By Jessica B. •
7 min read
Indonesian mee goreng is a delightful stir-fried noodle dish that packs a punch with its sweet and spicy flavors. Originating from the vibrant streets of Indonesia, this dish combines egg noodles with a simple yet addictive sauce made from soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and a kick of sriracha. It’s no wonder that mee goreng is a staple in Indonesian cuisine, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike in everything from street stalls to upscale restaurants.
Ingredients & Substitutes
To make a delicious Indonesian mee goreng, I gather the following ingredients and their potential substitutes:
Noodles
- Egg Noodles: 8 ounces of fresh or dried egg noodles.
- Substitute: You can use thin spaghetti or chow mein noodles if egg noodles are unavailable.
Protein
- Shrimp or Chicken: 1 cup of shrimp or sliced chicken breast.
- Substitute: Tofu or tempeh works well for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables
- Cabbage: 1 cup shredded cabbage.
- Carrots: 1 small carrot, julienned.
- Green Onions: 2 stalks, chopped.
- Bell Peppers: 1 small bell pepper, sliced.
- Substitutes: Any other vegetables like bean sprouts, snap peas, or broccoli can be used based on preference.
Sauces
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons of regular soy sauce.
- Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): 2 tablespoons for sweetness.
- Substitute: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup with regular soy sauce if sweet soy sauce is not available.
- Sriracha: 1 tablespoon for heat.
- Substitute: Use chili paste or any hot sauce that suits your spice preference.
Seasoning
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced garlic.
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon minced ginger.
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
Oil
- Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Substitute: Canola oil or peanut oil are great alternatives.
- Lime Wedges: For serving.
- Coriander Leaves: Optional, for garnish.
With these ingredients on hand, I can create a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian mee goreng that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia. Each component contributes to a balanced taste experience that is both spicy and sweet.
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Begin by boiling a pot of water over high heat. Once boiling add the egg noodles and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
- Cook the Proteins: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp or sliced chicken and stir-fry for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked. If you are using tofu, fry it until golden brown. Remove the cooked protein from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the chopped onion, bell peppers, and cabbage. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they become tender but still crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp or chicken (or tofu) to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the boiled noodles and gently toss everything together.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and sriracha. Mix thoroughly to ensure the noodles and proteins are evenly coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Finish with Garnishes: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the mee goreng hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of fried shallots for added crunch.
- Enjoy: Savor the vibrant flavors of your Indonesian mee goreng, appreciating the balance of sweet and spicy in every bite.
FAQ
What Type of Noodles Should I Use for Mee Goreng?
I recommend using egg noodles for an authentic flavor and texture. If you can’t find egg noodles, you can substitute with regular wheat noodles or even rice noodles. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type.
Can I Make Mee Goreng Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of mee goreng, I suggest using tofu as the protein source. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and bok choy to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
What Sauces Are Essential for Mee Goreng?
The key sauces for mee goreng are soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and sriracha. The combination of these sauces creates the characteristic sweet and spicy profile. You can find sweet soy sauce, also known as kecap manis, at Asian grocery stores.
How Spicy Is Mee Goreng?
The level of spiciness in mee goreng largely depends on the amount of sriracha you add. I recommend starting with a small amount and adjusting according to your taste preference. You can always top the dish with extra sriracha if you enjoy more heat.
Can I Prepare Mee Goreng Ahead of Time?
While mee goreng is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Cook the noodles and protein separately and store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, stir-fry everything together with the sauce to heat it up.
What Are Some Common Add-Ins for Mee Goreng?
I love adding ingredients like bean sprouts, green onions, or fried shallots for extra texture and flavor. You can also include a fried egg on top for a delicious finishing touch.
How Do I Store Leftover Mee Goreng?
To store leftover mee goreng, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 2 to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat to enjoy it again.
Mee Goreng Recipe: Stir-Fried Noodles with Sweet & Spicy Flavors
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup shrimp (peeled and deveined) or 1 cup chicken (sliced) or 1 cup firm tofu (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
- 1 cup cabbage (shredded)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- Fried shallots (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Protein: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp or chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. If using tofu, cook until golden on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- dd Vegetables: Toss in the cabbage, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked protein to the skillet. Add the drained noodles, soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and sriracha. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Nutrition
Indonesian mee goreng is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesia right to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it at a bustling street stall or cooking it up in your own kitchen, the combination of sweet and spicy elements is sure to delight your taste buds.
I encourage you to try making this dish yourself and explore the various ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences. Don’t hesitate to share your own variations and experiences with mee goreng. I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own and what flavors you enjoy the most. Happy cooking and savor every bite!
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