Penang Char Hor Fun Recipe

Flat rice noodles: These are wide, flat noodles that are perfect for stir-frying and absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Chicken breast: Thinly sliced to cook quickly and evenly, adding protein to the dish.

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these add a sweet, seafood flavor.

Garlic: Minced to release its aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor.

Chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.

Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth of flavor.

Oyster sauce: Contributes a rich, umami taste that is essential for this dish.

Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

Choy sum: A leafy green vegetable that adds freshness and texture.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients.

When stir-frying the flat rice noodles, ensure your wok is hot enough to achieve a slight char without burning. This adds a smoky flavor that enhances the overall dish. Additionally, when adding the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, make sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.

• flat rice noodles - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine has a similar flat shape and texture, making it a good alternative for flat rice noodles.

• chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well, making it a suitable replacement for chicken breast.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good substitute for shrimp.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a similar aromatic quality and can be used in place of garlic.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for those looking for a vegetarian option.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar flavor profile.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a similar sweet and savory flavor, making it a good substitute for oyster sauce.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder works similarly to cornstarch as a thickening agent.

• choy sum - Substitute with spinach: Spinach has a similar texture and can be used as a substitute for choy sum.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good alternative to vegetable oil.

• Allow the Penang Char Hor Fun to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the noodles soggy.
• Transfer the cooled noodles and sauce into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 2-3 days. This keeps the chicken and shrimp fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The Penang Char Hor Fun can be frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to eat, thaw the frozen Penang Char Hor Fun in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the integrity of the noodles and vegetables.
• Reheat the dish in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the noodles and prevent them from sticking.
• Stir-fry until the noodles are heated through and the sauce is evenly distributed. This ensures that the chicken and shrimp are warmed without becoming overcooked.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh choy sum or baby bok choy if desired, to enhance the dish's visual appeal and nutritional value.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan.
  3. Add the leftover Penang Char Hor Fun and stir gently.
  4. Cover the pan with a lid and let it steam for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  5. Remove the lid and let any excess liquid evaporate before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover noodles in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to keep the dish moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the dish is heated through; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Penang Char Hor Fun in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to the dish.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer or use a pot with a steaming rack.
  2. Place the leftover noodles in a heatproof dish.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the dish.
  4. Steam over boiling water for 5-7 minutes, until the dish is heated through.
  5. Carefully remove the dish from the steamer and serve hot.

• Wok: A versatile, round-bottomed cooking vessel essential for stir-frying the noodles and other ingredients.

• Spatula: Used for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the chicken breast and chopping the choy sum or baby bok choy.

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

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the noodles and mixing them back into the wok with the sauce.

• Garlic press: Optional, but can be used to mince the garlic more efficiently.

• Serving plate: For presenting the finished dish.

Prep ingredients in advance: Slice the chicken breast and shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time on making your own.

Pre-wash vegetables: Clean and chop the choy sum or baby bok choy in advance.

Ready-to-use noodles: Purchase pre-cooked flat rice noodles to skip the boiling step.

Minced garlic: Use pre-minced garlic from a jar to cut down on prep time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.