Mie Goreng: Indonesian Fried Noodles
Mie Goreng is a classic Indonesian fried noodle dish with a perfect balance of sweetness, savoury richness, and just the right kick of spice.
Often sold by street vendors, served in homes, and even featured at celebrations, this dish embodies Indonesia’s vibrant food culture.
The combination of chewy noodles, a rich soy-based sauce, and fresh toppings like fried eggs or crispy shallots makes Mie Goreng a favourite for all ages.
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About this recipe
Indonesian Mie Goreng is a beloved street food and a comfort dish enjoyed across the archipelago.
Translating to "fried noodles," this dish is celebrated for its rich, sweet, and savoury flavours, packed with the goodness of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of heat.
Perfect for any occasion, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe that can be customised with your choice of protein and vegetables. Whether you’re craving something quick and easy or aiming to impress at a dinner party, this dish delivers every time.
This is also a great way to use up leftover bits in your fridge since you can easily swap out the vegetables and proteins for whatever you have on hand.
This dish combines savoury noodles with a medley of staple ingredients, making it the perfect quick meal for any occasion!
What About Mie Goreng In Malaysia?
Mie Goreng is not just a beloved dish in Indonesia; it's also widely enjoyed in neighbouring Malaysia.
While the core elements of the dish remain the same - stir-fried noodles with a sweet and savoury soy-based sauce - regional variations have added their own unique twists.
In Malaysia, Mie Goreng often incorporates bold spices and sambal, a chilli paste that lends an extra fiery kick. You might also find the addition of seafood, like prawns or squid, reflecting the coastal influences in Malaysian cuisine.
Both countries celebrate Mie Goreng as a popular street food, prepared fresh by hawkers and served with a side of pickled chillies or lime for a tangy complement.
Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a filling main meal, this dish transcends borders, uniting food lovers with its rich flavours and comforting simplicity.
Perfect for sharing with friends and family, it’s a culinary experience that bridges cultures while staying true to its roots
Key Ingredients
- Noodles: Traditional yellow egg noodles are used, but any stir-fry-friendly noodles work.
- Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): This thick, caramelised soy sauce gives Mie Goreng its signature sweetness.
- Protein of Your Choice: Popular options include chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, and greens are common, but feel free to mix it up.
- Aromatics and Spices: Garlic, shallots, and chilli bring the dish to life.
- Toppings: A fried egg, crispy shallots, or a sprinkle of fresh lime juice elevate this dish to another level.
Ingredients
- 1 pack of noodles (preferably egg noodles)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 stalks of spring onions, chopped
- 1 red chilli, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 150g cabbage or your choice of leafy greens
- 200g chicken thigh, sliced (or any protein you prefer)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chilli sauce or sambal
- 1 tsp MSG (optional)
Optional for Garnish:
- 1 fried egg
- 3-4 slices of cucumber
- 2 wedges of tomato
Pair it with
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil and add the garlic and sliced chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- 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.
- 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.
- If you want, fry up an egg in another pan on the side while you cook the noodles.
- Plate up the noodles, top it with a fried egg and garnish with cucumber slices and tomato wedges.
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.
Video demonstration
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