Introduction:
Mie Lethek Goreng is a traditional Javanese dish that offers a unique twist on fried noodles. Originating from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this dish is characterized by its vibrant green color and rich flavors. The key ingredient, "lethek," is a type of local spinach that gives the noodles their distinctive hue and a burst of earthy taste. Here's how you can recreate this delicious Indonesian delicacy at home.
Ingredients:
- 300 grams of Mie Lethek noodles (can be found in Asian grocery stores or substitute with spinach noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium-sized carrot, julienned
- 100 grams cabbage, shredded
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fried shallots for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Mie Lethek Noodles: Cook the Mie Lethek noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté until fragrant and onions turn translucent.
Add Vegetables: Add julienned carrots and shredded cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Cook Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour beaten eggs into the empty space. Let it cook for a minute until it starts to set, then scramble the eggs until cooked through.
Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked Mie Lethek noodles with the vegetables and eggs in the pan.
Seasoning: Pour sweet soy sauce and regular soy sauce over the noodles. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Fry Noodles: Increase the heat to high and stir-fry the noodles for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Mie Lethek Goreng to serving plates. Garnish with fried shallots and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Be cautious with the salt as sweet soy sauce already contains a fair amount of sodium.
- Customize the dish by adding protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- For extra heat, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce.
- Keep the noodles slightly al dente to retain their texture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit eggs or substitute with scrambled tofu for a vegan version.
- Seafood Delight: Incorporate shrimp, squid, or crab meat for a seafood twist.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some sambal or chili paste for a fiery flavor.
