Mee Rebus
Malaysian Noodle Soup
A comforting and flavorful Malaysian noodle dish featuring springy yellow noodles bathed in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet gravy, thickened naturally with sweet potato and infused with the umami of dried shrimp and tender beef. Garnished with a variety of fresh and fried toppings, it's a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400g Yellow noodles (fresh or dried)(Fresh egg noodles or dried mee pok are suitable. If using dried, cook according to package directions.)
- 300g Sweet potato(About 1 medium-sized sweet potato. Peeled and cubed.)
- 50g Dried shrimp(Soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, then drained and roughly chopped. This adds a deep umami flavor.)
- 200g Beef(Thinly sliced beef (e.g., sirloin or flank steak). You can also use chicken or omit for a vegetarian version.)
- 2 Shallots(Finely chopped.)
- 3 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(Peeled and grated or finely minced.)
- 2 tablespoons Curry powder (Malaysian or mild Indian)
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce(Optional, for added depth of flavor.)
- 1 liter (approx. 4 cups) Chicken or beef broth
- 500ml (approx. 2 cups) Water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar(Adjust to taste, depending on sweetness of sweet potato.)
- assorted Garnishes(Hard-boiled eggs (halved), fried tofu puffs (halved), fresh bean sprouts, chopped cilantro or spring onions, fried shallots, lime wedges, chili padi (sliced, optional).)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sweet potato: Place the cubed sweet potato in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth. Set aside.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Make the gravy base: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (approx. 180°C / 350°F). Add the chopped dried shrimp, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped shallots. Sauté until fragrant and the shallots are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Bloom the spices: Stir in the curry powder and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn't burn.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add beef and liquids: Add the thinly sliced beef to the pot and stir-fry until it changes color. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, water, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Thicken the gravy: Gradually whisk in the mashed sweet potato into the simmering broth. Continue to stir and simmer gently, allowing the gravy to thicken. This should take about 15-20 minutes. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 6
Season the gravy: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar as needed. The flavor should be a balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 7
Prepare noodles: If using fresh noodles, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until just tender. If using dried, cook according to package instructions. Drain well.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 8
Assemble and serve: Divide the blanched noodles among four serving bowls. Ladle the hot mee rebus gravy generously over the noodles. Arrange the assorted garnishes on top. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The sweetness of the sweet potato can vary, so taste and adjust the sugar accordingly.
- ✓For a smoother gravy, you can blend the gravy with an immersion blender after adding the sweet potato, before serving.
- ✓Ensure the gravy is hot when serving to keep the noodles warm and the dish comforting.
- ✓Don't overcook the noodles; they should have a slight chew.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced cuttlefish along with the beef for an extra layer of seafood flavor.
- Increase the amount of chili padi or add a dash of sambal oelek to the gravy for extra spice.
- For a richer gravy, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter towards the end of cooking.