Mee Hoon Goreng Putih Ikan Bilis: A Malaysian Delight
Mee Hoon Goreng, or fried vermicelli, is a beloved Malaysian dish. This recipe focuses on a lighter, "putih" (white) version, featuring the savory crunch of ikan bilis (anchovies). It's a simple yet flavourful meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch.
The Magic of Mee Hoon Goreng Putih
What sets Mee Hoon Goreng Putih apart? It's the absence of dark soy sauce, resulting in a brighter, more subtle flavour profile. This allows the natural sweetness of the ingredients to shine through, creating a delightful contrast with the salty ikan bilis. While traditional Mee Hoon Goreng often relies on a rich, dark sauce, this variation offers a refreshing twist, appealing to those who prefer a less intense flavour.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your liking.
- Vermicelli noodles: About 200g, preferably thin and fresh.
- Ikan bilis: 50g, rinsed and dried. You can adjust this according to your preference for saltiness.
- Shallots: 4-5, finely sliced.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced.
- Eggs: 2, lightly beaten.
- Chinese chives (kucai): A small bunch, finely chopped. Provides a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Cooking oil: Enough for stir-frying.
- Light soy sauce: To taste. Adjust based on the saltiness of the ikan bilis.
- Sugar: A pinch, to balance the saltiness.
- White pepper: To taste.
- Optional additions: Some recipes include bean sprouts, shredded carrots, or even prawns for extra texture and flavour.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Mee Hoon Goreng Putih Ikan Bilis:
- Prepare the ikan bilis: Dry-fry the ikan bilis in a wok or large pan over medium heat until fragrant and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside. Don't burn them!
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add a little oil and sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Scramble the eggs: Add the beaten eggs to the pan and scramble them gently until cooked through.
- Add the noodles: Add the vermicelli noodles to the pan and stir-fry until heated through. Break up any clumps gently.
- Combine and season: Add the fried ikan bilis, light soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir-fry everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the chopped Chinese chives and serve immediately. Garnish with extra fried ikan bilis, if desired.
Tips for Mee Hoon Goreng Putih Perfection:
- Don't overcook the noodles: This is crucial for maintaining their texture. They should be just cooked through and not mushy.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: The saltiness will depend on the ikan bilis you use. Taste as you go and adjust the soy sauce and sugar accordingly.
- Fresh ingredients make a difference: Using fresh shallots, garlic, and chives will significantly enhance the flavor of your Mee Hoon Goreng Putih.
- Experiment with additions: Feel free to add your favourite vegetables to customize the dish.
This recipe is a delicious and straightforward way to enjoy the classic flavors of Mee Hoon Goreng with a lighter, brighter twist. Enjoy!
