Introduction: Mee Siam is a beloved Southeast Asian dish that combines rice vermicelli with a rich, spicy, and tangy gravy. This dish is a medley of flavors, with the heat of chillies, the richness of coconut milk, and the tartness of tamarind crting a harmonious balance. Traditionally served as a hearty meal, Mee Siam is perfect for those who crave a spicy, comforting dish that showcases the vibrant culinary traditions of Southeast Asia.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spice paste, coconut milk, and tamarind gives the dish a complex, layered flavor profile.
- Authentic Experience: Mee Siam is a traditional dish that offers a taste of Southeast Asian street food in the comfort of your own home.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course for lunch or dinner, or even as a dish for special occasions and gatherings.
Mee Siam Rice Vermicelli in Spicy Gravy:Recipe
Description
Mee Siam is versatile and can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. It’s also an excellent choice for special occasions, family gatherings, or even as a dish for potlucks. Its vibrant flavors and rich, spicy gravy make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
For the Spice Paste:
For the Gravy:
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
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- Combine the dried red chillies, shallots, lemongrass, and dried prawn paste in a blender or food processor. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
- Heat 3 Tbsp of cooking oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the spice paste and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the salted soy beans, stir-fry for 1 minute, then sprinkle in the salt and sugar. Continue frying for another minute. Remove half of this mixture to prepare the gravy and set aside the remaining mixture in the wok.
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Prepare the Gravy:
- In a large saucepan, combine the reserved half of the fried spice paste with the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add the tamarind concentrate and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure the flavors meld together. Set aside the gravy.
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Fry the Bean Curd:
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- Heat oil for deep-frying in a wok or deep pan. Once hot, deep-fry the bean curd cubes until golden brown. Drain well and set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Ingredients:
- Just before serving, reheat the remaining spice paste mixture in the wok over high heat. Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add half of the cooked prawns and half of the chopped chives or spring onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the soaked and drained rice vermicelli to the wok, stirring vigorously to mix the noodles with the other ingredients. Repeat until all the vermicelli is used up.
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Assemble and Serve:
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- Transfer the stir-fried vermicelli mixture to a large serving dish.
- Arrange the remaining prawns, chives or spring onions, hardboiled eggs, and fried bean curd on top.
- Ladle the prepared gravy over the dish, ensuring the noodles are well-coated.
- Serve immediately with lime or lemon halves on the side for an extra tangy kick.
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- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 530kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Trans Fat 6g
- Cholesterol 180mg60%
- Sodium 920mg39%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for Success:
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of tamarind concentrate based on your preferred level of tartness. Some may prefer a more tangy gravy, while others might like it milder.
- Crispy Bean Curd: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the bean curd to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Spice Level: For a spicier dish, add more dried chillies to the spice paste or include fresh chillies in the stir-fry.
Health Benefits:
- Protein-Rich: Prawns and eggs provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Fiber-Packed: Bean sprouts and chives add dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
- Low in Calories: Rice vermicelli is low in calories, making this dish a lighter yet filling option.
When to Serve: Mee Siam is versatile and can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. It’s also an excellent choice for special occasions, family gatherings, or even as a dish for potlucks. Its vibrant flavors and rich, spicy gravy make it a crowd-pleaser
