Delicious and Authentic Mee Krob: Thai Sweet and Sour Crispy Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

  • 150g of rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1/2 cup of tamarind paste
  • 1/2 cup of palm sugar
  • 1/4 cup of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 300g of prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup of bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts
  • 1/4 cup of chopped coriander leaves
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped chives
  • Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan for deep frying.
  2. Add the rice vermicelli noodles to the hot oil and fry until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. In a saucepan, combine the tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and paprika. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  4. Add the prawns to the sauce and cook until they turn pink.
  5. Push the prawns to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
  6. Add the fried vermicelli noodles and toss well to combine with the sauce, prawns and eggs.
  7. Add the bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, coriander leaves and chives. Toss gently until everything is well combined.
  8. Serve the Mee Krob immediately while it's still warm.

Tools for making

  • Deep Pan - A pan with high sides for deep frying.
  • Saucepan - A small pan for cooking the sauce.
  • Paper towels - To drain the fried noodles.
  • Tongs - For handling the fried noodles and prawns.
  • Spatula - For scrambling the eggs and tossing the noodles.
  • Knife - To chop the peanuts, coriander leaves, and chives.
  • Cutting board - To chop the peanuts, coriander leaves, and chives.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or beef instead of prawns for a meat variation.
  • Replace the rice vermicelli noodles with egg noodles or udon noodles.
  • Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas for extra crunch and flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the prawns and substitute with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different sauces like sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce instead of tamarind sauce.
  • Add a spicy kick by incorporating chopped chili peppers or chili flakes.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions or cilantro for an added freshness.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of fish sauce.
  • Try using a different type of nut, such as cashews or almonds, instead of peanuts.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice for a citrusy twist.

Recipe overview

Mee Krob is a popular sweet and sour dish from Thailand, famous for its delightful crunch and irresistible flavors. It combines fried vermicelli noodles with a tangy tamarind sauce and succulent prawns, all tossed together with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts for texture. This recipe makes it easy for you to recreate this street food favorite at home. With its combination of crispy noodles, luscious sauce, and a mix of savory ingredients, this dish will be a sure hit for a family dinner or a special occasion. Expect a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in this dish, which is a characteristic of Thai cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of noodles? Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as rice stick noodles or egg noodles as a substitute for rice vermicelli noodles.
  2. Can I use something else instead of prawns? Absolutely, you can substitute prawns with chicken, tofu, or even just vegetables if you prefer a vegetarian version.
  3. Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less paprika according to your taste preference.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It is best to serve Mee Krob immediately after cooking to maintain its crispy texture. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and quickly stir-fry them just before serving.
  5. Can I omit any of the ingredients? Feel free to omit or adjust any of the ingredients according to your dietary restrictions or personal taste. However, keep in mind that the combination of flavors and textures in the original recipe creates the authentic Mee Krob experience.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Mee Krob, which translates to "crispy noodles", is a beloved dish in Thailand, particularly in the central region. The amusement comes from the fact that despite its deep roots in Thai cuisine, Mee Krob actually gained international acclaim through a rather unconventional path. It was introduced to the global audience by a fictional character from America - Frasier Crane from the sitcom “Frasier”. In one episode, the character cited Mee Krob as his favorite dish, causing a surge of interest in the Thai delicacy among viewers. This has led to Mee Krob becoming a popular dish in Thai restaurants around the world, showing that sometimes, the route to global gastronomic fame can come from the most unexpected of places!

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.