Authentic Malaysian Mee Celup Recipe: A Delicious Noodle Soup Delight

Ingredients

  • 500g of Yellow Noodles
  • 200g of Bean Sprouts
  • 200g of Beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 Lemongrass Stalks, bruised
  • 4 Kaffir Lime Leaves
  • 2 Fresh Red Chilies
  • 2 Fresh Green Chilies
  • 2 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 Shallots
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of Ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of Coriander Seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of Oil
  • 1 liter of Water
  • 1 tablespoon of Sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of Fish Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of Soy Sauce
  • 1 handful of Fresh Coriander Leaves
  • 2 Spring Onions
  • 3 Limes, cut into wedges
  • Fried Shallots for garnishing
  • Hard Boiled Eggs (optional for serving)

Steps and instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Rinse the yellow noodles under cold water and set aside. Clean the bean sprouts and set aside. Slice the beef into thin strips.
  2. Make the paste: In a food processor, add red chilies, green chilies, garlic, shallots, ginger, and coriander seeds. Process until it forms a smooth paste.
  3. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the prepared paste to the pot. Sauté until it's well combined with the lemongrass and leaves, and the aroma is released.
  5. Add the beef strips to the pot. Stir-fry until the beef is browned.
  6. Pour in the water, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes.
  8. Season the soup with sugar and salt. Adjust to your liking.
  9. In a separate pot, blanch the yellow noodles and bean sprouts. Drain and set aside.
  10. To serve, place some noodles and bean sprouts in a bowl. Ladle the soup and beef over. Top with fresh coriander leaves, spring onions, lime wedges, fried shallots and optionally, a hard-boiled egg.
  11. Serve the Mee Celup hot, and enjoy!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the beef and replace it with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
  • Seafood Variation: Add shrimp, squid, or fish fillets to the soup for a seafood twist.
  • Chicken Mee Celup: Substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh.
  • Spicy Mee Celup: Increase the amount of red chilies or add spicy chili paste to give it an extra kick.
  • Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth instead of water, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
  • Extra Veggies: Add vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or mushrooms to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.
  • Herb Infusion: Infuse the soup with additional herbs like Thai basil or mint leaves for a refreshing twist of flavors.
  • Customize Noodle Type: Use different types of noodles such as rice noodles, egg noodles, or udon noodles according to your preference.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the noodles are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Recipe overview

Mee Celup, a popular dish from Kelantan, Malaysia, is a delicious and comforting noodle soup that's packed with flavor. This delightful recipe brings together a unique blend of herbs and spices, creating a fragrant and hearty soup that's simply irresistible. Thinly sliced beef, fresh bean sprouts, and yellow noodles come together in this broth, making for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Accompanied by garnishes such as fresh coriander leaves, spring onions, lime wedges, and fried shallots, Mee Celup is a feast for the senses. This recipe walks you through each step of the process, ensuring that you can create this Malaysian classic right in your own kitchen. Whether you're new to Malaysian cuisine or a seasoned pro, Mee Celup is a dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy your meal!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles?
    Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as rice noodles or udon noodles.
  2. Can I substitute the beef with other proteins?
    Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu according to your preference.
  3. Can I adjust the spice level?
    Of course! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chilies used in the paste. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, you can add more chilies.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water.
  5. How long can I store the leftovers?
    The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  6. Can I freeze the soup?
    It is not recommended to freeze the soup as the texture of the noodles and bean sprouts may be affected upon thawing.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - For cooking the soup and beef
  • Food Processor - To make the chili paste
  • Knife - For slicing the beef and other ingredients
  • Chopping Board - To chop and prepare the vegetables
  • Frying Pan - To sauté the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves
  • Strainer - For rinsing the noodles and bean sprouts
  • Soup Ladle - For serving the soup
  • Bowls - To serve the Mee Celup
  • Serving Spoons - To portion out the noodles and bean sprouts
  • Garnish Tools - Such as tongs or a spoon for adding fresh coriander leaves, spring onions, fried shallots, and lime wedges

Origin stories

Hailing from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Mee Celup is a popular noodle dish steeped in tradition. Its name, which translates to 'dipped noodles', derives from the method of dipping the noodles into a flavorful, spicy broth before eating. In the bustling food stalls of Kelantan, where this dish originates, Mee Celup is not just a meal, it's a cultural experience that brings people together, irrespective of their background. The aromatic blend of herbs and spices that go into the broth reflect Malaysia's rich culinary heritage, which is influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Thai cuisines. What's interesting is that everyone has their own version of Mee Celup, adding a personal touch to this beloved dish, making each encounter with Mee Celup a unique gastronomic adventure.

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.