Description
Singapore Malaysian French Toast, also known as Roti John, is a delicious Southeast Asian street food favorite. This savory sandwich features a flavorful spiced ground meat and egg mixture soaked into soft baguette halves and pan-fried until golden and crispy. Served with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, fresh cucumber, and shredded lettuce, it makes for a satisfying and hearty main course perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 soft baguettes or sandwich rolls, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter for frying
Topping and Serving
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sliced cucumber
- Shredded lettuce
- Ketchup (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ground meat with chopped onion, minced garlic, green chili (if using), curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or water, and soy sauce until fully combined. Add the cooled meat mixture and stir well to incorporate.
- Soak the Baguette: Lay the baguette halves cut-side down into the egg and meat mixture, pressing slightly to ensure the filling sticks to the bread. Let the baguette soak for about 1 minute to absorb the flavors.
- Pan-Fry the Sandwich: Heat oil or butter in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the soaked baguette halves cut-side down into the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the bread is golden and the egg mixture is set on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 1–2 minutes until toasted and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the toasts from the pan and slice into portions if desired. Drizzle with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Serve warm with freshly sliced cucumber and shredded lettuce either on the side or tucked inside the sandwich. Optionally add ketchup for extra flavor.
Notes
- Ground beef or chicken can be substituted with tuna for a different protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of green chili to increase or decrease the spiciness according to your preference.
- Best served warm and crispy right out of the pan for optimal texture and flavor.
