Name: Mie Goreng Indonesian Noodles: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces dried egg noodles (or instant noodles, without the seasoning packet); 8 ounces chicken breast, thinly sliced (or shrimp, tofu, beef, or a combination); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish; 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (or more, to taste); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Fried shallots; Pickled cucumbers (optional); Fried egg (optional)

Mie Goreng Indonesian Noodles: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure to the vibrant streets of Indonesia, right from your very own kitchen! Imagine a symphony of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors dancing on your palate, all thanks to one incredible dish. This isn't just a noodle dish; it's an experience, a taste of Indonesian culture, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Mie Goreng, meaning "fried noodles," is more than just a meal; it's a staple in Indonesian cuisine, enjoyed by everyone from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Its roots are deeply intertwined with Chinese culinary influences, adapted and perfected over centuries to become the iconic dish we know and love today. It's a dish that tells a story of cultural exchange and culinary innovation.

What makes Mie Goreng Indonesian Noodles so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures – the slightly chewy noodles, the crisp-tender vegetables, and the savory protein of your choice, all coated in a rich, umami-packed sauce. People adore it for its incredible flavor profile, its versatility (easily customized to your liking!), and its sheer convenience. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, Mie Goreng is always a winning choice. So, let's get cooking and bring the taste of Indonesia to your table!

Ingredients:

Noodles: 8 ounces dried egg noodles (or instant noodles, without the seasoning packet)
Protein: 8 ounces chicken breast, thinly sliced (or shrimp, tofu, beef, or a combination)
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (or more, to taste)
Eggs: 2 large eggs
Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Garnish:
- Fried shallots
- Pickled cucumbers (optional)
- Fried egg (optional)

Preparing the Ingredients:

Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy when stir-fried. Drain the noodles well and toss them with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside. If you're using instant noodles, discard the seasoning packet and cook the noodles until just tender.
Prepare the Protein: If using chicken, slice it thinly against the grain. Marinate the chicken (or other protein) with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of white pepper for at least 15 minutes. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
Chop the Vegetables: Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper. Julienne the carrot. Shred the cabbage. Mince the garlic. Chop the green onions for garnish. Having all the vegetables prepped and ready to go will make the stir-frying process much smoother.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, white pepper, and chili flakes. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The sauce should be a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Cooking the Mie Goreng:

Scramble the Eggs: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the wok and scramble them until they are cooked through but still slightly soft. Remove the eggs from the wok and set aside.
Cook the Protein: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the marinated chicken (or other protein) and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the protein from the wok and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the wok and stir-fry until they are fragrant and softened, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper, carrot, and cabbage to the wok and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles, chicken (or other protein), and scrambled eggs back to the wok. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
Stir-Fry: Stir-fry everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Use tongs or two spatulas to toss the noodles and ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Mie Goreng and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more sweet soy sauce for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or chili flakes for heat.

Serving and Garnishing:

Plate the Mie Goreng: Divide the Mie Goreng among serving plates or bowls.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions, fried shallots, and pickled cucumbers (if using). You can also top each serving with a fried egg for extra richness.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Mie Goreng immediately while it is hot and flavorful.

Tips for the Best Mie Goreng:

Don't Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy and ruin the texture of the dish. Cook the noodles until al dente and drain them well.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to create that characteristic smoky flavor and prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the ingredients.
Work Quickly: Once you start stir-frying, work quickly to ensure that the ingredients are cooked evenly and don't burn.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The sauce is the key to a good Mie Goreng. Adjust the amount of sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes to your liking.
Add Your Favorite Ingredients: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and toppings. Some popular additions include mushrooms, bean sprouts, shrimp, tofu, and peanuts.
Kecap Manis is Key: Kecap Manis, or sweet soy sauce, is a crucial ingredient in Mie Goreng. It provides a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that is essential to the dish. If you can't find Kecap Manis, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar, but the flavor won't be quite the same.
Don't overcrowd the wok: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry.

Variations:

Vegetarian Mie Goreng: Omit the chicken and use tofu or tempeh instead. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bean sprouts, and bok choy.
Seafood Mie Goreng: Use shrimp, squid, or fish instead of chicken.
Spicy Mie Goreng: Add more chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce for a spicier dish.
Mie Goreng Jawa: This variation includes a shrimp paste called "terasi" for a more complex flavor.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover Mie Goreng can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little water or oil to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Serving Suggestions:

Mie Goreng is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served as a side dish. It pairs well with other Indonesian dishes, such as satay, gado-gado, and nasi goreng.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Mie Goreng Indonesian Noodles recipe is truly a culinary adventure waiting to happen. I know, I know, there are a million noodle recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The unique blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, combined with the satisfying chewiness of the noodles and the delightful crunch of the vegetables, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It's not just a meal; it's an experience! Why is this a must-try? Because it's incredibly versatile, surprisingly easy to make, and bursting with authentic Indonesian flavor. It's the kind of dish that will impress your friends and family, but also become a weeknight staple because it's so quick to throw together. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge, making it both delicious and economical. But the best part? You can totally customize it to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Add some extra chili flakes for a fiery kick. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of sambal oelek. Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Simply omit the shrimp paste and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add tofu, tempeh, or more vegetables to bulk it up. Serving Suggestions and Variations: * Top it off: A fried egg on top is a classic addition, adding richness and a runny yolk that mingles beautifully with the noodles. * Protein power: Grilled chicken, sliced beef, or even crispy fried tofu are all excellent protein additions. * Spice it up: Serve with a side of extra sambal oelek or sriracha for those who like it hot. * Veggie boost: Add more vegetables like bok choy, bean sprouts, or snow peas for extra nutrients and crunch. * Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of Indonesian-style pickled vegetables (acar) for a refreshing contrast. * Noodle swap: While I love using egg noodles, you can experiment with other types of noodles like ramen or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. * Seafood sensation: Add shrimp, squid, or scallops for a delicious seafood twist. I truly believe that this Mie Goreng Indonesian Noodles recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special gathering with friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some Indonesian music (optional, but highly recommended!), and get cooking! I'm confident that you'll be amazed by the incredible flavors and textures of this dish. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did you think? Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] or tag me [Your Social Media Handle]. I can't wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking, and selamat makan!