Authentic Mee Jawa Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making this Beloved Malaysian Delicacy

Ingredients

For the Jawa Gravy:

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 shallots, minced
1 tablespoons of chili paste
3 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce
2 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of white vinegar
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt

For the Noodles:

500g of yellow noodles

For the Garnish:

2 boiled potatoes, cut into small cubes
2 hard-boiled eggs, cut in half
1 cup of bean sprouts
1/2 cup of chives, chopped
1/2 cup of fried shallots
1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps and instructions

Start by preparing the Jawa gravy. In a large pot, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots to the pot and sauté until they become golden and fragrant.
Add the chili paste to the pot and continue sautéing for another 2 minutes. Stir in the sweet soy sauce.
Pour the chicken broth and water into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the gravy is simmering, prepare the noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the yellow noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Prepare the garnish. Boil the potatoes and eggs, and prepare the bean sprouts, chives, and fried shallots.
To serve, place a portion of noodles in a bowl. Pour the Jawa gravy over the noodles. Top with the garnishes: potatoes, eggs, bean sprouts, chives, and fried shallots. Serve with a lime wedge on the side.

Tools for making

Large pot - for cooking the Jawa gravy and boiling the noodles
Spatula - for sautéing the garlic and shallots in the pot
Chopping board - for mincing the garlic and shallots
Knife - for mincing the garlic and shallots, and cutting the potatoes
Measuring spoons - for measuring the chili paste, sweet soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt
Cooking spoon - for stirring the Jawa gravy while simmering
Pot - for boiling the noodles
Colander - for draining the cooked noodles
Bowls - for serving the Mee Jawa
Lime squeezer - for squeezing lime juice over the Mee Jawa

Recipe variations

Use different types of noodles such as rice noodles or udon noodles instead of yellow noodles.
Add protein to the dish, such as cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Include additional vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or bell peppers.
Add a spicy kick by increasing the amount of chili paste or adding chili flakes.
Experiment with different garnishes like sliced cucumbers, crushed peanuts, or fresh cilantro.
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the meat.
For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat noodles or substituting the sweet soy sauce with a low-sodium soy sauce.
Adjust the level of sweetness and tanginess by adding more or less brown sugar and vinegar.
For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tamarind paste to the Jawa gravy.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the gravy while simmering.

Recipe overview

Mee Jawa is a popular noodle dish in Malaysia and Indonesia, known for its unique sweet and sour gravy. The recipe begins with the preparation of a flavorful Jawa gravy, made from a delicious blend of garlic, shallots, chili paste, sweet soy sauce, and chicken broth. The gravy is then generously poured over cooked yellow noodles and garnished with a variety of ingredients, including boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, fresh bean sprouts, chives, and fried shallots. A squeeze of lime adds a refreshing touch to the dish. This recipe is straightforward to follow and offers a delightful experience of Southeast Asian flavors. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful dish and the rich, savory, and tangy flavors it delivers.

Common questions

Can I use other types of noodles instead of yellow noodles? Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as egg noodles or rice noodles as a substitute for yellow noodles.
Is there a vegetarian version of Mee Jawa? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the eggs. You can also add tofu or tempeh as a protein option.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the Jawa gravy? Absolutely! You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili paste according to your preference.
Can I make the Jawa gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can make the Jawa gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.
What other toppings can I add to Mee Jawa? Besides the garnishes listed in the recipe, you can also add fried tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken as additional toppings for extra flavor and texture.
Can I freeze Mee Jawa? It is not recommended to freeze Mee Jawa as the texture of the noodles may change upon thawing. It is best to consume it fresh.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pot - A large pot for cooking the Jawa gravy and boiling the noodles.
Frying Pan - Used for sautéing the garlic and shallots for the Jawa gravy.
Knife - For mincing the garlic, shallots, and cutting the garnishes.
Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for chopping and cutting ingredients.
Spatula - Useful for stirring and mixing the Jawa gravy.
Tongs - For handling and serving the noodles.
Strainer - To drain the cooked noodles.
Bowls - For serving the Mee Jawa.
Ladle - For pouring the Jawa gravy over the noodles.
Serving Spoon - To dish out the garnishes and toppings.

Origin stories

Hailing from the vibrant street food culture of Malaysia and Indonesia, Mee Jawa nestles an intriguing tale within its tangy and sweet flavors. The dish's name, translating to 'Javanese Noodles', pays tribute to its Javanese origins, implying its journey across the straits, carried by Javanese migrants settling in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, its taste, rich with a variety of local ingredients, has unmistakably taken on the culinary DNA of its adopted homeland. These humble noodles, drenched in a gravy that dances between sweet and spicy, encapsulate the harmonious blending of cultures in Southeast Asia, making Mee Jawa a beloved staple in the region's bustling food landscape.

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.