Bakmi Goreng.
Bakmi Goreng is another Asian street food built on a sweet soy sauce base—in this case an Indonesian product called kecap manis. This recipe is easy, adaptable and flavorful but if you are in the New York Capital District I urge you to try the bakmi goreng at Yono’s and DP Brasserie, the two restaurants managed by Dominick Purnomo. Dominick has been a tireless supporter of out-of-work restaurant folk during the pandemic, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed those in need, and the least you can do is eat his noodles. Makes 4 main dish servings
Ingredients:
12 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles (or substitute 8 oz uncooked spaghetti)
2 T neutral cooking oil
8 oz protein such as chicken, shrimp or tofu, chopped (if shrimp, use whole)
2 large eggs
4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
2 c napa cabbage, coarsely chopped (or use standard American cabbage)
¾ c celery (about 3 stalks), chopped
½ c green onions, cut into rings, including some of the green
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
2 T Kecap Manis (ABC brand seems to be the most popular)
A generous pinch each of ground coriander and cumin (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fried onions for serving, about ½ c (optional)
ABC brand seems to be the kecap manis that everyone uses.
Method: cook the noodles in a generous amount of boiling water until tender but not flaccid; drain and rinse with cold water, and reserve. Heat the oil in a wok and add garlic and onion; cook until soft. Push to one side and add the egg; beat with chopsticks and cook briefly until done. Push the egg to one side and add protein; cook until just done. Add cabbage, celery and green onion and cook until soft. Add back cooked noodles and kecap manis plus optional coriander and cumin and stir until the mixture is hot and well combined. Serve with optional topping of fried onions or shallots.
*Compared to the Healthy Boy Black Soy Sauce we tried the other day, kecap manis has a similar flavor profile but is less complex, without the additional flavor of wheat. You could substitute the Healthy Boy sauce—or just use molasses.
