Mee Rebus

If you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of noodles that combines a luscious broth with hearty toppings, then Mee Rebus is the dish you need in your life. This traditional Malaysian noodle dish is not only delicious but also full of vibrant flavors and textures. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week, whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends. With its rich, spicy broth and a variety of toppings, Mee Rebus is bound to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Mee Rebus is a beloved dish for many reasons. The first is its incredible flavor profile, which balances sweetness, spiciness, and savory notes. The combination of yellow noodles in a thick, fragrant gravy made from sweet potatoes and spices creates a comforting yet exciting meal. Additionally, the toppings—like hard-boiled eggs, fried shallots, and prawn fritters—add layers of texture and flavor that elevate the dish to a feast.

Moreover, Mee Rebus is versatile. You can customize the toppings based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether you prefer extra crunch from fried beancurd or a squeeze of lime for tanginess, there’s always room to make it your own. This adaptability, combined with the satisfaction of making a dish from scratch, is why you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and time again.

Gather These Ingredients

To create a mouthwatering bowl of Mee Rebus, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pack yellow noodles, blanched – The foundation of your dish, these noodles soak up the delicious broth.
• 1 cup beansprouts, blanched – For that added crunch and freshness.
• 8 dried red chillies, soaked to soften – Infuses the broth with heat and depth.
• 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander – Adds a warm, citrusy flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel – Offers a subtle sweetness and anise flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin – Enhances the earthiness of the dish.
• 10 shallots, chopped – Provides sweetness and aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric – For color and its warm, earthy taste.
• 1 inch (2 cm) ginger – Adds a fresh, zesty kick.
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil – To sauté the spices and shallots.
• 1 cinnamon stick – To impart a warm, sweet undertone.
• 350 grams sweet potatoes, skinned, steamed and mashed – The heart of the broth, creating a creamy texture.
• 7 cups chicken stock – The base of your broth; use a good-quality stock for the best flavor.
• 1 cup prawn stock – Adds depth and richness to the broth.
• 1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate – Provides a tangy twist that balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup coconut milk – For a creamy finish.
• Salt, to taste – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• Hard-boiled eggs, shelled and halved – A classic topping for added protein.
• Fried beancurd, sliced – For extra texture and flavor.
• Prawn fritters – Crispy and savory, these are a must-have topping.
• Fried shallots – For a burst of flavor and crunch.
• Limes – A squeeze of lime brightens the dish.
• Lettuce, shredded – Adds freshness and color.

Toolbox for This Recipe

To prepare this delightful Mee Rebus, gather these essential tools:

• Large pot – For cooking the broth and noodles.
• Blender or food processor – To blend the spices and dried chillies into a smooth paste.
• Cutting board and knife – For chopping the shallots and vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
• Serving bowls – For serving your delicious Mee Rebus to family and friends.

Mee Rebus, Made Easy

Creating a delicious bowl of Mee Rebus is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a flavorful and satisfying dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste

Start by blending the soaked dried red chillies, ground coriander, fennel, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and half of the chopped shallots in a food processor. Add a splash of water if needed to help blend everything into a smooth paste. This vibrant spice mix is the heart of your Mee Rebus.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped shallots and sauté until golden brown and fragrant. This will take about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt shallots can impart a bitter taste.

Step 3: Cook the Spice Paste

Add the blended spice paste to the pot and stir well. Cook the paste for about 5-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate and the mixture is aromatic. This step is crucial as it deepens the flavors of your broth.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Next, pour in the chicken stock and prawn stock, followed by the cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The stocks will form a rich base for your Mee Rebus.

Step 5: Incorporate the Sweet Potatoes

Add the mashed sweet potatoes and tamarind concentrate to the pot. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes. The sweet potatoes will thicken the broth and add a lovely sweetness.

Step 6: Finish with Coconut Milk

Once the broth has thickened, stir in the coconut milk. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes, then season with salt to taste. The coconut milk will add a creamy richness that perfectly balances the spices.

Step 7: Prepare the Noodles and Toppings

While the broth is simmering, prepare your yellow noodles according to package instructions. Blanch the beansprouts and slice the fried beancurd and prawn fritters. Halve the hard-boiled eggs and get your lime wedges and shredded lettuce ready for serving.

Step 8: Assemble Your Mee Rebus

To serve, place a portion of yellow noodles in a bowl. Ladle the piping hot broth over the noodles, ensuring you get plenty of the chunky sweet potato mixture. Top with beansprouts, hard-boiled eggs, fried shallots, and any other toppings you desire. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a refreshing zing!

If You’re Out Of…

If you find yourself missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some alternatives:

• No yellow noodles? Use rice noodles or any pasta you have on hand.
• Out of sweet potatoes? Butternut squash or pumpkin can work as a substitute.
• No tamarind concentrate? A splash of lime juice or vinegar can provide acidity.
• Missing fried shallots? You can use regular onions sautéed until crispy or simply omit them.

Testing Timeline

To ensure your Mee Rebus is perfect, follow this testing timeline:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Simmering time: 15-20 minutes
• Assembly time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious dish!), here’s how to store and reheat your Mee Rebus:

• Let the broth cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, gently warm the broth on the stove, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
• For best results, reheat noodles separately to avoid mushiness.

Questions People Ask

Can I make Mee Rebus vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable stock instead of chicken and prawn stock, and simply omit the seafood and meat toppings. You can add tofu or more vegetables for protein.

Is Mee Rebus spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of dried red chillies or remove the seeds.

Can I freeze Mee Rebus?

It’s best to freeze the broth without the noodles and toppings. When you’re ready to eat, defrost the broth and cook fresh noodles for the best texture.

What can I serve with Mee Rebus?

Mee Rebus is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of roti or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Similar Recipes

If you’re intrigued by the flavors of Mee Rebus, you might also enjoy these dishes:

• Laksa – A spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base.
• Char Kway Teow – A delicious stir-fried flat noodle dish.
• Mee Siam – A tangy and spicy noodle dish with a different flavor profile.
• Nasi Lemak – A fragrant rice dish served with various accompaniments.

Final Thoughts

Mee Rebus is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that can bring warmth and comfort to your dining table. With its rich broth, tender noodles, and diverse toppings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying it on a rainy day or serving it at a gathering, Mee Rebus never fails to delight. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of this traditional Malaysian treasure!