Hearty and Flavorful Mee Ladna: A Traditional Malaysian Dish Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g yellow noodles
  • 100g prawns
  • 100g squid, sliced into rings
  • 100g fish cake, sliced
  • 100g chicken or beef, sliced
  • 2 cups of mix vegetables (choy sum, carrot, cabbage)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in a little water
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about a minute until it's golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken or beef, prawns, squid, and fish cake. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they are cooked.
  4. Add the vegetables and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are cooked, but still crunchy.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixture. Add this to the wok or pan and stir well to combine with the other ingredients.
  6. Slowly pour in the chicken or beef broth, stirring continually. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. While the sauce is thickening, in a separate pan, scramble the two eggs and cook the yellow noodles until they are just tender. Set these aside.
  8. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, add the cooked noodles and scrambled eggs to the wok. Stir well to combine and ensure the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
  9. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and seafood and replace them with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Version: Add chili paste or sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry for a spicy kick.
  • Seafood Variation: Use a mix of different seafood like shrimp, squid, mussels, and fish fillets instead of meat.
  • Vegan Option: Replace the oyster sauce with a vegan-friendly alternative like mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce.
  • Combo Variation: Combine different types of meat like chicken, beef, and pork for a flavorful mix.
  • Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
  • Egg-Free: Omit the scrambled eggs for an egg-free version.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles instead of yellow noodles.
  • Customizable Spices: Experiment with different spices and seasonings like ginger, turmeric, or curry powder to add a unique twist.

Recipe overview

Discover the rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine with this Mee Ladna recipe. It's a popular noodle dish featuring a blend of proteins - including prawns, squid, fish cake, and your choice of chicken or beef. The dish is brought together with stir-fried vegetables and a savory sauce made from oyster and soy sauce, thickened with cornstarch and enhanced with a flavorful broth. The dish is then topped with scrambled eggs and served hot for a satisfying meal. With a balance of textures and flavors - from the tender noodles, to the crunch of the vegetables, and the umami-rich sauce - Mee Ladna is a delightful culinary experience you won't want to miss.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe? - Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles instead of yellow noodles.
  2. Can I substitute the protein with other options? - Absolutely! You can substitute prawns, squid, chicken, or beef with your preferred protein or even make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh.
  3. Is it possible to adjust the spiciness of the dish? - Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding chili sauce or chili flakes according to your preference.
  4. Can I add more vegetables? - Certainly! Feel free to add more vegetables or customize the mix of vegetables based on your taste.
  5. What can I use instead of oyster sauce? - If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? - While it's best to enjoy Mee Ladna freshly made, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and quickly cook it when you're ready to serve.
  7. Can I freeze the leftovers? - It's not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the noodles may change upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A large, deep, and round-bottomed pan that is ideal for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Frying pan - An alternative to the wok, suitable for stir-frying the ingredients if a wok is not available.
  • Cooking oil - Used for frying the ingredients.
  • Garlic mincer - A utensil used to mince or finely chop the garlic cloves.
  • Mixing bowl - A bowl used for combining the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixture.
  • Whisk or spoon - Used to stir and mix the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixture.
  • Separate pan - Used for scrambling the eggs and cooking the yellow noodles.
  • Serving plates or bowls - Used for serving the Mee Ladna.
  • Tongs or spatula - Utensils used for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan or wok.
  • Kitchen knife - Used for slicing the chicken or beef, squid, fish cake, and vegetables.
  • Chopping board - A board used for cutting and preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Used for measuring the broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch.

Origin stories

Mee Ladna, a culinary delight that harmoniously blends Chinese and Malay flavors, is a beloved staple in Malaysia and neighboring countries. Originally brought to the region by Chinese migrants, the dish was modified to suit local Malay taste buds, resulting in a unique fusion cuisine that's distinctly Southeast Asian. The name itself is a testament to its roots; 'Mee' is the Hokkien word for noodles, while 'Ladna' comes from the Malay word 'Lendir' which means 'slimy' - a playful nod to the thick, starchy gravy that characterizes this dish. Despite its unassuming name, Mee Ladna is a symphony of textures and flavors, where every bite brings a nostalgic taste of home to the locals.

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.