How to Prepare Mie Goreng

Mie Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish that translates to “fried noodles.” It is a flavorful and versatile stir-fried noodle dish that can be customized with various ingredients and seasonings. 

Mie Goreng typically starts with a base of egg noodles, which are commonly used in Indonesian cuisine. The noodles are boiled until al dente, then drained and set aside.

The dish often incorporates a variety of proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or beef. These proteins are typically seasoned and cooked separately before being added to the noodle stir-fry. The protein can be stir-fried until cooked and slightly caramelized for added flavor.

The noodles and proteins are then stir-fried together with an assortment of vegetables. Common vegetables used in Mie Goreng include sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts. The vegetables are cooked until they retain some crunchiness, providing textural contrast to the dish.

To enhance the flavor, a combination of sauces and spices are added. This typically includes soy sauce, kecap manis (a sweet soy sauce), and various aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and chili. These seasonings contribute to the savory, umami-rich taste of Mie Goreng.

To add an extra kick, some variations of Mie Goreng incorporate spices such as turmeric, coriander, and cumin, which infuse the dish with aromatic and earthy flavors.

Mie Goreng is often garnished with sliced scallions, cilantro, or fried shallots, which add freshness and additional texture to the dish.

Overall, Mie Goreng is a delicious and satisfying stir-fried noodle dish that showcases the vibrant flavors and culinary heritage of Indonesian cuisine. It is a versatile dish that can be tailored to personal preferences by adjusting the choice of proteins, vegetables, and seasonings.

Serves 4 people.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) egg noodles
• 8 ounces (225g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (sambal oelek), optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced scallions, cilantro, or fried shallots for garnish

Preparation:

1. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, and stir-fry until fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through.
5. Add the julienned carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, and bean sprouts to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
6. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the cooked egg noodles to the other side. Pour the soy sauce, kecap manis, oyster sauce, and chili paste (if using) over the noodles. Toss the noodles and vegetables together until well combined and heated through.
7. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Remove from heat and transfer the Mie Goreng to a serving platter.
9. Garnish with sliced scallions, cilantro, or fried shallots for added flavor and visual appeal.
10. Serve Mie Goreng hot as a main dish, and you can also accompany it with sliced cucumber or a side of sambal (spicy chili paste) for extra heat if desired.

Note: You can customize the protein and vegetables according to your preference or availability. Additionally, feel free to adjust the seasonings and spice level to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade Mie Goreng!