Hokkien Mee Humble Bowl
Introduction to Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a beloved dish that originates from the vibrant culinary melting pot of Southeast Asia. It refers to a type of stir-fried noodle dish that is particularly popular in countries like Malaysia and Singapore. The term 'Hokkien' refers to the Hokkien peoples of Southern China, many of whom immigrated to these regions, bringing with them diverse culinary traditions.
This particular variety of Hokkien Mee is known for its rich, flavorful broth, and a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This humble bowl combines a variety of fresh ingredients, each contributing to the dish's unique personality. Traditionally, this dish captures the bold umami flavors typical of Asian cuisine, making it a staple comfort food in many households and street markets.
Ingredients
- Yellow noodles
- Rice vermicelli
- Shrimp
- Squid
- Pork belly
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Egg
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Fish sauce
- Cooking oil
- Water
- Spring onion
- Lime
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by cleaning and slicing the pork belly into thin strips. Peel and devein the shrimp. Slice the squid into rings. Finely chop the garlic and spring onion. Set aside all ingredients in separate bowls for easy access during cooking.
In a pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the yellow noodles and rice vermicelli until they are just tender, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Creating the Broth
In a pan, heat some cooking oil over a medium flame. Add the chopped garlic and fry until aromatic. Add the pork belly and cook until slightly browned. Then add the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Cooking the Noodles
In a wok or large pan, heat a bit of cooking oil and pour in the beaten egg. Allow it to cook slightly before adding the blanched yellow noodles and rice vermicelli. Stir-fry till the noodles are coated evenly with the egg.
Step 4: Adding the Seafood
Add the shrimp and squid to the noodles. Stir-fry until the shrimp turns pink and the squid becomes opaque. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combining It All
Slowly pour the prepared broth with the cooked pork belly over the noodles and seafood. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the broth. Allow it to simmer for another 5-7 minutes. If the dish appears dry, you can add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
How to Enjoy Your Hokkien Mee Humble Bowl
Serve your Hokkien Mee hot, garnished with chopped spring onion and a wedge of lime on the side. Squeeze the lime over the noodles just before eating to add a refreshing citrus note that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Pair the meal with a light, crisp salad or a side dish of pickled vegetables to add a contrasting texture and counterbalance the umami-rich flavors of the noodles.
Set a timer for your cooking process to ensure all elements of your dish are cooked to perfection. Enjoy your culinary creation with friends and family, sharing stories of the dish's origin and its significance to the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia.