why make this recipe
Rou Jia Mo, often dubbed the "Chinese meat sandwich," is a delightful dish that brings together tender pork and soft bread. It’s famous for its rich flavors and is a popular street food in China. Making Rou Jia Mo at home allows you to enjoy this tasty treat anytime, and customizing it to your taste makes it even better!
how to make Rou Jia Mo
Ingredients:
- 450g pork belly
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece ginger, sliced
- 1 star anise
- 2 cups water
- 4 Chinese mantou (steamed buns) or sandwich bread
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
Directions:
- In a pot, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add pork belly and brown on all sides.
- Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and star anise.
- Add water, bring to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 1-2 hours until tender.
- Remove pork, shred or slice, and dip bread in the braising liquid.
- Assemble by placing pork in the bread and garnishing with fresh cilantro.
- Serve warm.
how to serve Rou Jia Mo
Serve Rou Jia Mo warm with fresh cilantro on top. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with a side of pickled vegetables for extra crunch and flavor. This dish works well for lunch, dinner, or as a tasty snack!
how to store Rou Jia Mo
If you have leftover Rou Jia Mo, store the pork and bread separately in airtight containers. The pork can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork gently before serving. The bread keeps well for a couple of days when stored properly.
tips to make Rou Jia Mo
- Make sure to brown the pork belly well for deeper flavor.
- Let the pork cook slowly to become tender. If you can, use a pot that retains heat well, like a Dutch oven.
- Experiment with additional spices according to your preference, such as chili peppers for some heat.
variation
You can vary the meat used in Rou Jia Mo. Instead of pork belly, you can try beef or lamb for a different flavor profile. You can also add pickled vegetables inside the sandwich for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! While traditional Rou Jia Mo uses mantou, you can also use regular sandwich bread or other types of buns.
How spicy is Rou Jia Mo?
Rou Jia Mo is typically not very spicy. However, you can add chili sauce or fresh chilies to suit your taste.
Can I freeze leftover Rou Jia Mo?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork. Make sure to allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Rou Jia Mo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 450 g pork belly
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece ginger, sliced
- 1 piece star anise
- 2 cups water
- 4 pieces Chinese mantou or sandwich bread Use steamed buns or regular sandwich bread.
- to taste fresh cilantro, for serving Garnish the sandwich.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a pot, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add pork belly and brown on all sides.
- Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and star anise.
- Add water, bring to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 1-2 hours until tender.
- Remove pork, shred or slice, and dip bread in the braising liquid.
- Assemble by placing pork in the bread and garnishing with fresh cilantro.
- Serve warm.