Mee Celup Siam Recipe (Thai Style Clear Noodle Soup - Kelantan)

Chicken broth: The base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the broth.

Ginger: Offers a warm and slightly spicy note to the soup.

Fish sauce: A key ingredient in Thai cuisine, adding umami and saltiness.

Soy sauce: Contributes a savory and slightly sweet flavor.

Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

Rice noodles: Provides a light and chewy texture, perfect for soaking up the broth.

Bean sprouts: Adds a fresh and crunchy element to the soup.

Spring onions: Brings a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Coriander leaves: Adds a fresh and aromatic finish to the dish.

Lime: Provides a tangy and refreshing contrast to the savory broth.

Red chili: Adds a spicy kick to the soup.

When preparing chicken broth, ensure it is well-seasoned and flavorful as it forms the base of the soup. Use fresh ginger and garlic to enhance the aroma and depth of flavor. For the rice noodles, soak them in warm water just until they are pliable but not fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the broth. This prevents them from becoming mushy. When adding the fish sauce and soy sauce, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the saltiness and umami. Finally, garnish generously with fresh bean sprouts, spring onions, and coriander leaves to add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the dish.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar savory base and is suitable for vegetarians.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it is less intense.

• sliced ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar warmth and spice.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though it lacks the fishy undertone.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar depth of flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

• rice noodles - Substitute with glass noodles: Glass noodles have a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the soup well.

• bean sprouts - Substitute with snow peas: Snow peas provide a similar crunch and freshness to the dish.

• spring onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• coriander leaves - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, slightly peppery flavor as an alternative garnish.

• lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.

• red chili - Substitute with jalapeño: Jalapeño can offer a similar heat level and can be sliced similarly.

• Allow the chicken broth to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation and maintains the soup's flavor and texture.
• Store the broth separately from the rice noodles and toppings. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and the toppings from losing their freshness.
• Pour the cooled broth into an airtight container. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion if you plan to freeze it.
• Place the rice noodles in a separate airtight container. If you plan to store them for more than a day, lightly coat them with a bit of soy sauce or oil to prevent sticking.
• Store the bean sprouts, spring onions, and coriander leaves in separate containers lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This keeps them crisp and fresh.
• For freezing, transfer the cooled broth into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze the broth for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheat the broth on the stove until it reaches a rolling boil. This ensures any bacteria are killed and the soup is safe to consume.
• Add the rice noodles to the reheated broth just before serving to maintain their texture.
• Top with fresh bean sprouts, spring onions, coriander leaves, lime wedges, and sliced red chili right before serving to preserve their vibrant flavors and crunch.

• Gently reheat the chicken broth in a pot over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Avoid boiling to maintain the delicate flavors of the garlic and ginger.
• If the rice noodles have absorbed too much broth and become clumpy, briefly soak them in warm water to loosen them up before adding them back to the broth.
• Once the broth is simmering, add the rice noodles and heat for about 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through.
• To retain the fresh crunch of the bean sprouts, spring onions, and coriander leaves, add them to the bowls just before serving.
• Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the soup and add sliced red chili for that final burst of flavor.
• For microwave reheating, place the noodle soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a stovetop method, place the noodle soup in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• To prevent overcooking the noodles, you can reheat the broth separately and pour it over the noodles and toppings just before serving.

• Pot: Used to bring the chicken broth to a boil and simmer the ingredients.

• Strainer: Utilized to remove the garlic and ginger slices from the broth.

• Knife: Essential for slicing ginger, red chili, and chopping spring onions and coriander leaves.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar accurately.

• Tongs: Handy for adding and removing the soaked rice noodles from the broth.

• Bowls: Used for serving the noodles and broth.

• Ladle: Ideal for pouring the hot broth over the noodles in the bowls.

• Spoon: Useful for stirring the broth and ensuring the ingredients are well mixed.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop garlic, ginger, and spring onions ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time on making it from scratch.

Soak noodles early: Soak rice noodles in warm water while you prep other ingredients.

Batch cook: Make a larger batch of broth and freeze portions for future use.

Quick toppings: Pre-wash and chop bean sprouts and coriander leaves to have them ready for garnishing.