Authentic Rougamo Bread Recipe – Crispy, Flaky, and Irresistible!

Servings: 4 Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Rougamo Bread (Chinese-Style Flatbread for Roujiamo)
Rougamo Bread Recipe pinit

The first time I bit into a Rougamo, I was wandering through the bustling streets of Xi’an, mesmerized by the sizzling aroma of street food vendors. The sound of crisp, flaky bread being torn apart, revealing tender, juicy meat inside, made my heart race with anticipation. 

That moment of indulgence left me on a mission to recreate the authentic Rougamo bread recipe at home. Today, I’m sharing that perfected version with you—crispy on the outside, buttery soft within, and filled with mouthwatering flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Rougamo Bread Recipe

  • Authentic & Homemade: Recreates the traditional Chinese street food experience in your kitchen.
  • Crispy Yet Soft: Perfect balance of a flaky outer layer with a chewy interior.
  • Versatile Filling: Can be stuffed with braised pork, beef, or even a vegetarian alternative.
  • Easy to Make: Step-by-step guidance ensures you get it right the first time.

Ingredients for Rougamo Bread

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound pork belly (or beef shank)
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

Pro Tips for the Perfect Rougamo Bread

  • Let the Dough Rest: A 30-minute rest allows gluten to develop, making the bread softer.
  • Cook on Medium Heat: Too high, and the bread burns; too low, and it won’t crisp up properly.
  • Use High-Quality Meat: Slow-cooked pork or beef makes the filling rich and juicy.
  • Brush with Oil Before Cooking: Helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.

How to Make Rumogo Bread?

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Gradually add warm water and knead until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Meat Filling

  1. In a pot, heat oil and sauté garlic and ginger.
  2. Add pork belly (or beef) and sear on both sides.
  3. Pour in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, five-spice powder, and broth.
  4. Simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender.
  5. Shred the meat and mix with hoisin sauce and green onions.

3. Shape and Cook the Bread

  1. Divide dough into equal portions and roll each into a thin circle.
  2. Brush with oil, fold into a spiral, and flatten again.
  3. Cook on a non-stick pan over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.

4. Assemble the Rougamo

  1. Slice the bread in half and fill it generously with the braised meat.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Let’s Cook Rougamo Bread Together!

Now that you have the ultimate Rougamo bread recipe, it’s time to bring the flavors of Xi’an street food into your home! Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy making this crispy, flavor-packed Chinese delight. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!

Authentic Rougamo Bread Recipe – Crispy, Flaky, and Irresistible!

Rougamo bread, also known as Bai Ji Mo (白吉馍), is a soft yet crisp Chinese-style flatbread used in the popular street food dish Roujiamo—often called the "Chinese hamburger." This bread is pan-fried then baked, resulting in a golden crust with a fluffy interior, perfect for holding juicy, braised meat fillings. It's simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.

Rougamo Bread Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 35 mins Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 2 Calories: 420 Best Season: Fall, Winter

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Gradually add warm water and knead until a smooth dough forms.
  3. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  4. In a pot, heat oil and sauté garlic and ginger.
  5. Add pork belly (or beef) and sear on both sides.
  6. Pour in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, five-spice powder, and broth.
  7. Simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender.
  8. Shred the meat and mix with hoisin sauce and green onions.
  9. Divide dough into equal portions and roll each into a thin circle.
  10. Brush with oil, fold into a spiral, and flatten again.
  11. Cook on a non-stick pan over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.
  12. Slice the bread in half and fill it generously with the braised meat.
  13. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1


Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Sodium 320mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I make Rougamo bread ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the bread in advance and store it in an airtight container. Reheat in a dry pan before serving.

What’s the best meat for the filling?

Pork belly is the traditional choice, but beef shank works well too. You can also use shredded chicken or a vegetarian filling.

How do I keep Rougamo bread crispy?

Always cook on medium heat and avoid covering it immediately after cooking to prevent steam from softening the crust.

Can I bake instead of pan-frying the bread?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway.

Olivia Carter

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Olivia Carter is a passionate home chef with over 10 years of experience in crafting heartwarming, family-friendly meals. From hearty stews to homemade bread, she specializes in easy-to-follow, comforting recipes that bring people together. Olivia believes that good food should be simple, delicious, and made with love. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys gardening and sourcing farm-fresh ingredients for her dishes.

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