Manado-style Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles

Ingredients

While the original Malaysian char kway teow is known for its smoky flavors and sweet soy sauce, the Manado-style Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles takes a different approach. It incorporates the distinct flavors of Manado cuisine, which are characterized by the use of aromatic spices such as lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric. The dish also embraces the spiciness that Manado cuisine is famous for, adding a fiery kick to the noodles. Additionally, the seafood or meat used in the Manado version may vary, reflecting the abundance of fresh ingredients available in the region. We alse have the original recipe for Char kway teow, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) flat rice noodles 300g (10.5 oz) flat rice noodles
• 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200g (7 oz) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings 200g (7 oz) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 150g (5.3 oz) chicken breast, thinly sliced 150g (5.3 oz) chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 red chilies, thinly sliced 2 red chilies, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the flat rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, red chilies, lemongrass, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the chicken breast and cook until it turns white and is almost cooked through.
5. 5.
   Add the shrimp and squid, and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the seafood is cooked.
6. 6.
   Push the ingredients to one side of the wok and crack an egg into the empty space. Scramble the egg until cooked, then mix it with the rest of the ingredients.
7. 7.
   Add the soaked flat rice noodles to the wok, followed by turmeric powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
8. 8.
   Drizzle lime juice over the noodles and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together.
9. 9.
   Remove the lemongrass stalks from the noodles.
10. 10.
    Transfer the Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles to a serving plate and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release the aromatic oils and flavors.
• Turmeric powder — Use caution when handling turmeric powder as it can stain surfaces and clothing. Wash your hands immediately after use.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add more red chilies or include sliced bird's eye chilies.
• Customize the seafood or meat according to your preference. You can use clams, mussels, or beef as alternatives.
• To enhance the flavors, marinate the shrimp and squid in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and seafood and add tofu or tempeh for protein.
• Serve the Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles with a side of sambal oelek or sliced fresh lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Manado-style Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Accompany it with a side of sambal oelek or sliced fresh lime for those who enjoy an extra tangy or spicy kick.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles on a large serving platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine through. Garnish with a generous amount of fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green.