Kwetiau Goreng (Fried Kwetiau)

Stir-fried flat rice noodle dish typically cooked together along side vegetables & proteins or shrimps.

A Brief History of Kwetiau Goreng

Kwetiau Goreng is a beloved dish in Indonesia, showcasing stir-fried flat rice noodles enriched with a medley of vegetables and proteins like shrimp or chicken. Its roots trace back to Chinese culinary traditions, yet it has been thoroughly embraced by Indonesian cuisine, particularly as a popular street food option. 

 

The delightful blend of savory flavors and the satisfying texture of the noodles make Kwetiau Goreng a comfort food staple. This recipe serves 4, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a gathering with family and friends.

 

Why Kwetiau Goreng Is Healthy

Balanced Nutrition: Combining carbohydrates from the noodles, protein from shrimp or chicken, and vitamins from fresh vegetables creates a well-rounded meal.

Low in Calories: When prepared with lean proteins and a generous serving of vegetables, Kwetiau Goreng can be a low-calorie dish.

Quick Cooking Time: The stir-frying technique retains essential nutrients while delivering a delicious, satisfying meal in no time.

Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit various dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for everyone.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 250g flat rice noodles (kwetiau)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined (or chicken)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Noodles

1. Soak the Flat Rice Noodles:
   • If using dried kwetiau, soak in warm water for about 30 minutes until softened. For fresh noodles, rinse briefly under hot water to separate strands.

Stir-Frying the Ingredients

2. Heat the Oil:

   • In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Add minced garlic and sliced onion to the hot oil. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant and translucent.

4. Add Protein:

   • Incorporate the shrimp (or chicken) and cook until fully cooked through (about 3-5 minutes).

5. Add Vegetables:

   • Toss in broccoli florets, bell peppers, shredded carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to become tender but still crisp.

6. Scramble Eggs:

   • Push the cooked ingredients to one side of the wok, pour in the beaten eggs on the other side, and scramble until fully cooked. Mix everything together.

7. Add Noodles:

   • Finally, add the soaked flat rice noodles along with bean sprouts, soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss gently for about 2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are well-coated with sauce.

Serving Kwetiau Goreng

8. Plate the Dish:

   • Transfer the fried kwetiau to serving plates.

9. Garnish:

   • Optionally garnish with additional bean sprouts or chopped green onions before serving.
    

Tips for Perfect Kwetiau Goreng

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for optimal flavor; avoid wilted produce.

Quick Cooking: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting to cook; stir-frying is a quick process!

Customize Proteins: Substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu according to your preference.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go, adjusting soy sauce or oyster sauce to match your flavor preference.

 

Conclusion

Kwetiau Goreng is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine to your table. With its balanced nutrition and easy preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or enjoying a casual meal with friends. Try this recipe and experience the delicious comfort of homemade Kwetiau Goreng!

 

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