To decrease the synthesis cost and avoid the migration of framework iron, an Fe-doped ZSM-22 zeolite was prepared with the assistance of a small amount of precursor solution in the absence of an additional organic template in the initial gel. The five-membered rings in the precursor solution probably acted as a key factor in promoting the crystallization of the Fe-doped zeolites with high crystallinity, uniform morphology and open micropores. This finding here provided useful perspectives on developing Fe-doped zeolites using a low-cost and environmentally friendly method.