Bihun goreng is an Indonesian and Malaysian stir fried rice noodle dish that's also popular in many other Southeast Asian countries. It's super easy to make, takes only 20 minutes, and is jam packed with flavors of sweet and savory heat! Although our recipe features shrimps, you can also make it with chicken instead.
White peppera generous pinch or to your preference
Instructions
Soak the rice noodles:Place the rice noodles into a bowl and add enough room temperature water until the noodles are completely covered. Let the noodles soak for about 10 minutes, then drain well.
Prepare the sauce:Mix together the water, chili sauce, oyster sauce, kecap manis, and white pepper. Set aside until needed.
Prepare the shallot and garlic:Place the roughly chopped shallot and garlic in a mortar and grind the aromatics into a paste using the pestle. This will make the vermicelli more fragrant. If you prefer, you could also just mince by hand or blend the shallot and garlic in a food processor.
(Optional) Scramble the eggs:In a wok or pan heat about 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
Stir fry the dish:In the same pan or wok over medium heat, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil. When the oil is hot, add the prepared shallot and garlic. Sauté briefly and add the shrimps. Sauté the shrimps with the shallot and garlic until about 70% cooked.
Add the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer. Then add the cabbage and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the soaked rice noodles and stir well to coat evenly.
Finish by adding the bean sprouts, green onions, and scrambled eggs. Stir fry and cook for another minute until the bean sprouts and green onions are no longer raw. Enjoy!
Notes
Please refer to the post above for step by step photo references, tips, and FAQs!
Sauce - Stir frying the sauce helps to open up the flavors more, so don't skip it! If you like the noodles spicier, you can also add a couple tablespoons of spicy chili paste, like Sambal.
Protein - Bihun goreng is popularly offered with either shrimps or chicken. So if you prefer chicken, cut chicken breast or thighs into strips and sauté in place of the shrimps.
Cabbage - Normally, bihun goreng is sautéd with choy sum, also known as yu choy, but cabbage is a popular option too. You can also just substitute the cabbage for what you prefer or what you have on hand.