Delicious and Authentic Mee Goreng Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g of fresh egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 100g of firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of chili sauce (adjust per taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup of bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup of fried shallots for garnish
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, rinse with cold water and set aside.
  2. Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil.
  3. Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
  4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. On the other side, pour in the beaten eggs. Let them cook without stirring for about a minute, until they start to set. Then stir to scramble the eggs, mixing them with the vegetables.
  5. Add the tofu cubes to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the tofu is heated through.
  6. Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss to combine them with the other ingredients.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together the sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce, and turmeric. Pour this sauce over the noodles in the pan. Toss again to evenly distribute the sauce and coat all the ingredients.
  8. Add the green onions and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for another minute, until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted.
  9. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a little more soy sauce or salt if needed.
  10. Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the fried shallots over the noodles as a garnish.
  11. Serve the mee goreng hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Tools for making

  • Wok or Frying Pan - A large wok or frying pan is needed for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Cooking Spoon or Spatula - A cooking spoon or spatula is essential for tossing and stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for mincing garlic, slicing onions, and thinly slicing the bell pepper.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is required for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the sauce ingredients together.
  • Whisk or Fork - A whisk or fork can be used to beat the eggs lightly.
  • Colander - A colander is necessary for rinsing the cooked noodles with cold water.
  • Serving Plate or Bowl - A serving plate or bowl is needed to serve the prepared mee goreng.
  • Lime Squeezer - A lime squeezer can be used to extract the juice from the lime wedges for serving.
  • Fried Shallots - Fried shallots can be used as a garnish for the mee goreng.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of noodles such as rice noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles.
  • Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef for a meaty variation.
  • Replace the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a vegetarian protein option.
  • Incorporate a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, or bok choy.
  • Add sliced fresh chili peppers for extra heat.
  • Include chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
  • Experiment with different sauces like hoisin sauce, sriracha, or fish sauce.
  • For a spicier version, use sambal oelek or Korean gochujang paste.
  • Include other herbs and spices like cilantro, basil, or lemongrass.
  • Try adding pineapple chunks for a touch of sweetness.

Recipe overview

Mee Goreng is a popular stir-fried noodle dish hailing from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. With its robust flavors from a mix of sauces and aromatic spices, this dish is a delightful representation of Southeast Asian cuisine. This recipe presents a simple and straightforward way to prepare Mee Goreng at home, using common ingredients like fresh egg noodles, tofu, and a variety of vegetables. The core of the dish is in the sauce, combining sweet soy sauce, regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili for a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy kick. Topped with fried shallots for a crunch and served with a side of lime for an acidic twist, this dish is a balance of textures and flavors. Expect a deliciously satisfying meal that's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Common questions

  1. Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh egg noodles?
    Yes, you can use dried noodles as a substitute for fresh egg noodles. Just follow the package instructions to cook them before adding to the recipe.
  2. Can I use other vegetables?
    Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or substituting vegetables based on your preference. Popular choices include cabbage, carrots, and snow peas.
  3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the eggs and using vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce instead.
  4. What can I use as a substitute for kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)?
    If you don't have kecap manis, you can create a substitute by combining regular soy sauce with a sweetener like brown sugar or molasses.
  5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
    Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili sauce according to your taste preferences.
  6. Can I make mee goreng ahead of time?
    While it is best to serve mee goreng immediately after cooking, you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Then, you can quickly stir-fry them together when ready to serve.
  7. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Mee goreng is best enjoyed fresh, so it is not recommended to freeze leftovers. The noodles may become soggy when thawed and reheated.
  8. Can I use other protein sources instead of tofu?
    Certainly! You can substitute tofu with cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or even add more vegetables to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A large, deep, round-bottomed pan traditionally used for stir-frying.
  • Frying Pan - An alternative to a wok for cooking the ingredients.
  • Spatula - To stir and toss the ingredients in the pan.
  • Small Bowl - For mixing the sauce ingredients.
  • Cooking Spoon - For mixing and stirring the noodles and other ingredients.
  • Knife - To mince the garlic, slice the onion, and thinly slice the bell pepper.
  • Cutting Board - To safely chop and prepare the vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the sauce ingredients.
  • Tongs - To handle and toss the noodles in the pan.
  • Ladle - To serve the mee goreng onto plates or bowls.
  • Garnish Shaker - Optional, for sprinkling fried shallots over the dish.
  • Lime Squeezer - To extract juice from the lime wedges for an extra tangy flavor.

Origin stories

Mee Goreng, which literally translates to "fried noodles" in Malay, is a popular dish in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, with variations also found in other Southeast Asian countries. Despite its ubiquity in these regions, the dish actually has roots in Chinese cuisine, introduced by Chinese immigrants in Southeast Asia. The noodles are typically stir-fried in a wok with a mix of meats or tofu, vegetables, and a savory sauce, reflecting the harmonious blend of flavors that characterizes Southeast Asian cooking. While it's commonly sold by street vendors, Mee Goreng has also found its way into fancy restaurants, illustrating the dish's versatility and widespread appeal. Each region, and indeed each cook, tends to have their own take on Mee Goreng, making it a truly diverse dish that's as rich in variations as the cultures it spans.

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.

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