Authentic Singaporean Dry Mee Pok Recipe

Ingredients

250g Mee Pok Noodles (flat yellow noodles)
150g Minced Pork
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Chilli Paste
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
4 Bok Choy
2 Fish Cakes, sliced
2 Eggs
2 tablespoons Vinegar
1 tablespoon Sugar
4 Spring Onions, chopped
Ground White Pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir fry until golden and fragrant.
Add the minced pork to the pan, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the mee pok noodles and boil for about 5 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, add the bok choy and boil until tender. Drain and set aside.
Heat a bit more oil in another pan over medium heat. Add the fish cakes and fry until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Prepare the sauce by combining the chilli paste, vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Now, it’s time to assemble the dish. Divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Top with the cooked minced pork, bok choy, and fish cakes.
Pour half of the chicken stock into each bowl. Then, add a spoonful of the chilli sauce to each bowl.
Fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Place one egg on top of each bowl of noodles.
Garnish with the chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of ground white pepper.
Serve the Dry Mee Pok hot and enjoy!

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized pan for stir frying the minced pork and garlic.
Pot - A pot for boiling the mee pok noodles and bok choy.
Small Bowl - A small bowl for mixing the chilli paste, vinegar, and sugar to make the sauce.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring and flipping the minced pork and fish cakes.
Tongs - Tongs for handling the noodles and bok choy during boiling and transferring to the bowls.
Whisk - A whisk for beating the eggs.
Chopping Board - A chopping board for mincing the garlic and chopping the spring onions.
Knife - A knife for mincing the garlic, slicing the fish cakes, and chopping the spring onions.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
Strainer - A strainer for draining the noodles and bok choy.

Recipe variations

Use chicken or beef instead of minced pork for a different protein option.
Add sliced mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Replace mee pok noodles with spaghetti or linguini for a Western twist.
Add shrimp or squid for a seafood variation.
Include vegetables like bean sprouts, bell peppers, or carrots for added freshness and crunch.
Experiment with different chili pastes or sauces to vary the level of spiciness.
Top with fried shallots or crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
Replace the fish cakes with sliced fish balls or fish tofu.
Try using different types of vinegar such as black vinegar or rice vinegar.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles.

Recipe overview

Dry Mee Pok is a popular dish in Singapore and Malaysia, showcasing a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This recipe features mee pok, which are flat yellow noodles, served dry with a variety of toppings. These include savory minced pork stir-fried in a mix of soy, oyster, and fish sauce, crisp bok choy, golden fried fish cakes, and a perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk. A spicy, tangy chilli sauce and a light, flavorful chicken stock bring it all together. Garnished with spring onions and a dash of white pepper, this dish is a treat for the senses. In just a few easy steps, you'll be able to whip up this hearty and delicious meal. Enjoy the process, and savor the sumptuous result!

Common questions

Can I use other types of noodles instead of mee pok? Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as spaghetti or linguine if you don't have mee pok available.
Can I substitute the minced pork with another protein? Absolutely! You can substitute minced pork with minced chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can omit the minced meat and fish cakes, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Definitely! You can increase or decrease the amount of chilli paste according to your preference for spiciness.
How can I make the dish less oily? You can reduce the amount of vegetable oil used and opt for leaner cuts of meat or use less meat overall. You can also drain excess oil from the cooked minced pork before adding the sauces.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Of course! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bean sprouts, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition.
Can I make the dish in advance? It's best to serve the Dry Mee Pok immediately after assembling to enjoy its freshness and flavors. However, you can prepare the components (cooked noodles, minced pork, sauce) in advance and assemble them just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pot - Used for boiling noodles and blanching vegetables.
Pan - Used for stir-frying minced pork and garlic.
Small Bowl - Used for preparing the chili sauce.
Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping ingredients in the pan.
Tongs - Used for handling and flipping the fish cakes.
Strainer - Used for draining the cooked noodles and vegetables.
Chopping Board - Used for chopping the spring onions.
Knife - Used for mincing garlic, slicing fish cakes, and chopping spring onions.
Measuring Spoons - Used for accurately measuring the required amounts of soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
Whisk - Used for whisking the chili paste, vinegar, and sugar together to make the sauce.

Origin stories

Mee Pok, a staple noodle dish of Singapore, has its roots in the Fujian province of China. It made its way to the Lion City through the Teochew community, a subgroup within the larger Chinese community in Singapore. Upon arrival, the dish was adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients, resulting in the unique version of Mee Pok that we know today. What's particularly delightful is how this humble dish, originally a quick, simple meal for labourers, has transformed into a beloved national dish that's enjoyed at all hours of the day. Whether it's the start of a busy workday or after a late night out, you'll find Singaporeans lining up for a comforting bowl of Mee Pok, proof of its enduring appeal.

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.