Entree: Christmas Island – Central Culinary Region – Mee Goreng (Stir-fried yellow wheat noodles with vegetables, egg, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet-spicy soy-tamarind sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 10 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 12 oz (340 g) fresh yellow egg noodles
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 red chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
- 8 oz (225 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 12 medium shrimp)
- 1 block firm tofu, approx. 8 oz (225 g), cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) cubes
- 2 large eggs, approx. 3.5 oz (100 g) total, beaten
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 g) tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) sambal oelek or to taste
- 1 tsp (5 g) palm sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 cup (30 g) bean sprouts, rinsed
- 3 green onions (scallions), sliced on the diagonal
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
- 2 tbsp (14 g) fried shallots for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare noodles according to package instructions if needed, drain and set aside. If fresh, loosen them with a little oil.
2. Mix kecap manis, light soy sauce, tamarind paste, sambal, and sugar in a small bowl and set sauce aside.
3. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot, then add 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil.
4. Add garlic, shallots, and chilies; stir-fry 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
5. Add shrimp and tofu; stir-fry 1–2 minutes until shrimp begin to turn pink and tofu edges are lightly golden.
6. Push contents to one side of the wok, add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil, pour in beaten eggs and scramble quickly until just set, then mix with shrimp and tofu.
7. Add noodles and the prepared sauce; toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes to coat and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.
8. Stir in bean sprouts and most of the green onions just until warmed, then remove from heat and finish with sesame oil if using.
9. Serve immediately topped with fried shallots and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each portion.