Roujiamo (Chinese Street-Style Pork Sandwich)

Craving the ultimate handheld street food? Roujiamo is often called the “Chinese hamburger”—tender, spiced pork packed in a crispy pan-fried flatbread. A bite of this, and you’ll be transported straight to the bustling markets of Xi’an!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (120ml) water
½ teaspoon salt

For the Pork Filling:

1 lb (450g) pork belly or shoulder, cut into chunks
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 tablespoons doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
1 star anise
1 small piece of Chinese cinnamon (or cassia bark)
1 cup (240ml) water
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Combine flour, salt, and water. Knead into a smooth dough.
Cover and let rest for 1 hour.
Divide into 4 equal pieces, flatten each into a round disk.

Cook the Pork:

Heat oil in a pot, brown pork over medium heat.
Add doubanjiang and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, star anise, cinnamon, and water.
Cover and simmer on low for 1 to 1½ hours until the pork is very tender.
Remove spices and shred the pork.

Cook the Flatbreads:

Take each dough disk, shape into a ball, then flatten again.
Pan-fry over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Assemble:

Slice each flatbread open like a pocket.
Fill generously with braised pork and top with sliced green onions.

Juicy, flavorful pork + crispy golden bread = unbeatable street food perfection! Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or a seasoned foodie, Roujiamo is a fun and tasty dish that’s sure to impress.