Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John)

Looking for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? Let me introduce you to Roti John, a classic from Singapore and Malaysia that’s as satisfying as it is delicious! Think of it as a savory French toast, stuffed with ground meat, veggies, and a deliciously rich egg mixture. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a late-night snack, Roti John is a crowd-pleaser with the ideal combination of crispy, savory, and indulgent. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John)

Savory Perfection: Unlike your traditional French toast, this version is packed with seasoned ground meat and veggies, giving you a hearty and flavorful meal.
Crunchy Outside, Soft Inside: The toast is fried to golden perfection—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Quick and Easy: It’s simple to make, and with just a few ingredients, you can whip up an amazing meal that feels special.
Customizable: Whether you’re into chicken, beef, or want a vegetarian version, you can adjust the filling to suit your preferences.
Perfect for Any Time of Day: Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish works wonderfully at any hour.

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Ingredients in Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John)

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious, savory treat:

  • Bread: Soft, thick slices of white bread work best for this, giving you that perfect texture.
  • Ground Meat (Chicken, Beef, or Lamb): The star of the filling, seasoned perfectly for a savory punch.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
  • Green Bell Pepper: For a little crunch and color.
  • Egg: Used to coat the bread and give it that rich, French toast texture.
  • Mayonnaise and Chili Sauce: For the creamy, tangy, and spicy topping.
  • Salt & Pepper: To season the filling and the bread.
  • Garlic: For an aromatic base in the meat filling.
  • Butter: For frying the Roti John to a golden crisp.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish:

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon. Once the meat is browned, add chopped onions, green bell peppers, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened. Set aside.

Make the Egg Mixture

In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, a pinch of salt, and a little pepper. You can add a dash of milk for a creamier texture if you’d like.

Assemble the Roti John

Dip the slices of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Heat some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the egg-coated bread slices in the skillet, and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.

Add the Filling

Once the bread is crispy, spread the meat and vegetable filling onto one side of each bread slice. If you like, add a little more chili sauce or mayonnaise on top for extra flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Roti John immediately with a drizzle of mayonnaise and chili sauce on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color, and enjoy this savory, flavorful dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350 (approx.)
(Note: This may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John)

With a Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with some tangy dressing can balance out the richness of the Roti John.
Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled cucumbers or carrots pairs perfectly with this dish to add a little tang.
French Fries: Want to make it extra indulgent? Serve your Roti John with crispy fries for a true comfort food feast.

Additional Tips

Customize the Meat: You can use any ground meat you prefer. Chicken, beef, or lamb all work wonderfully in this dish. If you prefer vegetarian, consider using mushrooms or tofu instead.
Make It Spicy: Add a bit more chili sauce or some chopped fresh chilies to the meat filling if you like extra heat.
Perfect for Leftovers: If you have any leftover Roti John, simply reheat it in a skillet to crisp it back up before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the filling and egg mixture ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble and fry the Roti John when you’re ready to eat.

Q2: Can I use a different type of bread?
A2: Absolutely! While thick white bread is traditional, you can also try using whole wheat or even a baguette for a different twist.

Q3: Can I freeze the Roti John?
A3: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked Roti John after it’s assembled. Reheat it in the skillet when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A4: Yes! A slice of melted cheese on top of the meat filling adds a nice creamy texture and extra flavor.

Q5: Can I use a non-meat filling?
A5: Absolutely! You can replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or even scrambled eggs for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

This Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) is a savory, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of day. With crispy, egg-coated bread and a savory meat filling, it’s the kind of meal that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, you can’t go wrong with this delicious twist on French toast.

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Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John)


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Roti John, a popular street food in Singapore and Malaysia, is a delicious sandwich made with a crispy, savory French toast-style bread filled with seasoned beef or chicken, onions, and a blend of flavorful sauces. This unique twist on French toast is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors! #RotiJohn #MalaysianStreetFood #SavoryFrenchToast #AsianSandwich #SingaporeFood #BreakfastIdeas #StreetFoodRecipe


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pieces baguette or thick white bread
  • 300g ground beef (or chicken)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Butter (for toasting the bread)
  • Fresh coriander or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with chopped onions, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the beef mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until it’s fully cooked and browned. Set aside.
  3. Beat the eggs in a shallow dish. Lightly butter both sides of the bread pieces. Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture, coating each slice well.
  4. In a clean pan, heat a little more butter over medium heat. Toast the bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. To assemble, place a generous portion of the cooked beef mixture onto one slice of the toasted bread, then top with the other slice to form a sandwich.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh coriander or parsley if desired. Enjoy your savory Roti John sandwich!

Notes

  • You can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add chili sauce or fresh chilies to the beef mixture.
  • Roti John can be served with a side of fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
  • To make it more authentic, try adding a little cheese in the middle of the sandwich for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying, Toasting
  • Cuisine: Singapore, Malaysian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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