Rougamo (Roujiamo) Bread

Discover the art of crafting the perfect Rougamo bread with our easy-to-follow recipe. Elevate your culinary adventure today! 🥢🔥 #Rougamo breadRecipe #ChineseStreetFood

Rougamo Bread

• Publisher: Crisp Recipe
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Category: Main Dish, Street Food
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 400 calories

Rougamo bread, the foundation of the beloved Chinese street snack Rou Jia Mo (肉夹馍), is a flaky, pan-fried flatbread that’s crisp on the outside and chewy within. Originating from Shaanxi province, it’s often compared to a Chinese hamburger bun — but it’s denser, layered, and made to soak up juicy, slow-cooked fillings without falling apart.

To make authentic Rougamo bread at home, you only need a few basic ingredients: all-purpose flour, warm water, salt, and a touch of oil. No yeast is required. The dough is kneaded, rested, then rolled into spirals or coils to create signature layers before pan-cooking to a golden finish. This structure gives the bread its signature flaky bite and savory aroma.

Unlike western sandwich buns or pita, mo bread is unleavened and flat, but it holds up beautifully to oily or stew-like fillings. Its high heat cooking method crisps the outside while keeping the center soft and layered — ideal for stuffing with braised pork, beef, lamb, or even plant-based fillings without getting soggy or tearing apart.

In terms of flavor, the bread itself is mild but hearty. It’s all about texture — the crunch on the outside contrasts perfectly with the springy chew inside. That balance is what makes Rougamo so satisfying to bite into. The bread absorbs some of the meat juices without becoming limp, making it perfect for messy, flavorful street food eating.

Mo bread isn’t just for Rougamo. You can use it to sandwich anything from cumin-spiced lamb to pulled chicken or even fusion options like barbecue jackfruit or fried tofu. It’s incredibly versatile and works well as a hearty alternative to burger buns or wraps.

Whether you're looking to recreate the iconic Xi’an street food experience or just want a new flatbread to play with in your kitchen, Rougamo bread delivers. It’s simple, bold, and rooted in centuries of Chinese culinary tradition. Follow the step-by-step recipe below to bring this legendary street bread to your home kitchen.

Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of China with our irresistible Rougamo bread recipe – a symphony of flavors in every bite awaits! 🥢🌶️ #ChineseCuisine #StreetFoodDelight

Ingredients

• 500g boneless pork shoulder or beef, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil
• Chinese flatbreads (mo)

Method Instructions

1. Heat a pan with oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced pork or beef and cook until browned.
4. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer until the meat is cooked through.
5. Prepare the flatbreads (Mo). If you can't find ready-made Chinese flatbreads, you can use store-bought flatbreads or make your own. Roll them out into circles about 6-8 inches in diameter.
6. Take a portion of the cooked meat filling and place it in the center of a flatbread.
7. Fold the edges of the flatbread over the filling, creating a sandwich.
8. Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat with a bit of oil.
9. Cook the assembled Rougamo bread on each side until the bread is golden brown and slightly crispy.
10. Cut the Rougamo bread in half and serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Rougamo Bread

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Recipe Tags: Rougamo Bread, Rougamo Bread Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Rougamo bread is a straightforward yet satisfying affair. Here's a simple guide:

• Presentation: Start by presenting the Rougamo bread in its complete form. The folded flatbread encapsulating the seasoned meat should be visible, showcasing the layers of flavors and textures.
• Cut in Half: For easier consumption and a peek into the delicious filling, consider cutting the Rougamo bread in half diagonally or straight down the middle. This allows the consumer to appreciate both the exterior mo and the savory interior.
• Accompaniments (Optional): While Rougamo bread is a complete and flavorful package on its own, you can enhance the experience with optional accompaniments. Fresh cilantro, shredded lettuce, or pickled vegetables can add a layer of freshness and crunch. Some variations might include a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime for an extra kick.
• Serve Hot: Rougamo bread is best enjoyed when served hot. Whether freshly bought from a street vendor or prepared at home, the warmth enhances the overall experience, allowing the aromas to entice the senses.
• Pairing: Consider pairing Rougamo bread with a beverage of your choice. Traditional options include a hot cup of tea or a refreshing soda. The choice of beverage can complement the robust flavors of the dish.
• Enjoy Immediately: Rougamo bread is a dish best savored immediately after preparation. The combination of the warm, seasoned meat and the soft mo is at its peak when enjoyed promptly.

Whether served at a casual gathering or enjoyed as a quick and flavorful meal on the go, serving Rougamo bread is about presenting this Chinese street food classic in a way that highlights its simplicity and deliciousness.

Tips

1. Meat Selection: Opt for well-marbled cuts of pork shoulder or beef for a tender and flavorful filling. Slicing the meat thinly ensures quicker cooking and better absorption of the seasoning.
2. Spice Balance: Adjust the quantities of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder to your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amounts and add more if needed after tasting the seasoned meat.
3. Marination Time: If time allows, marinate the meat for a few hours or overnight. This enhances the flavors, making the meat more succulent and infused with the aromatic spices.
4. Flatbread Options: While traditional mo is the preferred choice, you can use flatbreads from your local store if mo is unavailable. Ensure they are pliable and can be folded easily.
5. Vegetable Additions: Customize your Rougamo bread by adding fresh vegetables like shredded lettuce, cucumber, or cilantro. These additions provide a contrasting texture and freshness to the savory filling.
6. Cooking Temperature: Cook the meat filling over medium heat to ensure it's thoroughly cooked without burning. Simmering allows the flavors to meld, creating a rich and aromatic filling.
7. Homemade Flatbreads: If you decide to make your own mo, roll them out to a consistent thickness for even cooking. A slightly thicker flatbread can offer a heartier bite.
8. Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to experiment with additional sauces. Some enthusiasts enjoy adding a bit of hoisin sauce or chili oil for extra complexity and heat.
9. Serve Immediately: Rougamo bread is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it immediately to capture the full spectrum of flavors and textures.
10. Cultural Exploration: Take the opportunity to explore the cultural nuances of Rougamo bread by researching regional variations. Each locale in China may have its own twist on this beloved street food.

Ingredient Substitutes

While traditional Rougamo bread relies on specific ingredients for its authentic flavor, you can experiment with substitutes based on availability and dietary preferences. Here are some ingredient alternatives:

1. Meat Substitute: Instead of pork or beef, you can use chicken or tofu for a different protein source. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Flatbread Options: If you can't find or make mo, you can use pita bread, naan, or any soft flatbread as a substitute.
3. Soy Sauce Alternative: Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
4. Oyster Sauce Replacement: Hoisin sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce can be used if you want to avoid traditional oyster sauce.
5. Chinese Five-Spice Powder Alternatives: Create your own blend using cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns if you don't have Chinese five-spice powder.
6. Vegetarian/Vegan Option: For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace meat with mushrooms, jackfruit, or plant-based protein alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth for added flavor.
7. Fresh Vegetable Additions: Customize your Rougamo bread with other vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or radishes for added crunch and freshness.
8. Homemade Flatbreads: If mo is unavailable, try making your own flatbreads using a simple flour-water-salt dough or explore different types of flatbreads from your local store.
9. Cooking Oil: Use any neutral cooking oil you have on hand if the suggested oil is not available.
10. Spice Adjustment: Tailor the spice levels to your preference by adjusting the quantities of ginger, garlic, or other spices.

Remarks

As you savor the delicious layers of tradition in each Rougamo bread bite, relish the culinary voyage inspired by China's vibrant street food culture. Until the next flavorful adventure! 🌏🍜 #Rougamo bread #CulinaryJourney