Tongan-style Ham and Egg Bun

Ingredients

In the original Hong Kong cuisine, the Ham and Egg Bun is typically served with a sweet bun and often includes additional ingredients like mayonnaise and lettuce. However, in this Tongan adaptation, we have incorporated Tongan spices and flavors to create a unique twist. The bun used in this recipe is a traditional Tongan-style bun, which has a slightly denser texture compared to the sweet bun used in the original dish. Additionally, we have omitted the mayonnaise and lettuce to stay true to Tongan culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Ham and Egg Bun, so you can check it out.

• 4 Tongan-style buns 4 Tongan-style buns
• 4 slices of ham 4 slices of ham
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon Tongan spice blend (combination of ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground turmeric) 1 teaspoon Tongan spice blend (combination of ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground turmeric)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Slice the Tongan-style buns in half horizontally.
3. 3.
   Place a slice of ham on the bottom half of each bun.
4. 4.
   In a frying pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Crack an egg into the pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. Repeat for the remaining eggs.
6. 6.
   Carefully transfer each cooked egg onto a slice of ham.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the Tongan spice blend, salt, and pepper over the eggs.
8. 8.
   Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich.
9. 9.
   Wrap each bun in aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the buns are warmed through.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven, unwrap the buns, and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tongan-style buns — If you can't find Tongan-style buns, you can use any soft and slightly dense bun as a substitute.
• Tongan spice blend — You can make your own Tongan spice blend by combining equal parts ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground turmeric.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder to the Tongan spice blend.
• If you prefer your eggs fully cooked, cook them until the yolks are no longer runny.
• Serve the Tongan-style Ham and Egg Buns with a side of fresh tropical fruit for a complete Tongan meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Tongan-style Ham and Egg Buns warm as a delicious breakfast or brunch option. They can also be enjoyed as a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Tongan-style Ham and Egg Buns with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.