Kuey teow (also spelled char kway teow) is a stir-fried rice noodle dish that is a popular street food in Malaysia and Singapore. It is made with flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives, and is seasoned with a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. The noodles are stir-fried over high heat until they are crispy and the sauce is caramelized, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish.
History
Kuey teow is believed to have originated in Penang, Malaysia, in the early 20th century. It is thought to have been created by Chinese immigrants who adapted a traditional Chinese dish called chao mian (stir-fried noodles) to use local ingredients. The dish quickly became popular in Penang and spread to other parts of Malaysia and Singapore.
Ingredients
The basic ingredients for kuey teow are:
- Flat rice noodles
- Shrimp
- Chinese sausage
- Eggs
- Bean sprouts
- Chives
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
Preparation
To make Kuey Teow, the noodles are first cooked according to the package directions. They are then drained and set aside. The shrimp, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives are all cooked separately. The noodles are then stir-fried over high heat with the cooked ingredients and the sauce. The dish is cooked until the noodles are crispy and the sauce is caramelized.
Variations
There are many different variations of Kuey Teow, but the basic ingredients and preparation method remain the same. Some common variations include adding chicken, tofu, or vegetables to the dish. The sauce can also be adjusted to taste.
Serving
Kuey Teow is typically served with a side of chili sauce or sambal. It can also be served with a side of soup or salad.
Conclusion
Kuey Teow is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is a popular choice for both locals and tourists in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a simple dish to make, but it is important to use high-quality ingredients and to stir-fry the noodles over high heat to get the best results.
Here are some additional facts about Kuey Teow:
- The name “Kuey Teow” literally means “flat rice cake strips” in the Hokkien dialect.
- Kuey Teow is often served with a side of chili sauce or sambal.
- Kuey Teow is a popular dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Kuey Teow is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.
- Kuey Teow is a relatively inexpensive dish.
If you are looking for a flavorful and aromatic dish to try, Kuey Teow is a great option. It is a simple dish to make, but it is important to use high-quality ingredients and to stir-fry the noodles over high heat to get the best results.
Article curated by Naw Eh Wai Htoo
