Bak Chor Mee (Minced Pork Noodles)
A popular Singaporean hawker dish featuring springy noodles tossed in a savory, tangy, and sometimes spicy sauce, topped with minced pork, braised mushrooms, and other flavorful additions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 10 large Dried shiitake mushrooms
- 500 ml Water(for soaking mushrooms)
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce(for braising mushrooms)
- 2 tbsp Dark soy sauce(for braising mushrooms)
- 1 tsp Sugar(for braising mushrooms)
- 200 g Minced pork
- 100 g Sliced pork
- 70 g Pork liver(thinly sliced (optional))
- 1 tbsp Fish sauce(for marinating pork)
- 1 tsp Cornstarch(for marinating pork)
- 1 tsp White pepper(for marinating pork)
- 2 bundles Mee pok noodles
- 2 cups Pork broth
- 1 tsp Lard(melted, or cooking oil/shallot oil)
- 1 tsp Soy sauce(for seasoning sauce)
- 1 tsp Fish sauce(for seasoning sauce)
- 1 tsp Black vinegar(or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp Chili paste(or ketchup)
- 2 tbsp Mushroom braising liquid
- 2 tbsp Pork broth(for seasoning sauce)
- to taste Fried shallots(for garnish)
- to taste Spring onions(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse dried shiitake mushrooms and soak in 500ml hot water for 30 minutes. Reserve the soaking liquid.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Remove mushrooms from water, slice them. In a pot, combine mushroom slices with 500ml of reserved soaking liquid (top up with water if needed), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 1 hour until tender.
⏱️ 1 hour - 3
While mushrooms are braising, marinate minced pork, sliced pork, and pork liver (if using) with 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp white pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 4
Prepare the seasoning sauce by mixing 1 tsp melted lard (or oil), 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp fish sauce, 1 tsp black vinegar, 1 tsp chili paste, 2 tbsp mushroom braising liquid, and 2 tbsp pork broth in each serving bowl.
- 5
Bring a pot of pork broth to a rolling boil. Add the marinated pork and pork liver, cooking until just cooked through (about 1-2 minutes).
- 6
Cook mee pok noodles in boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
- 7
Add the drained noodles to the seasoning sauce bowls. Toss well to coat. Top with the cooked pork, pork liver, and braised mushrooms. Garnish with fried shallots and chopped spring onions.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Prepare the braised mushrooms and marinate the pork the day before for convenience.
- ✓Adjust the amount of vinegar and chili paste to your personal preference.
- ✓Ensure the pork is not overcooked to maintain its tenderness.
🔄 Variations
- Add fried pork lard for extra flavor and crunch.
- Include meatballs or fish balls in the dish.
- Serve with a side of soup.