Roujiamo is a popular Chinese street food from Shaanxi province, often known as the “Chinese burger.” It features tender, flavorful shredded meat stuffed inside a crispy yet soft flatbread. The combination of juicy filling and f32reshly cooked bread makes it a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For Meat Filling:
- 500g beef or pork (thin slices)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1-inch ginger (sliced)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp oil
For Flatbread (Mo):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
Step-by-Step Roujiamo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing, and knead the mixture into a soft and smooth dough. Continue kneading for about 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic. Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This resting time allows the dough to become light and fluffy.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped garlic and sliced ginger until fragrant. Add the sliced meat and cook until it changes color and becomes slightly browned. Then add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and Chinese five-spice powder. Mix everything well so the meat absorbs the flavors. Pour in water, cover the pan, and let it simmer on low heat for 40 to 60 minutes. This slow cooking process makes the meat tender and juicy. Once done, finely chop or shred the meat and keep some of the sauce for added flavor.
Step 3: Make the Flatbread
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air and divide it into small equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a round disc using a rolling pin. Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat and cook each flatbread without oil. Flip occasionally until both sides turn golden brown and develop a slightly crispy texture while remaining soft inside.
Step 4: Assemble Roujiamo
Take one freshly cooked flatbread and carefully slice it halfway to create a pocket. Fill it generously with the prepared shredded meat. Add a spoonful of the rich cooking sauce over the meat to enhance its juiciness and flavor. Press lightly and serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Tips for Best Taste
For an authentic taste, pork belly is highly recommended as it gives a richer and juicier filling. Letting the meat simmer longer enhances its flavor even more. You can also add chopped green chilies or fresh coriander for a spicy and refreshing twist.
Step-by-Step Roujiamo Recipe
Final Result
Your homemade Roujiamo will have a crispy outer bread with a soft interior, filled with juicy, flavorful meat. It’s a perfect street-style snack that you can easily enjoy at home! 😋
