Authentic Burmese Mee Shay: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

200g of rice noodles
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
200g of chicken, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 liter of chicken broth
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
2 stalks of spring onions, chopped
2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
1 teaspoon of chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they soften, then drain.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot, and sauté until they become aromatic and the onions are translucent.
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pot and continue sautéing until it is fully cooked.
Stir in the soy sauce and turmeric powder, mixing well to coat the chicken evenly.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Add the fish sauce, salt, and pepper to the soup, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the soup and cook for another 5 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
Serve the Mee Shay in bowls, garnished with slices of hard-boiled eggs, chopped spring onions, coriander leaves, and chili flakes if desired.

Tools for making

Large pot - Needed to cook the soup and noodles.
Knife - Required to mince garlic, chop onions, and slice chicken.
Cutting board - Use to safely chop and prepare ingredients.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure soy sauce, turmeric powder, fish sauce, and other seasonings.
Soup ladle - Needed to serve the Mee Shay soup into bowls.
Tongs - Useful for handling and stirring the rice noodles in the soup.
Soup bowls - To serve the Mee Shay to individuals.
Spoons - Required for eating the Mee Shay soup and noodles.
Chopping board - Use to chop spring onions and coriander leaves as garnish.
Strainer - Required to drain the soaked rice noodles.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
Seafood Variation: Add cooked shrimp, squid, or fish to the soup for a seafood twist.
Beef Mee Shay: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak or sirloin.
Vegan Adaptation: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the fish sauce or replace it with a vegan alternative.
Spicy Mee Shay: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add diced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.
Vegetable Medley: Add a variety of vegetables like bok choy, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the soup for added texture and flavor.
Coconut Curry Mee Shay: Replace the chicken broth with coconut milk and add curry paste or powder to create a creamy and fragrant curry broth.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like Thai basil, mint, or lemongrass to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
Extra Toppings: Customize your Mee Shay with additional toppings such as fried shallots, bean sprouts, lime wedges, or crushed peanuts.

Recipe overview

Mee Shay, also known as Burmese rice noodle soup, is a delicious and hearty dish that's packed with flavors. This recipe revolves around a rich broth, tender chicken, and soft, chewy noodles, garnished with hard-boiled eggs, spring onions, coriander leaves, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick. The dish is easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It starts with sautéing garlic and onions, followed by adding the chicken and seasonings, and finally the broth where the noodles will be cooked. At the end, you'll have a bowl of noodle soup that's comforting, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. This recipe serves 4 people and the cooking time is around 40 minutes. If you're looking for a new flavor adventure in your kitchen, give Mee Shay a try.

Common questions

Can I use other types of noodles instead of rice noodles? Yes, you can substitute rice noodles with any type of noodles you prefer, such as wheat noodles or egg noodles. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use other proteins like beef or tofu instead of chicken? Absolutely! Feel free to use beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu as a protein substitute. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of Mee Shay? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the meat. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or bean sprouts for more flavor and texture.
Can I make Mee Shay in advance? Yes, you can prepare the broth and noodles in advance. However, it's best to cook the noodles just before serving to avoid them becoming too soft or sticking together.
Can I freeze Mee Shay? While it is technically possible to freeze Mee Shay, it is not recommended as the texture of the noodles may change after thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh.
How spicy is Mee Shay? Mee Shay is typically not very spicy, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes according to your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - For cooking the soup.
Knife - To slice the chicken and chop the onion.
Cutting board - To safely cut and prepare the ingredients.
Spatula - For stirring and sautéing the ingredients.
Soup ladle - To serve the Mee Shay soup into bowls.
Soup bowls - For serving the Mee Shay.
Chopsticks - Traditional utensils used for enjoying the Mee Shay.
Serving spoon - To scoop up the noodles and toppings from the soup.
Small bowl - To hold the sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Garnish shaker - Optional, for sprinkling chili flakes onto the Mee Shay.

Origin stories

Mee Shay, also known as Burmese rice noodles, is a popular dish hailing from Shan State in the eastern part of Myanmar. The rich, flavorful broth accompanied by rice noodles is a testament to the fusion of local culinary practices and influences from neighboring countries. Interestingly, the name 'Mee Shay' translates to 'mixed noodles', which reflects the medley of ingredients used in this enticing dish. The recipe varies from region to region and even from family to family, making Mee Shay a truly unique and versatile dish. This dish is typically served at special occasions and gatherings, symbolizing unity and the shared love for food among the people of Myanmar.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.