Mee Bakso Recipe – Indonesian Meatball Noodle Soup
Mee Bakso is an incredibly popular Indonesian dish that brings the best of comforting, hearty, and flavorful ingredients together in one bowl. This meatball noodle soup is rich in flavors, with a balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic elements, making it an ideal meal for rainy days or chilly evenings. Loaded with tender chicken meatballs, crisp vegetables, and springy noodles, Mee Bakso is a satisfying dish that can easily be enjoyed as an appetizer or even as a complete meal. If you’re craving something quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious, this Indonesian classic is a must-try!
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hakka Noodles | 100 grams |
| Water | 1-1/2 cups |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 teaspoons |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh Red Chili (sliced diagonally) | 1 |
| Carrots (Gajjar), cut into juliennes | 1/3 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum), cut into juliennes | 1/3 cup |
| Green Bell Peppers, cut into juliennes | 1/3 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Soy Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Spring Onion Greens | 1/4 cup |
For the Chicken Meatballs:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts (cut into cubes) | 200 grams |
| Dry Red Chili | 1 |
| Garlic (cloves) | 4 cloves |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions:
-
Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the Hakka noodles. Heat a saucepan and bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once the noodles are cooked to your desired softness, drain the excess water. Run the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a little oil over the noodles and toss gently to prevent them from sticking. Set the noodles aside. -
Prepare the Chicken Meatballs:
While the noodles are cooking, let’s prepare the chicken meatballs. In a food processor, combine the chicken breasts, dry red chili, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a marble. Set the meatballs aside. -
Make the Soup Base:
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil, then sauté the chopped garlic and ginger for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the fresh red chili slices, followed by the julienned carrots, red bell peppers, and green bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. -
Cook the Meatballs:
In a separate pan, heat a little oil and carefully add the chicken meatballs. Cook the meatballs on medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. -
Assemble the Soup:
Once the vegetables are slightly tender, pour in the water (1-1/2 cups) and bring the soup to a boil. Add the cooked chicken meatballs into the broth and let them simmer for 5-6 minutes to infuse the soup with their flavor. Stir in the soy sauce, black pepper powder, and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary. -
Combine Noodles and Soup:
To assemble, place a portion of the cooked noodles in each serving bowl. Ladle the hot soup with the chicken meatballs and vegetables over the noodles. Garnish with spring onion greens for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Mee Bakso hot, garnished with a few more slices of fresh red chili for an extra kick. You can also serve it with some crispy fried shallots or a drizzle of lime juice for added zing. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed rice if you want a heartier meal.
Tips for the Perfect Mee Bakso:
- If you prefer a spicier broth, feel free to add more fresh red chili or a dash of chili flakes.
- For a more aromatic broth, you can include a few kaffir lime leaves or a cinnamon stick while simmering the soup.
- Mee Bakso can be made vegetarian by substituting the chicken meatballs with tofu or tempeh.
Nutritional Information:
Per Serving (approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 kcal |
| Protein | 20-25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 10-15 g |
| Fiber | 4-5 g |
| Sodium | 600-800 mg |
Enjoy this hearty and comforting Mee Bakso recipe that’s sure to warm you up, body and soul. With its fragrant broth, tender chicken meatballs, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a dish that brings the warmth of Indonesian flavors to your kitchen. Perfect for cozy nights, rainy evenings, or any time you’re craving a satisfying soup meal!
