If you’re craving something that perfectly blends the rich flavors of Southeast Asia with the comforting appeal of a classic sandwich, you’re in for a treat with this Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe. This dish brings together juicy, savory ground meat cooked in a medley of sauces, generously packed between crispy, buttery toast. It’s a beloved street food iconic for its hearty, satisfying taste and the beautiful contrast of textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy snack, this recipe captures the heart and soul of Roti John in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple yet quintessential. Each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture—fresh bread provides the perfect crispy canvas, while the mix of sauces in the meat brings all the character and umami together.
- 4 pieces baguette or thick white bread: Choose bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart, ideally fresh but slightly day-old for better toasting.
- 300g ground beef (or chicken): This is the savory star of the sandwich, providing juicy, flavorful substance.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture that balances the richness of the meat.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Used to coat the bread for that irresistible golden and crispy exterior.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and a mild tang that smooths out the bold flavors.
- 2 tbsp ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of acidity to brighten the meat mixture.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Injects savory depth and a slight saltiness that enhances umami.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Elevates the mixture with a rich and complex savory note.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick of warmth and spice.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying): Used to cook the meat mixture evenly without overpowering flavors.
- Butter (for toasting the bread): This is what gives the toast its golden, crispy, and indulgently buttery crunch.
- Fresh coriander or parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of vibrant color when serving.
How to Make Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Savory Meat Mixture
Start by combining your ground beef with finely chopped onions, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This is where the magic begins as you mix all those glorious flavors together. The mayonnaise and ketchup add creaminess and sweetness, while the soy and oyster sauces provide that unmistakable savory punch.
Step 2: Cooking the Meat
Next, heat your vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and add the beef mixture. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns and cooks through. You want each bite to be juicy and full of flavor, so get that meat nicely caramelized for extra depth. Once done, set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Preparing the Egg-coated Bread
Now, beat the eggs in a shallow dish and lightly butter both sides of your bread slices. Dip the bread into the egg mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. This step is the hallmark of the Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe. The egg bath gives the bread its luscious golden crust while keeping it soft inside.
Step 4: Toasting the Bread
Heat a clean pan over medium heat and melt a little butter to coat it. Toast the egg-coated bread slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn beautifully golden brown and crispy. This buttery crust is exactly what you want to complement the rich meat filling.
Step 5: Assembling the Sandwich
It’s assembly time! Pile a generous amount of the cooked beef mixture onto one slice of the toasted bread. Then, top it off with the other slice to form a hearty sandwich that’s ready to make your taste buds sing.
Step 6: Final Touches
Finish the Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe by garnishing with fresh coriander or parsley if you like. This adds a lovely fresh herbal note and a burst of color that makes the sandwich even more inviting. Now, serve it immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh coriander or parsley on top not only brings a vibrant green pop to the dish but also adds a subtle herbaceous layer that cuts through the richness of the meat. A light sprinkle of chili flakes can also bring a pleasant heat if you like things a little spicy.
Side Dishes
The savory, rich flavor of Roti John pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, wedges of fresh cucumber, or a tangy vinegar-based slaw. These sides add brightness and crunch, balancing out the indulgent sandwich perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To switch things up, you can slice the sandwich diagonally for a classic look or cut it into smaller finger-sized portions for sharing at a brunch or party. Wrapping these sandwiches in parchment paper gives them that authentic street food vibe and makes them super portable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe, store the sandwich and meat mixture separately in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain the best texture and flavor. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked meat mixture in a sealed container for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s best not to freeze the assembled sandwich since the bread can lose its texture after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, warm the meat gently in a pan over low heat. Toast the bread slices again with a bit of butter in a skillet to restore their crispiness before reassembling the sandwich for a fresh-eating experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef in this Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully as a leaner alternative and still absorbs all the delicious sauces beautifully, making it a fantastic option if you prefer poultry.
What type of bread is best for Roti John?
A sturdy baguette or thick white bread is ideal because it holds up well to the moist filling and egg coating without falling apart, plus it toasts up nicely crispy and golden.
Is Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe spicy?
Traditional Roti John isn’t necessarily spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture if you want to give it some heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Try substituting the meat with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian twist that still offers great texture and absorbs the flavorful sauce mixture.
How long does it take to make this dish?
From start to finish, it typically takes about 25 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking—making it a quick, satisfying meal any time of day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing this Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe, a dish that combines simple ingredients into extraordinary flavors and textures. Whether you’re new to this street food classic or a longtime fan, making it at home is a fun and rewarding way to bring a bit of Singapore and Malaysia to your table. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious, savory bite!
Print
Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Singaporean, Malaysian
Description
Roti John is a popular Singaporean and Malaysian street food featuring a flavorful ground meat mixture cooked with savory sauces, sandwiched between egg-dipped toasted bread. This easy recipe combines ground beef with onions, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy, and oyster sauce, all encased in golden, buttery toast for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 pieces baguette or thick white bread
Meat Mixture
- 300g ground beef (or chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Egg Wash
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Butter (for toasting the bread, quantity as needed)
Garnish
- Fresh coriander or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cook Meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the meat mixture and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until the meat is fully cooked and browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Bread: Beat the eggs in a shallow dish. Lightly butter both sides of each bread slice, then dip each slice into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is coated well.
- Toast Bread: In a clean pan, heat a little butter over medium heat. Toast the egg-coated bread slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place a generous amount of the cooked meat mixture onto one slice of toasted bread, then cover with another toasted slice to form a sandwich.
- Serve: Serve the Roti John sandwiches immediately, garnished with fresh coriander or parsley if desired. Enjoy this savory and satisfying meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or pork for variation.
- Adjust the ketchup and mayonnaise quantities to your taste preferences for sweetness and creaminess.
- Be careful not to soak the bread too long in the egg mixture to prevent sogginess.
- Fresh herbs like coriander add a nice color and flavor contrast but are optional.
- This recipe is best served hot to maintain the crispness of the toasted bread.
