Traditional Mee Rebus Recipe: A Taste of Malaysia

Ingredients

  • 300g yellow noodles
  • 200g bean sprouts
  • 3 boiled eggs
  • 3 pieces of tofu, fried
  • 3 green chillies
  • 3 red chillies
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 5 dried chillies, soaked in hot water
  • 1 teaspoon belacan (shrimp paste)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sweet potato, boiled and mashed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in a little water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Fried shallots, for garnishing
  • Chopped spring onions, for garnishing

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat up the oil in a pan and sauté the onion, garlic, chillies and belacan until fragrant.
  2. Add in the water and bring to a boil.
  3. Lower the heat and add in the mashed sweet potato. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add in the cornstarch mixture and stir continuously until the gravy thickens.
  5. Add in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes. Set the gravy aside.
  6. Blanch the yellow noodles and bean sprouts in boiling water for a minute, then drain.
  7. Divide the noodles and bean sprouts into serving bowls. Add the tofu, boiled eggs, green chillies, red chillies and a wedge of lemon.
  8. Pour the hot gravy over the noodles. Garnish with fried shallots and chopped spring onions before serving.

Tools for making

  • Pan - for sautéing the onion, garlic, chillies, and belacan
  • Pot - for boiling the sweet potato and noodles
  • Frying pan - for frying the tofu
  • Knife - for chopping the onion, garlic, chillies, and lemon
  • Cutting board - for cutting ingredients
  • Spatula - for stirring the gravy and noodles
  • Strainer - for draining the noodles and bean sprouts
  • Measuring spoons - for measuring the cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper
  • Whisk - for stirring the cornstarch mixture
  • Bowls - for serving the noodles
  • Ladle - for pouring the gravy over the noodles

Recipe variations

  • Replace yellow noodles with rice noodles or udon noodles.
  • Use mung bean sprouts or other types of sprouts instead of bean sprouts.
  • Replace tofu with sliced chicken, beef, or shrimp for a meaty version.
  • Add blanched vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition.
  • Include fried tempeh or crispy fried shallots as additional toppings.
  • Add a spoonful of sambal or chili paste for extra heat.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like lemongrass or turmeric for a unique flavor profile.
  • Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of water and omitting shrimp paste.
  • For a vegan version, substitute oyster sauce with soy sauce or a vegan alternative.
  • Try different garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced cucumbers.

Recipe overview

Discover the world of Malaysian cuisine with this authentic Mee Rebus recipe. Mee Rebus, meaning "boiled noodles" in Malay, is a traditional dish that is as delicious as it is hearty. This recipe combines yellow noodles, bean sprouts, tofu and boiled eggs in a rich, sweet and spicy gravy made from mashed sweet potato and a variety of flavorful sauces. The dish is then garnished with fried shallots and spring onions, and served with fresh chillies and a wedge of lemon for a tantalizing burst of flavor. Expect a delightful mix of textures and a harmony of flavors that make up this comforting dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this Mee Rebus recipe is sure to bring a taste of Malaysia to your dinner table. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles? Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles if you prefer.
  2. Can I omit the shrimp paste (belacan)? Yes, you can omit the shrimp paste if you don't have it or if you have dietary restrictions. The dish will still be flavorful without it.
  3. Can I adjust the spiciness of the gravy? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chillies according to your preference.
  4. Can I substitute tofu with something else? Yes, if you don't have tofu or if you don't like it, you can substitute it with other protein sources such as boiled chicken or shrimp.
  5. Can I make the gravy in advance? Yes, you can make the gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before pouring it over the noodles.
  6. Can I add additional vegetables? Yes, you can add vegetables such as blanched kangkung (water spinach) or steamed cabbage to enhance the dish.
  7. Can I use other garnishes? Certainly! You can add other garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced red onions, or fried garlic if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - For sautéing the ingredients and preparing the gravy.
  • Pot - For boiling the sweet potato and blanching the noodles and bean sprouts.
  • Knife - For chopping the onion, garlic, chillies, and lemon.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Frying pan - For frying the tofu.
  • Spatula - To flip and stir the tofu while frying.
  • Ladle - For pouring the gravy over the noodles.
  • Tongs - For handling the boiled eggs and arranging them on the noodles.
  • Small bowl - To dissolve the cornstarch in water.
  • Whisk - For stirring and mixing the cornstarch mixture into the gravy.
  • Serving bowls - To serve the mee rebus.
  • Garnish bowls - For holding the fried shallots and chopped spring onions.

Origin stories

Mee Rebus, a popular noodle dish in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, has a culinary origin story that reflects the vibrant multicultural tapestry of these regions. Its name literally translates to "boiled noodles" in English, but its simplicity ends there. The dish is a delightful fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, a testament to the culinary cross-pollination that occurred as traders and immigrants from these cultures interacted in the melting pot of Southeast Asia. The noodles indicate Chinese influence, the curry-like gravy has Indian echoes, while the use of local spices and ingredients such as belacan (shrimp paste) showcases Malay touch. This beautiful blend of flavours from different cultures in one plate epitomizes the harmonious multicultural coexistence in these Southeast Asian countries, which is probably why it's such a well-loved comfort food across these regions.

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.