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 Noodles are often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or lunch, and they are a beloved comfort food in Fujian cuisine. The use of seafood reflects Xiamen’s coastal heritage, and the dish is popular in local food markets and street stalls. Its flexible nature makes it an ideal meal for people who like to customize their food with different fresh ingredients from the market. This popular dish can also be found in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, usually with different variations, influenced by the Fujianese migration throughout the region.
Satay noodle soup ingredients
Shacha sauce
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 (碱水面, Jian Shui Mian), 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. If you live close to a Chinese market or large Asian market such as H Mart, you might be able to find fresh You Mian noodles in the refrigerated or freezer section. If You Mian is not available, you can use Japanese ramen instead. Ramen noodles are thinner, but they contain the same ingredients and have a similar texture. Another great option is dried alkaline noodles. I love the dried noodles from The Mala Market. They have a perfect chewy texture once cooked.
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. Other popular topping options include:
Seafood: Squid, fish Shellfish: Clams and oysters Meat: meatballs (pork and beef), pork liver, chicken gizzards etc.
You can pick your own favorite toppings. But do note, for ingredients such as sliced fish or pork liver, you might want to marinate them with a very small amount of Shaoxing wine, a pinch of salt, and some cornstarch for a better result.
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: NOTE: I used fresh noodles that do not require cooking before serving. But I do prefer to dip them in hot water briefly so they are easier to separate.
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
Laghman (Noodles with Lamb Sauce, 新疆拌面) Biang Biang Noodles (Yu Po Mian) Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodle (葱油拌面) Chongqing Noodles (重庆小面) Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup (兰州拉面)
