Samoan Sapasui
Sapasui is a beloved Samoan noodle dish, a unique adaptation of Chinese chop suey or pancit. It features tender vermicelli noodles stir-fried with your choice of meat (beef, pork, or chicken), aromatic garlic and ginger, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce and a touch of sweetness. It's a flexible and comforting dish, perfect for family gatherings and everyday meals.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Vermicelli noodles
- 500 g Beef, pork, or chicken(sliced into thin strips or cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger(minced)
- 1/2 cup Light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Dark soy sauce
- 1 cup Water or broth
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar(optional, for sweetness)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 cup Frozen mixed vegetables(optional, such as carrots, peas, corn)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Typically, this involves soaking them in warm water until softened, then draining and cutting them into shorter lengths with kitchen scissors to make them easier to eat. Set aside.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add your chosen meat (beef, pork, or chicken) to the skillet. Stir-fry until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- 5
If using, add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
- 6
Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and water (or broth). Add the brown sugar, if using. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- 7
Add the prepared vermicelli noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce and mixed with the meat and vegetables.
- 8
Continue to cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles have absorbed most of the sauce and are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 9
Serve hot as a main dish or a side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the meat in soy sauce and a little garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓Don't overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.
- ✓Adjust the soy sauce and sugar to your preference for saltiness and sweetness.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or green beans.
🔄 Variations
- Use canned corned beef (pisupo) for a quick and classic Samoan variation.
- Add a splash of oyster sauce for extra umami.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or fresh chilies.