Another national dish of Indonesia is Mie Goreng, stir fried noodles Javanese style. This dish is also known as Bakmi or Bami Goreng and Mie Tek Tek, often sold by street hawkers. Originally, the words ‘Tek Tek’ come from the typical sound the vendor makes (the spatula hitting the wok) to let the neighborhood know that he is in the street, passing by. Just like when you recognize the ice cream truck when you hear the music play: Turkey in the straw.
This noodles dish is derived from the Chinese Low- Mein or Chow Mein but with an added Indonesian twist like Kecap Manis – Sweet Soy Sauce.
Here is my recipe for a simple version of this delicious Javanese stir fried noodles dish. There are some variations at the bottom of this recipe.
I would say: Tek-Tek’ away! This to make sure your household knows your Mie Goreng is ready to be served.
INGREDIENTS
14 oz egg noodles
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 small onions, sliced thin
5 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz chicken breast, cut into cubes
1.7 oz ham sliced in strips (optional)
3 red chili peppers, thinly sliced
2 stalk of green onions, chopped in 2 inches
1 tablespoon celery, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons kecap manis
salt to taste
4 oz cabbage, shredded
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook the dried noodles al dente and drain, rinse in cold water and drain again. Set aside. Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt . Bake a thin omelet and let it cool. Roll it up and cut it into strips. Set aside.
Fry the onions and garlic in oil until fragrant. Add the chicken and ham and stir fry for a few times. Then add the noodles and vegetables, except the cabbage. Toss the noodles and all ingredients until well combined. Add the kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and salt to taste. Stir fry for a couple of minutes. Add the cabbage and stir for another minute. Serve immediately, garnished with the strips of omelet and some fried onions,
VARIATIONS
1) Meats / Fish: use pork, beef, fresh shrimps or fish balls .
2) Vegetarian: replace meats with deep fried cubed firm tofu. Instead of red chili peppers use bell peppers, thinly sliced. Add chopped bok choy or blanched sliced carrots.
3) Seasonings: add some sambal oelek (chili paste) after the onions and garlic and stir fry.
4) Garnish: add thinly sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges and serve some shrimp crackers with it.
Another popular national dish of Indonesia is Nasi Goreng, stir fried rice. Find the recipe here.
