Northeastern Chinese-style Sweet Bread Scramble

Ingredients

In this Northeastern Chinese adaptation of Semmelschmarrn, the traditional German flavors are enhanced with the bold and aromatic elements of Northeastern Chinese cuisine. The addition of ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder infuses the dish with a unique flavor profile, distinct from the original German version. We alse have the original recipe for Semmelschmarrn, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (480g) stale bread, torn into small pieces 4 cups (480g) stale bread, torn into small pieces
• 3 eggs 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, soy sauce, honey or sugar, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced scallions.
2. 2.
   Add the torn bread pieces to the bowl and gently toss until all the bread is coated with the egg mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the bread mixture to the skillet and spread it out evenly.
4. 4.
   Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread is golden and crispy on the outside.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the cooked bread scramble and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve hot and enjoy the delightful fusion of German and Northeastern Chinese flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Stale bread — Using stale bread is essential for achieving the perfect texture in this dish. If you don't have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread in the oven before tearing it into pieces.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can incorporate diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the dish.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or sugar according to your preference.
• Serve the Sweet Bread Scramble with a side of spicy chili sauce for an extra kick.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or rye, to add variety to the dish.
• Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven for a quick and delicious breakfast the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Northeastern Chinese-style Sweet Bread Scramble as a main dish for breakfast or brunch. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Sweet Bread Scramble with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a generous handful of fresh cilantro to add visual appeal. Serve it in a large platter or individual bowls, allowing the golden and crispy bread pieces to take center stage.