Authentic Singaporean Mee Pok Noodles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

200 grams of Mee Pok noodles
150 grams of minced pork
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1 cup of bean sprouts
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of white pepper
2 cups of chicken broth
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 bunch of green onions, sliced
2 bird's eye chili, sliced (optional for added spice)

Steps and instructions

First, boil the Mee Pok noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Heat up a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fry until they turn golden brown.
Add the minced pork into the pan and cook until it changes color. Season it with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.
In a separate pan, heat up the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry until the edges are crispy but the yolks are still runny.
Next, prepare the sauce by mixing together the chicken broth and cornstarch in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
To assemble, divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked minced pork, fried egg, and bean sprouts. Pour the sauce over the noodles. Garnish with green onions and bird's eye chili, if desired.
Serve the Mee Pok while hot and enjoy!

Tools for making

Large pot - for boiling the noodles
Pan - for frying the minced pork and garlic
Separate pan - for frying the eggs
Saucepan - for making the sauce
Strainer - for draining the cooked noodles
Spatula - for stirring and flipping ingredients
Whisk - for mixing the cornstarch into the sauce
Chopping board - for cutting the green onions and chili
Knife - for mincing the garlic and slicing the green onions and chili
Measuring spoons - for accurately measuring the sauces and spices

Recipe variations

Use different types of noodles such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles.
Experiment with different proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu instead of minced pork.
Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy for added crunch and flavor.
Include other seasonings or sauces such as chili paste, hoisin sauce, or black bean sauce to customize the flavors.
For a spicier version, add more chili peppers or drizzle with chili oil.
Top with crispy fried shallots or crushed peanuts for extra texture.
Include additional toppings like sliced fish cakes, boiled eggs, or fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the meat and substitute with mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives.

Recipe overview

Mee Pok is a flavorful and satisfying noodle dish that originates from Teochew, China. It's very popular in Singapore and loved by many for its robust flavors and varied textures. This dish features thin, flat egg noodles known as Mee Pok, topped with minced pork, a crispy fried egg, fresh bean sprouts, and generously doused in a tangy and savory sauce. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making your own Mee Pok at home. You'll learn how to prepare each component, from boiling the noodles to perfection, frying the minced pork and egg, to creating the tasty sauce that binds everything together. Top it off with fresh green onions and some bird's eye chili for an extra kick, if you like your food spicy. Get ready to cook up a storm and impress your family and friends with this flavorful noodle dish!

Common questions

Can I use other types of noodles instead of Mee Pok? Yes, you can substitute Mee Pok noodles with other types of noodles like spaghetti or linguine if you can't find Mee Pok noodles.
Can I use other types of meat? Certainly! You can use minced chicken, beef, or even shrimp instead of minced pork for this recipe.
Is it necessary to rinse the noodles under cold water? Yes, rinsing the noodles under cold water helps to remove excess starch and stops the cooking process, giving you firm and springy noodles.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, make sure to reheat the sauce before pouring it over the noodles.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can replace the minced pork with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
How spicy is this dish? By default, the dish is not very spicy. However, if you prefer it to be spicy, you can add bird's eye chili or chili flakes to the garnish.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - for boiling the noodles
Pan - for cooking the minced pork and garlic
Saucepan - for preparing the sauce
Strainer - for draining the cooked noodles
Tongs - for handling the noodles and ingredients
Spatula - for stirring and flipping the minced pork and eggs
Whisk - for mixing the cornstarch with the chicken broth
Chopping board - for slicing the green onions and bird's eye chili
Knife - for mincing the garlic and slicing the green onions and chili
Bowls - for serving the Mee Pok

Origin stories

Mee Pok, a popular noodle dish hailing from the Teochew province in China, has found a second home in Singapore, where it is cherished as part of the vibrant local street food culture. This dish is a delightful illustration of how culinary traditions can journey across borders, adapt, and thrive in new environments. Mee Pok, which means "thin noodles" in Teochew dialect, is characterized by its wide, flat egg noodles. The Singapore iteration of Mee Pok is unique, flavoured with a chili-vinegar sauce, a far cry from its origins in China. In the hands of Singaporean hawkers, Mee Pok has evolved into a highly sought-after dish, a testament to the culinary creativity of this island nation.

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.