Introduction
Bihun Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish made from rice noodles (bihun) stir-fried with a mix of colorful vegetables, proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and seasoned with a blend of savory spices and sauces. This dish is known for its aromatic flavors and delightful textures, making it a favorite for both street food and home-cooked meals. Bihun Goreng is versatile and can be customized with various ingredients to suit different tastes, making it a beloved comfort food in Indonesia.
Ingredients
- 200 g rice vermicelli (bihun)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 100 g bean sprouts
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice Vermicelli:
- Soak the rice vermicelli in warm water for about 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside.
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Heat the Oil:
- In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, and sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
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Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
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Add Proteins:
- Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pan, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the protein is heated through.
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Combine with Noodles:
- Add the soaked and drained rice vermicelli to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and chili paste. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add Bean Sprouts:
- Gently fold in the bean sprouts and cook for another minute until they are just heated but still crisp.
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Serve:
- Transfer the Bihun Goreng to serving plates and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.
Health Notes
- Bihun Goreng can be a nutritious meal option, providing carbohydrates and protein, especially when loaded with vegetables. Be mindful of sodium content, particularly from soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Bihun Goreng hot as a main dish or as a side alongside other Indonesian dishes. It pairs well with a refreshing cucumber salad.
Tips
- Customizing Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas according to your preference. You can also substitute the protein with any other options like beef or tempeh.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your heat tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the amount or use sweet chili sauce.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply stir-fry everything when you're ready to eat.
- Noodle Variations: If rice vermicelli is unavailable, you can use other types of noodles such as egg noodles or soba noodles, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
