Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow is a popular noodle dish from Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore. It is known for its rich flavors and is a staple in many hawker centers and street food markets.

History

Char Kway Teow, which translates to "stir-fried rice cake strips," originated from the Teochew and Hokkien communities in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, it was a dish consumed by laborers due to its high fat content and low cost, providing the necessary energy for hard physical work.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Char Kway Teow include:

• Flat rice noodles (kway teow)
• Light and dark soy sauce
• Chilli paste
• Whole prawns
• Blood cockles
• Chinese lap cheong (sausage)
• Bean sprouts
• Chives
• Eggs
• Lard or oil

Optional ingredients may include fish cakes, squid, and other seafood.

Preparation

Char Kway Teow is traditionally stir-fried in a wok over very high heat. The process involves:

1. Heating the wok until it is very hot.
2. Adding lard or oil to the wok.
3. Stir-frying the garlic and chilli paste until fragrant.
4. Adding the prawns, lap cheong, and cockles, and stir-frying until they are cooked.
5. Adding the rice noodles and seasoning with soy sauce.
6. Pushing the ingredients to one side of the wok and scrambling the eggs on the other side.
7. Mixing everything together and adding bean sprouts and chives.
8. Stir-frying briefly to combine all ingredients and ensure the noodles are well-coated with sauce.

Variations

There are several regional variations of Char Kway Teow:

• In Penang, the dish is often served with duck eggs and has a slightly sweeter taste.
• In Singapore, it may include more seafood and is sometimes served with a side of sambal.
• In Indonesia, a similar dish known as "Kwetiau Goreng" is popular, often spicier and with a different blend of sauces.

Nutritional Information

Char Kway Teow is high in calories and fat, primarily due to the use of lard and the inclusion of ingredients like lap cheong. It is not typically considered a health food, but it is enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.

Cultural Significance

Char Kway Teow is more than just a dish; it is a cultural icon in Malaysia and Singapore. It represents the fusion of different culinary traditions and is a testament to the multicultural heritage of the region.

See Also

• Hokkien Mee
• Laksa
• Mee Goreng

References

• "The Food of Singapore: Authentic Recipes from the Little Red Dot" by Djoko Wibisono
• "Penang Heritage Food: Yesterday's Recipes for Today's Cook" by Ong Jin Teong

External Links

• [Char Kway Teow Recipe on Wikibooks](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Char_Kway_Teow)