Gluten Free Crepe with Fresh Thyme and Lemon Zest
Gluten Free Crepe with Fresh Thyme and Lemon Zest is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Nathan Lyon on YouTube.
Prep: 36 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $18.48 total, $4.62 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for batter, adds richness)
- 1 cup Water (room temperature)
- 0.5 cup White Rice Flour (gluten‑free, fine texture)
- 0.5 cup Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean) Flour (adds protein and savory flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (finely chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Combine Eggs and Oil
In the large mixing bowl, crack the two eggs and add the 2 Tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is uniform and slightly frothy.
Time: PT2M
Add Water
Pour the 1 cup of water into the bowl and whisk again until fully incorporated.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
Add the white rice flour, chickpea flour, lemon zest, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the batter is smooth with no lumps.
Time: PT3M
Rest the Batter
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This allows the flours to fully hydrate and the batter to thicken slightly.
Time: PT30M
Preheat the Skillet
Place the non‑stick skillet over medium‑low heat. Warm it until a drop of water sizzles lightly, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑low
Cook First Side of Crepe
Measure 1/4 cup of batter and pour it into the center of the hot skillet. Quickly swirl the pan to spread the batter into a 7‑inch circle.
Time: PT45S
Temperature: medium‑low
Flip and Finish Crepe
When bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set (about 45 seconds), use the spatula to flip the crepe. Cook the other side for an additional 30 seconds until lightly golden.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: medium‑low
Stack and Repeat
Transfer the cooked crepe to the plate and repeat steps 6‑7 with the remaining batter, stacking each crepe as you go. This should yield about 8 crepes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑low
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Eggs, Legumes (chickpea flour)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), commercial egg replacer
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of White Rice Flour: tapioca flour, potato starch
- Instead of Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean) Flour: lentil flour, pea protein powder
- Instead of Lemon Zest: lemon extract (1/8 tsp), lime zest
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: dried thyme (1/3 tsp), herbes de Provence
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt, sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper, ground coriander
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cup (1/4 cup)
- Non‑Stick Skillet
- Spatula
- Plate for Stacking
- Timer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Resting the batter for 30 minutes to hydrate the gluten‑free flours.
- Maintaining medium‑low heat to prevent burning before the batter sets.
- Flipping at the right moment when bubbles appear and edges are set.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or grated Parmesan to the batter.
- Use a silicone brush to lightly oil the pan between crepes for an even surface.
- Serve warm with a smear of herb cream cheese or a slice of smoked salmon for a gourmet touch.
Troubleshooting
Batter is grainy after cooking.
Allow the batter to rest the full 30 minutes; if still gritty, sift the flours again and add a tablespoon of water to smooth.
Crepes tear when flipping.
Ensure the skillet is properly heated and the batter has set on the surface (bubbles appear). Flip gently with a wide spatula.
Crepes are too thick.
Thin the batter with a little extra water (1‑2 Tbsp) until it reaches a pourable consistency similar to thin pancake batter.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store stacked crepes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the batter a day ahead and keep it refrigerated; give it a quick stir before cooking.
- Cook all crepes, stack with parchment paper between each, and store in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of savory gluten‑free crepes in American cuisine?
Savory crepes have roots in French cuisine but have been embraced in American home cooking as a versatile, gluten‑free breakfast or brunch option. The adaptation using rice and chickpea flours reflects the growing demand for allergen‑friendly versions of classic dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of crepes in French cuisine compared to this gluten‑free version from Chef Nathan Lyon?
Traditional French crêpes are made with wheat flour and are often sweet. Chef Nathan Lyon’s version swaps wheat for white rice and chickpea flours, adds lemon zest and thyme, and is intended for savory applications, making it suitable for gluten‑free diets.
How is a savory gluten‑free crepe traditionally served in France?
In France, savory crêpes (crêpes salées) are commonly filled with ham, cheese, and eggs – the classic "galette complète". While Chef Nathan Lyon’s recipe is gluten‑free, it can be served similarly with ham, cheese, or vegetables.
What occasions or celebrations is a savory gluten‑free crepe associated with in American brunch culture?
Savory crepes are popular at weekend brunches, holiday brunch buffets, and casual family breakfasts. Their quick preparation and ability to be filled with a variety of ingredients make them a crowd‑pleaser for gatherings.
What makes Chef Nathan Lyon’s savory gluten‑free crepe special in the gluten‑free cooking community?
The recipe combines two naturally gluten‑free flours—rice and chickpea—to achieve a tender yet pliable texture, and the addition of lemon zest and thyme gives a bright, herbaceous flavor that sets it apart from plain gluten‑free pancakes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making savory gluten‑free crepes from Chef Nathan Lyon’s video?
Common errors include skipping the 30‑minute batter rest, using too high heat which burns the crepe before it sets, and flipping too early before bubbles appear. Following the rest and temperature guidelines prevents grainy texture and tearing.
Why does Chef Nathan Lyon’s recipe use a 1/4‑cup of batter per crepe instead of a larger amount?
A 1/4‑cup portion creates a thin, 7‑inch crepe that cooks quickly and stays pliable. Using more batter would make the crepe thicker, harder to flip, and could result in a dense texture.
Can I make the savory gluten‑free crepe batter ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before cooking. If it thickens, add a splash of water to loosen.
What texture and appearance should I look for to know my savory gluten‑free crepes are done?
The crepe should have light golden spots on the bottom, a set surface with small bubbles, and be flexible enough to fold without cracking. The edges will lift slightly from the pan when ready to flip.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Nathan Lyon specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Nathan Lyon focuses on approachable, health‑conscious cooking with an emphasis on gluten‑free, high‑protein, and quick‑prep meals for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Nathan Lyon’s approach to gluten‑free cooking differ from other gluten‑free cooking channels?
Chef Nathan Lyon prioritizes simple ingredient lists, minimal equipment, and techniques that mimic traditional textures (like crepes) using alternative flours, whereas many other channels rely on pre‑made mixes or more complex processes.
What other gluten‑free recipes is the YouTube channel Chef Nathan Lyon known for?
Chef Nathan Lyon is known for gluten‑free pancake stacks, almond‑flour banana bread, cauliflower rice bowls, and high‑protein smoothie bowls, all featuring straightforward steps and everyday pantry ingredients.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






