What is Satay Noodle Soup
Satay Noodle soup (沙茶面, Shacha Mian) is a popular dish originating in the coastal city of Xiamen in China’s Fujian province. It is known for its savory, slightly spicy, and umami-rich broth, made from the unique shacha sauce, which is the core flavor of the dish.
Satay Noodle Soup Ingredients
Shacha sauce (沙茶酱), sometimes referred to as "Chinese BBQ sauce," is made from a blend of ingredients including dried shrimp, garlic, shallots, chile peppers, and peanuts, which creates its distinctive savory-sweet flavor. It has an intense flavor and a thick texture. You can use it as a main base sauce to make easy stir-fry dishes such as Shacha chicken.
What Type of Noodle to Use
Satay noodle soup uses 油面 (You Mian). It is a type of alkaline noodles that use wheat flour, an alkaline solution, and water as main ingredients. These noodles have a yellow tone and a meaty chewy texture, which works perfectly with the rich, nutty seafood broth.
Topping Options
There are many different ways to add toppings to your satay noodles. In my recipe, I use fish balls, shrimp, and tofu puffs along with some bean sprouts and choy sum. These are the most popular toppings. They are also both super easy to cook and do not require special preparation.
Mise en Place
When you’re ready to cook, you should have all the ingredients ready:
- Sliced aromatics (garlic and green onion)
- Bean sprouts
- Noodles
- Sauce ingredients (shacha sauce, peanut butter, fish sauce)
- Shrimp
- Sliced tofu puffs
- Fish balls
- Chicken broth
- Chinese greens
How to Make Satay Noodle Soup
Making satay noodle soup requires a few simple steps:
- Blanch the greens
- Quickly cook the bean sprouts
- Cook the noodles according to the instructions
- Saute the aromatics
- Cook the sauce ingredients
- Add the broth and cook the fish balls and tofu puffs
- Briefly cook the shrimp
- Assemble your noodle soup bowls
How to Serve Satay Noodle Soup
In China, satay noodle soup is a popular street food that people enjoy for breakfast or lunch. When cooking at home, I like to add extra toppings and serve it as a one-bowl dinner when I want something hearty.
Other Delicious Noodle Recipes
…