If you’re craving a unique twist on a classic breakfast treat, the Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe offers just that—a delightful fusion of crispy, eggy bread filled with savory, flavorful ground meat. This iconic street food combines the richness of a traditional French toast with the bold, aromatic spices of Malaysia and Singapore, creating a mouthwatering sandwich that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a hearty snack. Every bite brings together textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering that perfect balance of taste and texture. From the crispy bread to the juicy, well-seasoned filling, these ingredients come together to create comfort and flavor in every bite.
- Baguette or thick white bread: Provides a sturdy base with a crunchy crust and soft interior, perfect for holding the filling.
- Ground beef or chicken (300g): The main protein packed with savory goodness and a meaty texture.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds a hint of sweetness and aromatic depth to the meat mixture.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Essential for coating the bread and creating that luscious golden crust.
- Mayonnaise (2 tbsp): Brings creaminess and helps bind the filling for a juicy texture.
- Ketchup (2 tbsp): Offers a subtle sweetness and tanginess to balance the savory flavors.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Adds umami and a touch of saltiness that elevates the meat.
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp): Introduces a rich, savory layer with a hint of sweetness.
- Ground black pepper (1 tsp): Gives a gentle heat and aromatic spice that wakes up the palate.
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp): For frying the filling to perfection without overpowering flavors.
- Butter: Used to toast the bread, providing a golden, flavorful crust.
- Fresh coriander or parsley (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color when garnishing the finished sandwich.
How to Make Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
Start by combining the ground beef, finely chopped onions, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well incorporated; this is where the wonderful layered flavors of your Roti John begin to build.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a pan. Add your flavorful meat mixture and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Cook until the meat is fully done and has developed a lovely caramelized surface—this step really intensifies the savory, juicy experience that defines this dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture and Bread
In a shallow dish, beat your eggs until smooth. Lightly butter both sides of each bread slice to ensure they toast beautifully. Then dip each piece of bread into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat them well for that perfectly crisp, golden exterior.
Step 4: Toast the Egg-Coated Bread
In a clean pan, melt some butter over medium heat and toast each slice of bread for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want them evenly golden brown and crispy, offering a delightful contrast to the juicy filling inside.
Step 5: Assemble Your Roti John
To build your sandwich, spoon a generous amount of the cooked meat filling onto one slice of the toasted bread. Top it with another slice to create a compact, hearty sandwich ready to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped coriander or parsley on top. Serve immediately while the bread is crispy and the filling still warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh coriander or parsley works wonders here, adding a bright, herbal note that balances the rich and savory meat filling. You might also want to try a light drizzle of extra ketchup or chili sauce if you like a little spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with a simple side salad of fresh cucumber and tomato for crunch and acidity. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of spicy sambal or pickled vegetables to bring out the bold flavors of the Roti John.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwich into smaller, bite-size wedges for a party platter or an interactive brunch board. Wrapping each sandwich portion in parchment paper gives a charming street-food vibe, making it perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roti John is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days for the freshest taste and to maintain the meat’s tenderness and bread’s texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked meat filling separately for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before assembling the sandwich to avoid soggy bread.
Reheating
To revive your leftovers, reheat the meat filling gently in a pan over low heat. Toast or pan-fry the bread slices separately with a bit of butter to crisp them back up, then assemble fresh for a satisfying meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef in this Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken is a great alternative that works really well with the seasoning in this recipe. Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and break it down finely for the best texture inside your sandwich.
What type of bread is best for Roti John?
Thick white bread or baguette slices work best because they hold up well when dipped in egg and toasted. Avoid bread that is too thin or soft as it might become soggy with the filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for textured vegetable protein, mushrooms, or mashed beans for a vegetarian-friendly version. Adjust your seasonings accordingly, and you’ll still get that savory punch.
How spicy is this Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe?
This recipe is mildly spiced with black pepper but is generally not very spicy. You can add chili sauce or fresh chili to increase the heat based on your preference.
Can I prepare the meat filling in advance?
Definitely. The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. This actually lets the flavors deepen, making your Roti John even more irresistible when assembled and served.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe—it’s comfort food with character that you can whip up with confidence and enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging on your own, the perfect mix of crispy bread and savory filling is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and you may just find your new favorite sandwich.
Print
Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Singaporean, Malaysian
Description
A savory and flavorful Singapore Malaysian French Toast known as Roti John, featuring a filling of spiced ground beef cooked with onions and sauces, sandwiched between egg-coated, butter-toasted bread slices for a crispy, satisfying meal perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 pieces baguette or thick white bread
Filling
- 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
Egg Coating
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Butter (for toasting the bread)
Cooking Oils and Garnish
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh coriander or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Mixture: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with finely chopped onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly for a flavorful filling.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat 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 is fully cooked and browned. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Bread: Beat the eggs in a shallow dish. Lightly butter both sides of each bread piece. Dip each slice gently into the beaten eggs, coating both sides thoroughly to ensure a rich, eggy crust.
- Toast Bread: Heat a clean pan over medium heat and add a little butter. Toast the egg-coated bread slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, creating a perfect exterior texture.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place a generous amount of the cooked beef mixture onto one slice of toasted bread. Top it with another slice to form a hearty sandwich.
- Serve: Serve your Roti John immediately, garnished with fresh coriander or parsley if desired. Enjoy the savory and satisfying flavors of this classic Singapore Malaysian French toast.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper and sauces according to your taste preference.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of chili sauce or chopped fresh chilies to the beef mixture.
- Ensure the bread is thoroughly coated in egg and buttered for the best crispy texture.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.
