Shan Noodles (Shan Khao Swe)
Shan Noodles, also known as Shan Khao Swe, is a flavorful noodle dish originating from the Shan State of Myanmar. It features rice noodles with a savory minced chicken or pork sauce, often served dry or with a light broth, and is topped with a variety of fresh herbs and crunchy garnishes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Rice noodles(flat or thin, depending on preference)
- 250 g Chicken thigh(finely minced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 finely chopped Shallots
- 2 medium Tomatoes(finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Fermented soybean paste(or miso as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 0.5 tsp Ground turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Chili powder(adjust to taste)
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth(or water)
- 0.5 cup Pickled mustard greens(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fried garlic(for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Roasted peanuts(crushed, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Spring onions(finely chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Coriander leaves(roughly chopped, for garnish)
- 1 for serving Lime wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 15 minutes, or until softened but still firm. Drain and set aside. If using dried noodles, follow package instructions for soaking or boiling.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, stirring until aromatic and golden brown. Add the minced chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir continuously for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well and cooking for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Stir in the fermented soybean paste, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, ground turmeric, and chili powder. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 4
Cook the prepared rice noodles according to package instructions (usually a quick boil or soak). Drain well.
- 5
Divide the noodles into four serving bowls. Ladle the sauce generously over each portion, ensuring a good ratio of meat to sauce. Top with chopped pickled mustard greens, fried garlic, crushed peanuts, spring onions, and fresh coriander. Serve with lime wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or a dash of chili oil.
- ✓If you can't find fermented soybean paste, a combination of miso paste and soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente to avoid them becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute chicken with minced pork.
- For a soup version, add more chicken broth to the sauce and serve it over the noodles.
- Add other garnishes like sliced chilies or fried shallots.