Shan Noodles (Chicken and Tomato Rice Noodles)
Local name: ရှမ်းခေါက်ဆွဲ
In short: Rice noodles topped with a garlicky chicken and tomato sauce, pickled mustard greens, peanuts and spring onion, with a small bowl of hot broth. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 630 kcal
Shan noodles, or Shan khauk swe, come from the Shan highlands of Myanmar and are now sold in tea shops across the country. Rice noodles are topped with a sauce of ground chicken and tomatoes cooked down with garlic and turmeric, then finished with pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts and coriander. Many cooks serve it dry with a small bowl of clear hot broth on the side, though it can also be eaten as a soup.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Fry the garlic for 1 minute until pale gold, then add the ground chicken and break it up. Cook for 4 minutes until no pink remains.
- Stir in the turmeric, tomatoes, fish sauce, salt, sugar, pepper and water.
- Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the tomatoes break down into a thick, glossy sauce. The chicken should reach 74°C (165°F).
- Cook the rice noodles according to the packet, drain and rinse briefly under warm water.
- Heat the stock until steaming and pour it into 4 small bowls.
- Divide the noodles among plates and spoon over the chicken and tomato sauce. Top with the mustard greens, peanuts, spring onions, coriander and chili oil.
- Serve with the bowls of hot broth and lime wedges, and toss everything together before eating.
Tips
- In winter use a 400 g (14 oz) can of crushed tomatoes in place of fresh. Simmer for the same time until thick.
- Minced pork works instead of chicken. Cook it until it reaches 71°C (160°F) and drain off excess fat if it is very fatty.
Questions and answers
Are Shan noodles a soup or a dry dish?
Both exist. The dry version, served with a small bowl of broth, is very common, and you can also pour the broth over the noodles to eat them as a soup.
What are preserved mustard greens?
They are mustard greens pickled in salt, with a sour, savory taste. They come in packets at Asian grocery stores. Rinse them before use to remove extra salt.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The chicken and tomato sauce keeps 3 days in the fridge and freezes for 2 months. Reheat it and cook the noodles just before serving.
How long does it take to make Shan Noodles (Chicken and Tomato Rice Noodles)?
About 55 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Shan Noodles (Chicken and Tomato Rice Noodles)?
About 630 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 76 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 630 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 76 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 1400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
