Spicy Indonesian Chicken Kwetiau Stir-Fry

Kwetiau Siram Ayam Recipe: A Delicious Indonesian Stir-Fried Noodle Delight

Ingredients:

• 150 grams fresh kwetiau (rice noodles), roughly a handful
• 50 grams chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 4 meatballs, cut into quarters
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 stalk scallion, sliced diagonally into 1 cm pieces
• 2 red bird’s eye chilies, sliced in half (optional, for heat)
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• A handful of bok choy or other leafy greens, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Chinese cooking wine (or substitute with 1 teaspoon sugar)
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (omit if unavailable)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in a little water
• 2 tablespoons beef broth (or instant beef stock according to preference)
• 200 ml water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Begin by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips and cutting the meatballs into quarters. Crush and finely chop the garlic, and thinly slice the onion. Slice the scallion diagonally into 1 cm pieces. If using, slice the bird’s eye chilies in half. Chop the cucumber and prepare the bok choy or other greens.

2. Sauté the Chicken and Meatballs:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and sauté until it changes color and is nearly cooked through. Add the meatballs and continue to cook for a few more minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

4. Season and Add Vegetables:

   • Stir in the Chinese cooking wine (or sugar) and fish sauce (if using). Cook until the aroma is released. Next, add the bok choy, cucumber, and any other vegetables you are using. Pour in the water, and add salt and beef broth. Cook until the vegetables are just tender.

5. Incorporate the Noodles and Flavors:

   • Add the kwetiau (rice noodles) and scallion to the skillet. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sesame oil. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cook for a minute or so.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

   • Add the dissolved cornstarch to the skillet and stir well to incorporate. Allow the mixture to cook until it thickens and becomes glossy.

7. Serve:

   • Once the dish has reached the desired consistency and the noodles are well coated, remove from heat. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes:

• Feel free to use a variety of vegetables based on what you have on hand. For a balance of textures, add harder vegetables (like carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli) first, followed by softer vegetables (like mushrooms, bok choy, or bean sprouts).
• For a spicier version, substitute black pepper with coarsely ground black pepper to make a Kwetiau Siram Ayam with black pepper.

Enjoy this vibrant and savory Indonesian dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!