Lam Mee with Fragrant Shrimp Broth

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh shrimp, shells and heads removed 500g (1.1 lb) fresh shrimp, shells and heads removed
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh egg noodles 500g (1.1 lb) fresh egg noodles
• 200g (7 oz) bean sprouts 200g (7 oz) bean sprouts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots, and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the shrimp shells and heads to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to extract the flavors from the shrimp shells.
4. 4.
   Strain the broth to remove the shells and return it to the pot. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and ground white pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, cook the fresh egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   In a separate pan, heat a little oil and stir-fry the sliced chicken until cooked through. Set aside.
7. 7.
   To serve, divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, fresh shrimp, bean sprouts, and fried shallots. Ladle the fragrant shrimp broth over the noodles.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to remove the shells and heads before using them to make the broth. Save the shrimp meat for topping the noodles.
• Fresh egg noodles — Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy. Rinse them with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of chili oil to the broth.
• Customize the toppings by adding other ingredients such as sliced fish cake, boiled eggs, or blanched vegetables.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the simmering broth to thicken it.
• To save time, you can use store-bought chicken broth instead of making your own.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed to thin the broth.

Serving advice

Serve the Fragrant Shrimp Lam Mee hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Provide additional condiments such as soy sauce, chili sauce, or lime wedges for diners to adjust the taste according to their preference.

Presentation advice

When serving Fragrant Shrimp Lam Mee, ensure that the noodles are well-coated with the fragrant shrimp broth. Arrange the toppings neatly on top of the noodles, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve in individual bowls to showcase the vibrant and enticing appearance of the dish.