 1 1/2 tbs sugar

• 1 1/2 tbs lemon juice

• Matcha Powder (optional)

Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 3 tbs sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Fresh berries (your choice)

• Bananas

• Chocolate syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. I like to add some Mathca Collagen powder in mine for extra protein. You can also opt in for other mix-ins such as cocoa powder and fruit jams.

2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

3. Fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake cream mixture until just combined.

4. Pipe or spread a layer of cheesecake cream on a crepe.

5. Top with fresh bananas and berries of your choice. (Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – the options are endless!)

6. Drizzle some chocolate syrup (or carame would do too!)

7. Fold or roll the crepe and enjoy!

The Final Word:

These Japanese crepes are a fun and creative way to explore new flavor combinations. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fillings and find your own favorites! So ditch the ordinary and get ready to embark on a delicious Japanese crepe adventure!

What are your favorite crepe fillings? Share your ideas in the comments below!