Authentic Chinese Wantan Mee Recipe: Making the Classic Dish in Your Own Kitchen
Are you a fan of Chinese cuisine or looking to try something new? Look no further than wantan mee, a popular noodle dish found in hawker centres, food courts, and restaurants across Southeast Asia. With its springy egg noodles, savory sauce, and succulent wontons, wantan mee is a must-try delicacy that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The origins of wantan mee can be traced back to Guangzhou, China, where it was originally served as a breakfast food. Over time, the dish evolved and spread throughout Southeast Asia, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe. Today, wantan mee is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and is considered a staple food in many parts of the world.
If you're interested in making wantan mee at home, there are a few key ingredients and techniques that you'll need to master. From preparing the noodle dough and filling for the wontons, to mixing the sauce and seasoning the dish, there are many steps involved in creating the perfect bowl of wantan mee. But with a little practice and patience, you'll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Key Takeaways
- Wantan mee is a popular Chinese noodle dish that can be found in many hawker centres, food courts and restaurants across Southeast Asia.
- The dish originated in Guangzhou, China, and has since spread throughout the region with each country adding its own unique twist to the recipe.
- To make wantan mee at home, you'll need to master a few key ingredients and techniques, including preparing the noodle dough, filling for the wontons, and mixing the sauce and seasoning the dish.
The Origins of Wantan Mee
Wantan Mee is a beloved dish that has a rich history in Chinese cuisine. The dish originated in Cantonese cuisine and has since spread throughout Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore.
Cultural Significance in Malaysia and Singapore
Wantan Mee has become a cultural icon in Malaysia and Singapore, where it is a popular street food. The dish is typically served dry, with the noodles tossed in a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. It is then topped with slices of char siu (barbecued pork), vegetables, and wantan (dumplings). Wantan Mee is often served with a side of soup made from the same ingredients as the sauce.
In Malaysia and Singapore, Wantan Mee is not just a dish, but a cultural symbol. It is a dish that is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, from the rich to the poor. It is a dish that brings people together and is often served at family gatherings and celebrations.
Influence of Cantonese Cuisine
The dish's origins can be traced back to Cantonese cuisine, where it was first served as a soup. The soup contained noodles, vegetables, and dumplings made from minced pork and shrimp. The dish was then adapted to suit local tastes, and the dry version of the dish became popular in Malaysia and Singapore.
If you want to add a twist to your Wantan Mee recipe, you can try incorporating seafood into the dish. Shrimp, squid, and fish are all excellent choices that can add a unique flavour to the dish. You can also try using a mixture of seafood to create a seafood Wantan Mee that is sure to impress.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking your delicious Chinese wantan mee, it is important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here are the steps for preparing the ingredients:
Selecting the Noodles
The most important ingredient in wantan mee is the noodles. You can use either fresh or dried egg noodles for this recipe. Fresh noodles are softer and have a more delicate texture, while dried noodles are more chewy and have a firmer texture. You can find both types of noodles at your local Asian grocery store.
Making the Wontons
Wontons are small dumplings filled with a mixture of pork mince and shrimp. You can buy pre-made wonton wrappers from the store, or you can make your own at home. To make the filling, mix together the pork mince, shrimp, and seasonings. Then, place a small amount of the filling in the centre of a wonton wrapper and fold it in half to form a triangle. Pinch the edges together to seal the wonton.
The Essential Vegetables
The vegetables used in wantan mee are just as important as the noodles and wontons. The most common vegetables used are choy sum, gai lan, Chinese broccoli, and bok choy. Choy sum and gai lan have a slightly bitter taste, while Chinese broccoli and bok choy are sweeter and more tender. You can find these vegetables at your local Asian grocery store.
If you want to add seafood to your wantan mee, you can use shrimp or fish balls. Shrimp will add a sweet and slightly briny flavour to the dish, while fish balls will add a chewy texture. Make sure to clean and devein the shrimp before using them in the recipe.
Sauce and Seasoning
When it comes to Chinese wantan mee, the sauce and seasoning play a crucial role in bringing out the flavour of the dish. In this section, we will discuss the different types of soy-based flavours, balancing the seasoning, and the use of chili and pickled condiments.
Soy-Based Flavours
Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce are the three main soy-based flavours that are commonly used in Chinese cooking. Soy sauce is the most common and is used to add saltiness to the dish. Oyster sauce is used to add a rich umami flavour, while dark soy sauce is used to add colour and depth to the dish.
To enhance the flavour of the dish, you can also add a few drops of sesame oil. Sesame oil has a nutty flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Balancing the Seasoning
To balance the seasoning of the dish, you need to add a combination of salt, sugar, and pepper. Salt is used to add saltiness, while sugar is used to add sweetness. Pepper is used to add a bit of spice and heat to the dish.
It's important to taste the dish as you add the seasoning to ensure that it's balanced. Add a little bit at a time and adjust according to your taste.
Chili and Pickled Condiments
If you like your wantan mee spicy, you can add chili to the dish. You can use fresh chili or chili flakes, depending on your preference. You can also add pickled green chillies for a tangy flavour.
Propose the use of seafood in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable. You can add seafood such as prawns or squid to the dish to add a seafood flavour. If you choose to add seafood, make sure to cook it separately and add it to the dish at the end.
That's all you need to know about the sauce and seasoning for Chinese wantan mee. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavour for you.
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the Blanching Process
Blanching is an essential technique when it comes to making wantan mee. It involves briefly boiling the noodles or vegetables in water and then quickly transferring them to cold water to stop the cooking process. This technique helps to remove any impurities and also helps to retain the texture and colour of the ingredients.
To blanch the noodles, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the noodles. Cook for 40-60 seconds or until they are al dente, then quickly transfer them to a bowl of cold water. For the vegetables, blanch them for 1-2 minutes or until they are tender but still have a slight crunch.
Achieving the Perfect Broth
The broth is the heart of any good wantan soup. To make a flavourful broth, start by simmering pork bones, chicken bones or both in a pot of water for several hours. Add aromatics like onions, garlic, ginger and spring onions to enhance the flavour. For a seafood option, you can use prawn shells or fish bones to make the broth.
Once the broth is ready, strain it and season it with soy sauce, oyster sauce and a pinch of sugar. You can also add some cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth and give it a silky texture.
Wonton Folding and Cooking
Making the wontons is a crucial step in making wantan mee. To make the filling, mix minced pork with chopped prawns, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil and a dash of white pepper. Place a small amount of filling in the centre of a wonton wrapper, moisten the edges with egg white and fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle. Bring the two corners of the long side together and pinch them to seal.
To cook the wontons, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the wontons. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain and rinse the wontons with cold water to remove any excess starch.
For a seafood option, you can use minced prawns or crab meat to make the filling. Serve the wontons in the broth with blanched noodles and vegetables for a comforting bowl of wantan soup.
Assembling Wantan Mee
Once you have all the components of your wantan mee ready, it's time to assemble your dish. Here are the steps to follow:
Layering the Bowl
- Start with a base layer of cooked wanton noodles in a bowl. Make sure the noodles are not clumped together.
- Add a generous serving of char siu (barbecued pork) on top of the noodles. You can use either sliced or diced char siu.
- Next, add a handful of chopped spring onions on top of the char siu.
- Drizzle some sesame oil over the top of the dish.
- Finally, add a few cloves of chopped garlic on top.
Garnishing for Extra Flavour
- Top the dish with a few pieces of fresh wonton. You can use either boiled or fried wonton.
- If you like, you can also add some seafood to your wantan mee. Shrimp or prawns are a great addition to the dish.
- Finish off by garnishing with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
With these simple steps, you can assemble a delicious bowl of wantan mee. Experiment with different garnishes and seafood to find your perfect combination. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make the soup for wantan mee?
The soup for wantan mee is typically made from a combination of chicken, pork bones, and dried anchovies. You can also add vegetables like carrots and onions to enhance the flavour. Boil the ingredients in water for several hours until the soup is rich and flavourful. Strain the soup and set aside.
What ingredients are needed for a halal version of wantan mee?
For a halal version of wantan mee, you can replace the pork with chicken or beef. Use chicken or beef broth instead of pork broth for the soup. You can also add prawns or squid as a seafood option.
Can you share a recipe for a classic chicken wantan mee?
To make a classic chicken wantan mee, you will need chicken breast, egg noodles, bok choy, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Boil the chicken breast until cooked and shred the meat. Cook the egg noodles, blanch the bok choy, and set aside. Sauté garlic and ginger, then add the chicken, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well and serve with the noodles and bok choy.
What's the secret to a tasty wantan mee sauce?
The secret to a tasty wantan mee sauce is in the balance of flavours. The sauce should be a combination of savoury, sweet, and sour. Use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar to achieve the right balance.
How is Singaporean wanton mee different from the traditional version?
Singaporean wanton mee is typically served dry with a dark sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The noodles are topped with char siew (barbecued pork), wantons, and vegetables. Traditional wanton mee is served with soup and has a lighter sauce.
Why do they call it 'wanton' in wanton mee?
The word 'wanton' comes from the Cantonese word 'wanton' which means 'swallowing clouds'. The name refers to the lightness and delicacy of the wantons used in the dish.
As a suggestion, you can add prawns or squid to the wanton mee recipe to add a seafood twist. Use fresh prawns or squid and cook them separately before adding them to the dish.