Mie Goreng Ayam: A Delightful Bandung-Inspired Stir-Fried Noodles
Mie Goreng Ayam, a savory stir-fried noodle dish with chicken, is a beloved recipe hailing from Bandung, Indonesia. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned noodles, creating a satisfying meal that is both easy to prepare and deeply comforting. Here’s a refined version of the recipe to bring a taste of Bandung to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack mie telor (egg noodles)
- 1 chicken breast (diced)
- 1 bunch of bok choy (chopped)
- 1 tomato (diced)
- 1 onion (sliced thinly)
- 1 scallion (chopped)
Spice Blend:
- 5 shallots (peeled and finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled and finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Sugar and salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Chicken broth (as needed)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Aromatics:
- Heat a generous splash of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.
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Add the Spice Blend:
- Stir in the finely chopped shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes aromatic and the raw smell of the garlic fades.
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Season the Base:
- Sprinkle in the ground black pepper, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to meld.
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Incorporate the Chicken:
- Add the diced chicken breast to the wok. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and has started to brown slightly. If you are using pre-cooked chicken, simply heat it through.
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Build the Flavor:
- Pour in the sweet soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to keep things moist and flavorful.
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Add the Vegetables:
- Toss in the chopped bok choy, diced tomato, and scallions. Cook briefly, stirring just until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crispness.
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Mix in the Noodles:
- Add the pre-cooked egg noodles to the wok. Stir thoroughly to ensure the noodles are well combined with the chicken and vegetables.
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Final Touches:
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors are well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional sugar or salt if needed.
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Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the Mie Goreng Ayam to serving plates. For added crunch and flavor, garnish with crispy fried shallots.
This Mie Goreng Ayam recipe captures the essence of Bandung’s street food, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy your homemade dish with a side of fresh pickles or a crisp cucumber salad to complement the rich, savory noodles.