1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients: kecap manis, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chilli sauce, and MSG. Set aside.
3. In a large pan or wok, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook to scramble. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add a bit more oil and add the garlic and sliced chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through.
5. Now add in the sliced chilli, spring onions. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add the cabbage (or leafy greens) and cook until just wilted.
6. Add back in the cooked noodles, eggs and chicken back into the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. The sauce should help the noodles caramelise slightly for extra flavour. Taste and adjust salt levels if needed.
7. If you want, fry up an egg in another pan on the side while you cook the noodles.
8. Plate up the noodles, top it with a fried egg and garnish with cucumber slices and tomato wedges.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken and use more vegetables, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives. You can also substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce.

2. What is kecap manis, and can I substitute it?
Kecap manis is a sweet soy sauce popular in Indonesian cuisine. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of regular soy sauce and a little brown sugar or molasses to mimic the sweetness and thickness.

3. What kind of noodles work best for this recipe?
Any type of stir-fry noodles can work, but thicker noodles like fresh udon, lo mein, or even ramen noodles are ideal because they hold up well with the sauce and ingredients.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add extra spice, you can increase the chilli sauce in the sauce mixture, add fresh chopped chilli or chilli flakes, or drizzle some sriracha or sambal oelek at the end for a kick.

5. Why is it important to caramelise the noodles?
Caramelising the noodles helps add depth of flavour and brings out a slight smokiness that enhances the overall taste of the dish. It also gives a bit of crispy texture, making each bite even more delicious.

6. Is MSG necessary, and are there alternatives?
MSG is optional and helps enhance the umami flavour in the dish. If you’d prefer to skip it, you can add a touch more soy sauce or a dash of mushroom powder as an alternative.

7. Can I meal-prep this recipe?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce, chop your vegetables, and pre-cook the noodles in advance. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then quickly stir-fry everything together when you’re ready to eat.

8. How can I keep leftovers fresh?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for best results, adding a small splash of water to loosen up the noodles if needed.