Mie ayam - chicken noodles
Indonesia boasts a variety of delicious foods that will leave your taste buds wanting more. One of the staple dishes of the Indonesian cuisine is Mie Ayam or chicken noodles. It is a warm and satisfying dish, perfect for any season. It is known for its savory, aromatic broth that is infused with spices and herbs, and tender chicken chunks that are served on top of thin egg noodles.
The dish started making rounds in street food stalls and small restaurants in Jakarta, and then slowly gained popularity across the country. Today, it is a staple dish in almost every household in Indonesia, and every region has its own take on the dish, with variations ranging from the broth to the toppings.
Mie ayam is typically made of three main parts: the broth, the noodles, and the toppings. The broth is made with a combination of chicken and/or pork bones, garlic, shallots, and a medley of spices such as ginger, turmeric, and coriander. All these ingredients are slowly simmered to create a rich and flavorful broth that’s often mild but can be made spicy depending on preference.
The noodles used in this dish are thin and delicate egg noodles that are cooked to perfection and then drained. The noodles provide the base of the dish and ultimately serve as the spoon for the broth.
The toppings for Mie Ayam are where the dish gets exciting. Typically, it includes tender chicken, sliced mushrooms, chopped scallions, and a hard-boiled egg. However, the topping choices are endless, and you can make your rendition of the dish by adding your favorite ingredients.
To make Mie Ayam, start by making the broth. In a large pot, add the chicken bones or pork bones and cover with water, then bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities from the surface of the water, then reduce heat to a simmer and add garlic, shallots, and any spices you prefer. Allow it to simmer for about an hour or until the broth has taken on the flavors of the spices and herbs.
While the broth is simmering, cook the noodles according to package instructions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse them under cold running water to stop them from cooking any further.
To assemble the dish, divide the noodles into serving bowls, ladle the broth on top of the noodles, then add the toppings. You can add sliced chicken, mushrooms, scallions, and a hard-boiled egg. You can also add chili sauce, soy sauce, or kecap manis (a sweet soy sauce) to flavor the dish to taste.
In conclusion, Mie Ayam is the perfect dish for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Indonesia. The dish is simple to make and oh-so-versatile, allowing you to add your own twist to it. It is a perfect comfort food for any occasion, be it on a cozy night in or as an after-work treat. Once you try it, you’ll know why it’s a favorite amongst Indonesian locals and beyond.
Ingredients:
- 300 g fresh noodles or dried noodles
- 300 g chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 litre chicken stock or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- Spring onions, finely chopped
- Fried shallots
Instructions:
- Boil the noodles according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- In a wok or a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and turmeric powder and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add the chicken stock or water, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the sweet soy sauce and oyster sauce to the broth and stir well. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- To serve, place a portion of noodles in a bowl and ladle the chicken broth over the noodles. Garnish with chopped spring onions and fried shallots. Enjoy!