Mee Goreng I

Mee Goreng I Recipe from Indonesia with Tofu, Vegetables, and Noodles

Region / culture: Indonesia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Mee Goreng is a popular Indonesian and Malaysian dish that translates to "fried noodles" in English. It is a flavorful and spicy noodle dish that is commonly found in street food stalls and restaurants throughout Southeast Asia.

History

Mee Goreng has its origins in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine, where it is a staple dish enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The dish is believed to have been influenced by Chinese and Indian flavors, resulting in a unique blend of spices and ingredients.

Ingredients

2 tbsp groundnut oil
0.5 onion, diced
220 g firm tofu, cut into 1 cm strips
100 g french beans, trimmed and cut in half at an angle
100 g choi sum (or pak choi), cut into chunks (both leaves and stalks)
300 g fresh egg noodles
1.5 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp sambal oelek (or other savoury chilli paste), plus extra to serve
2 tsp thick soy sauce
2 tsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp water
50 g bean sprouts
1 handful shredded iceberg lettuce
1 tbsp crisp-fried shallots (from south-east Asian food shops; or use dried onion flakes)
lemon wedges, to serve

How to prepare

Place a wok or large pan over high heat.
Once the wok is hot, add the oil followed by the onion. Cook for approximately one minute to slightly soften the onion.
Add the tofu and french beans to the wok and cook for two to three minutes, allowing the tofu to develop some color.
Stir gently while cooking, being careful not to break up the tofu.
Next, add the choi sum to the wok.
Once the choi sum wilts, add the noodles and carefully spread them out in the wok using tongs or large chopsticks.
Ensure that the noodles receive ample heat, almost as if they are being fried.
Gently mix and cook the noodles for about two minutes.
Now, add the spices, sambal oelek, soy sauces, water, and beansprouts. Toss the ingredients carefully.
Continue cooking for approximately one minute, or until the noodles are partially soft.
Once done, top the dish with lettuce. Transfer the contents to two serving bowls and sprinkle with crispy shallots.
Serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges and a small bowl of extra sambal oelek on the side.

Variations

Add shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Include vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or cabbage for added nutrition.
Use different types of noodles such as rice noodles or udon noodles for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh egg noodles for the best texture and flavor.

- Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.

- Adjust the amount of sambal oelek to suit your spice preference.

- Use a high heat when cooking to ensure that the noodles are fried evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Mee Goreng can be served with a side of pickled vegetables or a fried egg on top for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe, ensuring that the ingredients are cooked quickly over high heat to retain their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Firm tofu can be substituted with chicken or shrimp.

- French beans can be replaced with green beans or snap peas.

- Choi sum can be swapped with bok choy or spinach.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will help save time when you are ready to make the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mee Goreng in a large bowl with a sprinkle of crispy shallots on top for added crunch. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Mee Goreng pairs well with a cold glass of iced tea or a refreshing coconut water to balance out the spicy flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 45g

Dietary Fiber: 5g

Sugar: 4g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

Vitamin C: 30%

Calcium: 8%

Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains soy and wheat.

Summary

Mee Goreng is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Mee Goreng is a delicious and satisfying noodle dish that is easy to make at home. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Mee Goreng. It was during my travels in Malaysia, a vibrant country with a rich culinary history. I had always been fascinated by the diverse flavors and spices used in Malaysian cuisine, and I was determined to learn as much as I could during my time there.

One day, while exploring the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, I came across a small food stall tucked away in a corner. The aroma of fragrant spices wafted through the air, drawing me in like a magnet. I watched as the chef deftly tossed noodles in a sizzling wok, adding a myriad of ingredients that seemed to dance together in perfect harmony.

Intrigued, I approached the chef and asked him about the dish he was preparing. He smiled warmly and told me it was Mee Goreng, a traditional Malaysian fried noodle dish that was popular all over the country. I was immediately captivated by the combination of flavors – the sweetness of the soy sauce, the heat of the chili, the crunch of the fresh vegetables. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

The chef took me under his wing and taught me the secrets of making Mee Goreng. He showed me how to cook the noodles just right, so they were perfectly chewy and not too soft. He explained the importance of using fresh ingredients, like crispy bean sprouts and tender chicken pieces. And he shared with me his special blend of spices, a mixture of turmeric, cumin, and coriander that gave the dish its signature flavor.

I spent hours in that food stall, practicing my newfound skills and absorbing as much knowledge as I could. The chef was patient and encouraging, guiding me through each step of the cooking process with a gentle hand. And as the fragrant scent of Mee Goreng filled the air, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride knowing that I was mastering a dish that was beloved by so many.

When my time in Malaysia came to an end, I said a heartfelt goodbye to the chef who had taught me so much. He handed me a handwritten recipe for Mee Goreng, a precious gift that I would treasure forever. And as I boarded the plane back home, I knew that I would be bringing a piece of Malaysia with me in the form of this delicious dish.

Over the years, I have continued to make Mee Goreng for my family and friends, sharing the flavors of Malaysia with those I love. Each time I prepare the dish, I am transported back to that food stall in Kuala Lumpur, where I first discovered the magic of Malaysian cuisine. And as I watch my loved ones savoring every bite, I am filled with gratitude for the chef who opened my eyes to the wonders of Mee Goreng.

So whenever I cook up a batch of this fragrant and flavorful dish, I am reminded of the thrill of stumbling upon that recipe in Malaysia, and the journey of discovery that has enriched my life in so many ways. And I hope that as my family enjoys each mouthful of Mee Goreng, they too will feel the same sense of wonder and joy that I experienced on that fateful day in Kuala Lumpur.