Mee Krob Shredded Noodles
A Historical Delight
Mee Krob, a beloved Thai dish, translates to "crispy noodles." This dish has roots in the royal Thai culinary tradition and has been enjoyed for centuries. Its unique combination of crispy and vibrant sweet-sour flavors makes it a favorite among many. The dish is often served as a snack or appetizer and is known for its aromatic and tangy sauce that coats the noodles beautifully.
Ingredients
- Rice noodles - 200g
- Vegetable oil - for frying
- Tamarind paste - 2 tablespoons
- Palm sugar - 3 tablespoons
- Fish sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- Lime - 1, juiced
- Chicken or Tofu - 200g, cooked and shredded
- Shrimp - 100g, peeled
- Spring onions - 2, chopped
- Bean sprouts - 1 cup
- Red chilies - 2, sliced
- Shallots - 3, thinly sliced
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Eggs - 2, beaten
- Coriander leaves - for garnish
Preparation
1. Preparing the Noodles
First, soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes until they are soft. Drain and let them dry completely. This ensures they will fry up crispy and not soggy.
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dried noodles in batches. Fry them until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
2. Preparing the Sauce
In a separate pan, combine the tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves. Adjust the taste according to your preference for a balance of sweet, sour, and salty.
Cooking Process
3. Stir-Frying the Ingredients
In a wok or large frying pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, and red chilies, stir-frying until fragrant.
Add the chicken or tofu and shrimp, cooking until both are heated through. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently until cooked.
Pour the prepared sauce into the mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Add the fried rice noodles and gently toss until everything is well-combined and coated with the sauce.
4. Adding the Final Touches
Lower the heat and add spring onions and bean sprouts. Stir gently to mix everything together. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving dish.
Serving and Enjoying Mee Krob
Garnish the Mee Krob with fresh coriander leaves for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the noodles at their best. This dish pairs well with a side salad or fresh vegetables. For a more authentic experience, enjoy Mee Krob with a touch of extra lime juice and a sprinkling of chopped red chilies for heat.
Cooking Time
The overall preparation and cooking time for Mee Krob is approximately 45 minutes, making it a delightful option for a special occasion or a treat for family and friends.