Mee Rebus is a popular Malay noodle dish that is full of flavor and spices. It is a dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The name “Mee Rebus” means “boiled noodles” in Malay, and it is a dish that is known for its rich and thick gravy. The noodle dish is made from yellow noodles and is usually topped with a variety of ingredients such as bean sprouts, tofu, boiled eggs, and fried onions. The dish is typically served with a side of lime and sambal chili sauce to add an extra kick of flavor.
To cook Mee Rebus, start by boiling the yellow noodles until they are cooked al dente. While the noodles are boiling, prepare the gravy by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until fragrant. Add in a mixture of ground spices such as turmeric, chili powder, coriander, and cumin. Stir the spices until they are well combined, and then add in water, shrimp paste, and tamarind juice. Allow the gravy to simmer until it thickens.
Once the noodles and gravy are ready, assemble the dish by placing a portion of noodles in a bowl and pouring the gravy over it. Top the noodles with bean sprouts, tofu, boiled eggs, and fried onions. Finally, serve the Mee Rebus with a side of lime and sambal chili sauce for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying Malay noodle dish!
What is Mee Rebus?
To make Mee Rebus, yellow egg noodles are cooked in a flavorful gravy made from a combination of spices, herbs, and ingredients such as shrimp paste, garlic, and chili. The gravy is thick and rich, and often has a sweet and slightly spicy taste. It is then garnished with a variety of toppings, including boiled egg, fried tofu, bean sprouts, and spring onions.
| Main Ingredients | Gravy | Toppings |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow egg noodles | Shrimp paste | Boiled egg |
| Garlic | Garlic | Fried tofu |
| Chili | Chili | Bean sprouts |
| Lime juice | Lime juice | Spring onions |
Mee Rebus is often enjoyed as a main dish during lunch or dinner, and it is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. It is a dish that reflects the diverse culinary influences in Malaysia, as it combines Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors and ingredients. Whether you are a fan of noodles or simply want to try a traditional Malaysian dish, Mee Rebus is definitely worth a taste!
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of yellow noodles
- 100 grams of bean sprouts
- 1 small piece of tofu, cubed
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 small potato, boiled and mashed
- 100 grams of ground peanuts
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste
- 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce
- Salt and sugar to taste
Preparation:
- Boil the yellow noodles in a pot of water until they are cooked. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic and shallots until fragrant.
- Add the curry powder, shrimp paste, and tamarind paste to the pan and mix well.
- Add the mashed potato and ground peanuts to the pan and stir until well combined.
- Pour in water, enough to cover the ingredients, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sweet soy sauce, salt, and sugar to taste, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- In a separate pot, blanch the bean sprouts and tofu until cooked. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, place a portion of the yellow noodles in a bowl and top it with the bean sprouts, tofu, and sliced hard-boiled egg.
- Pour the prepared gravy over the noodles and garnish with some chopped spring onions and fried shallots.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Mee Rebus. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it hot and savor the delicious combination of flavors from the noodles, gravy, and toppings.
Key ingredients for Mee Rebus
1. Noodles: The main component of Mee Rebus is the noodles. Traditionally, yellow egg noodles are used in this dish. These noodles have a soft and chewy texture, and they absorb the flavors of the gravy well.
2. Gravy: The gravy of Mee Rebus is what sets it apart from other noodle dishes. It is made from a variety of ingredients like shallots, garlic, dried shrimp, and spices such as turmeric, coriander, and cumin. Coconut milk is also added to give the gravy a creamy and slightly sweet taste.
3. Protein: Mee Rebus is usually served with a protein component like beef or chicken. The meat is often cooked in a flavorful broth and then sliced thinly before being added to the dish. Some versions of Mee Rebus also include shrimp or tofu as an alternative protein option.
4. Toppings: To enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, Mee Rebus is typically garnished with various toppings. This can include sliced hard-boiled eggs, fried tofu, bean sprouts, chopped scallions, and crispy shallots. These toppings add freshness, crunch, and additional flavors to the dish.
5. Condiments: Finally, Mee Rebus is typically served with condiments that add a burst of tanginess and heat. This can include lime wedges, sliced chili peppers, and a side of sambal, which is a spicy chili paste. These condiments allow diners to customize the dish according to their preferred level of spiciness.
| Noodles | Gravy | Protein | Toppings | Condiments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow egg noodles | Shallots | Beef or chicken | Sliced hard-boiled eggs | Lime wedges |
| Garlic | Shrimp or tofu | Fried tofu | Sliced chili peppers | |
| Dried shrimp | Bean sprouts | Sambal | ||
| Turmeric, coriander, cumin | Chopped scallions | |||
| Coconut milk | Crispy shallots |
Steps to Prepare Mee Rebus
1. Boil the Noodles
Start by boiling the yellow noodles in a pot of water until they are cooked. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Gravy
In a separate pot, heat some oil and sauté a mixture of shallots, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add in ground spices such as chili paste, tomato paste, and shrimp paste and stir well. Then, pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the gravy is boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Add in palm sugar, tamarind paste, and salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. You can also add in a splash of coconut milk for a richer flavor.
3. Prepare the Toppings
While the gravy is simmering, prepare the toppings for the Mee Rebus. Traditionally, the dish is served with boiled eggs, blanched bean sprouts, fried tofu, and crispy shallots. You can also add in some sliced green chilies for an extra kick.
- Boil the eggs until they are cooked to your desired doneness, then peel and set them aside.
- Blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water for a few seconds, then drain and set them aside.
- Slice the fried tofu into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare crispy shallots by thinly slicing shallots and frying them until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels.
4. Serve the Mee Rebus
To serve the Mee Rebus, place a portion of boiled yellow noodles in a bowl. Ladle the hot gravy over the noodles, ensuring that they are well-coated. Garnish with the prepared toppings, such as the boiled eggs, blanched bean sprouts, fried tofu, and crispy shallots. Serve the Mee Rebus hot and enjoy!
