Rou Jia Mo, often referred to as the "Chinese Hamburger," is a popular street food that dates back thousands of years. With its tender, slow-cooked meat packed inside a crispy, fluffy bun, this dish is a delicious fusion of textures and flavors. Whether you're new to Chinese cuisine or a fan of traditional street food, this recipe will guide you through making a perfect Rou Jia Mo at home.
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| Chinese hamburger |
INGREDIENTS :
For the Meat Filling:
• 500g (1 lb) pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color)
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fermented bean curd (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Flatbread (Mo):
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dry yeast
• ½ tsp sugar
• ¾ cup warm water
• ½ tsp salt
For Serving:
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• Pickled vegetables (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Make the Flatbread (Mo)
•Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
•Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
•Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
•Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten them into small discs about ½ inch thick.
•Cook the Bread: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each disc for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The bread should be slightly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pork Filling
•Brown the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork chunks and brown them on all sides.
•Add Aromatics: Once the pork is browned, add garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).
•Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, fermented bean curd (if using), and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
•Simmer the Pork: Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded. Stir occasionally, adding a little water if needed to keep the meat from drying out.
•Shred the Meat: Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or bone. Return the shredded meat to the sauce and mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Rou Jia Mo
•Slice the Bread: Cut each flatbread in half, creating a pocket but leaving one side intact.
•Stuff the Bread: Generously fill each bread pocket with the shredded pork mixture. Optionally, you can add fresh cilantro leaves or pickled vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Step 4: Serve
•Enjoy Fresh: Serve the Chinese Hamburgers hot and fresh. They can be enjoyed as a quick snack, light lunch, or even paired with a side of soup for a complete meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Rou Jia Mo:
•Flatbread Texture: If you prefer softer bread, steam the flatbreads for a few minutes before serving. If you want extra crispiness, toast them in a dry skillet.
•Meat Variations: While pork is traditional, you can substitute beef or lamb for a different flavor.
•Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer, you can cook the pork in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours instead of simmering it on the stove top.
•Make Ahead: The pork filling can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
CONCLUSION
The Chinese hamburger, or rou Jia mo, is a delicious street meal that combines savory, soft meat with freshly baked flatbread. This recipe makes this classic dish easily attainable for home cooks while preserving its flavor. This recipe for Rou Jia Mo is sure to satisfy both your appetite and your palate, whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or just because you're craving something delicious!
Happy cooking 🥘
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