Savory Indonesian Chicken Noodles (Mie Ayam)

Mie Ayam: A Classic Indonesian Chicken Noodle Dish

Mie Ayam, a beloved dish from Indonesian cuisine, combines tender chicken with savory noodles and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe delivers a delectable balance of flavors and textures. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 3 pieces of kampung chicken (free-range chicken), cut into cubes (including skin)
• 2 stalks of green onions, finely sliced
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 red curly chili, sliced
• 2 red bird’s eye chilies, sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• Cooking oil, for sautéing
• Salt and sugar, to taste
• 1 pack of instant noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
• 5 leaves of Chinese mustard greens
• 1 additional tomato, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • In a blender or mortar and pestle, blend the shallots, garlic, red bird’s eye chilies, red curly chili, and a pinch of salt into a fine paste.
   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the paste until fragrant.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring until they are browned and cooked through.
   • Incorporate the turmeric powder, chopped tomato, and sliced green onions into the mixture. Stir well.
   • Season with additional salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce. Pour in just enough water to cover the chicken. Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the instant noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   • In the same pot of boiling water, blanch the Chinese mustard greens until tender. Drain and set aside.

3. Assemble the Dish:

   • Arrange the cooked noodles on a serving plate. Top with the blanched Chinese mustard greens and chopped tomato.
   • Spoon the chicken and its sauce over the noodles.

4. Serve:

   • Serve your Mie Ayam immediately while it’s still warm. For a more intense flavor, enjoy it with a bit of extra sweet soy sauce or chili sauce on the side if desired.

Note:

This recipe intentionally uses less sauce for a drier version of Mie Ayam, ideal for those who prefer a less soupy noodle dish. Enjoy the meal fresh and hot for the best experience.

Mie Ayam is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, offering a taste of Indonesian comfort food right at home. Bon appétit!