Mee Char – stir-fried noodles with vegetables

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 300 g Chinese egg noodles, thin (Mie noodles)
• e.g. water for boiling
• e.g. oil (peanut oil or other vegetable oil)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce, sweet (Ketjap Manis)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce, light
• 3 clove(s) garlic, squeezed
• e.g. chili pepper(s), red, small, very finely chopped (fresh or dried)
• 450 g vegetables of your choice, finely chopped
• ½ bunch coriander leaves, freshly chopped

Instructions

Working time approx. 10 minutes; Total time approx. 10 minutes

Recipe from Cambodia, easy to prepare, many variations

When stir-frying, it is important that all ingredients are prepared and ready to hand next to the wok, as preparation must be relatively quick. Suitable vegetables include julienne strips of carrots, zucchini or peppers, small broccoli or cauliflower florets (stir-fry for approx. 2 minutes), small onions cut into eighths (stir-fry for approx. 1 minute), spring onions in 4 cm long pieces (stir-fry for approx. 30 seconds), and bean sprouts (stir-fry for approx. 15 seconds). It is important not to overcook the vegetables so that their color and firm texture are retained in contrast to the soft noodles. First, prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. After draining, toss with a little oil and set aside. Mix the soy sauces and also set aside. Heat a little oil in the wok and stir-fry the garlic and chili for approx. 10 seconds over medium heat. Increase the heat to maximum and add vegetables according to their cooking time, stirring to combine (first those with the longest cooking time, then those with the shortest cooking time). Then add the noodles, mix well with the vegetables, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the vegetables and mix thoroughly. Transfer to a large bowl and serve sprinkled with plenty of chopped cilantro. This recipe requires very little in the way of pantry staples and can be varied as desired, depending on what you have at home. In addition to the vegetables, you can also add marinated pieces of meat, shrimp, or tofu—the sky’s the limit. It’s perfect as a quick main course or as a side dish to a more substantial meal or buffet.