Char Kway Teow, a beloved street food from Malaysia, is a stir-fried noodle dish with a unique mix of flavors. This savory recipe features flat rice noodles tossed with shrimp, cockles, and eggs, all seasoned to perfection. It’s a dish that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Malaysia and brings the vibrant flavors of its streets right to your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Savory Char Kway Teow Recipe
This Savory Char Kway Teow recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with delightful tastes and textures. The combination of fresh seafood, aromatic garlic and onions, and the distinct taste of soy and oyster sauces create a dish that’s both comforting and fulfilling.
Savory Char Kway Teow
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the dried flat rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they become pliable. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and the minced garlic and red onion. Stir-fry them until fragrant.
- When the garlic and onion are aromatic, add the shrimp. Once the shrimp starts to turn pink, add the canned cockles. Stir well to combine.
- Add the soaked noodles to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sambal oelek, and sesame oil. Toss everything well, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauces.
- Push the noodle mixture to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them lightly. Once cooked, mix the eggs into the noodles.
- Toss in the bean sprouts and garlic chives, and stir-fry for another minute. Season with white pepper to taste.
- Once everything is well combined, remove the wok from heat.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Whether you are a fan of Malaysian cuisine or simply looking to spice up your dinner rotations, this recipe will surely become a household favorite.
How to Make Savory Char Kway Teow
Ingredients
- 200 grams Dried Flat Rice Noodles (Soak until pliable)
- 300 grams Shrimp (Use medium-sized, peeled, and deveined)
- 200 grams Canned Cockles (Adds briny flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 medium Red Onion (Minced)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Less Sodium) (Adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce (Essential for richness)
- 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek (Optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon White Pepper (Adjust to preference)
- 100 grams Bean Sprouts
- 50 grams Garlic Chives (Can swap for regular chives)
- 2 large Eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Flat Rice Noodles: Soak the dried flat rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they become pliable. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Seafood: Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and the minced garlic and red onion. Stir-fry them until fragrant.
Add the Shrimp and Cockles: When the garlic and onion are aromatic, add the shrimp. Once the shrimp starts to turn pink, add the canned cockles. Stir well to combine.
Combine Noodles and Seasonings: Add the soaked noodles to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sambal oelek, and sesame oil. Toss everything well, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauces.
Scramble the Eggs: Push the noodle mixture to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them lightly. Once cooked, mix the eggs into the noodles.
Add Sprouts and Chives: Toss in the bean sprouts and garlic chives, and stir-fry for another minute. Season with white pepper to taste.
Serve Hot: Once everything is well combined, remove the wok from heat.
How to Serve Savory Char Kway Teow
Serve your Char Kway Teow hot, garnished with additional garlic chives if desired. It pairs well with a refreshing cucumber salad and a glass of iced tea or sparkling beverage to balance the flavors.
How to Store Savory Char Kway Teow
Leftovers of Savory Char Kway Teow can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply use a pan on low heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Savory Char Kway Teow Perfect
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and cockles enhance the flavor of the dish.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying on high heat ensures the noodles get that desirable char without becoming mushy.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the sauces based on your flavor preferences.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If making a larger batch, split it into two cookings to maintain high heat.
Flavor Variations
- Protein Swaps: Substitute shrimp with chicken or beef for a different taste.
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu and omit seafood, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Spicy Twist: Add sliced fresh chilies or increase the sambal oelek for extra heat.
Pro Tips for Success
- Proper Noodle Soaking: Make sure to soak the noodles until soft but not mushy.
- Garlic Oil: For an extra aromatic kick, infuse your cooking oil with garlic before adding other ingredients.
- Quick Cooking: Once the frying starts, work quickly to keep all ingredients fresh and vibrant.
FAQs About Savory Char Kway Teow
Can I use fresh rice noodles instead of dried?
Yes, fresh rice noodles can be used in place of dried ones. Just toss them briefly in the wok with the sauces until heated through. Adjust the cooking time accordingly since they need less time than dried noodles.
What can I serve with Char Kway Teow?
Char Kway Teow is delicious on its own but pairs well with sides like a fresh salad, pickled vegetables, or a simple soup.
Is Char Kway Teow healthy?
While it is a comforting dish, it can be made healthier by reducing the amount of oil and sodium-rich sauces while increasing vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Making Savory Char Kway Teow at home is a fantastic way to experience Malaysian flavors without the need to visit a restaurant. With its perfect balance of seafood, rich sauces, and tender noodles, this dish will surely impress your family and friends. Try this recipe today and enjoy the vibrant tastes of Malaysia right from the comfort of your kitchen.