Mandalay Meeshay

Mandalay Meeshay is a beloved Burmese dish originating from Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. This hearty noodle dish features medium-thick rice noodles topped with a savory pork sauce, accompanied by a variety of fresh and pickled garnishes. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Noodles and Pork Sauce:

• 400 g medium-thick rice noodles
• 200 g minced pork
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 cup bean sprouts, blanched
• 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

For the Rice Flour Gel:

• 5 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For Garnishing:

• 2 tablespoons fermented soybeans (tau cheo)
• 1 tablespoon chili oil (optional)
• 2 tablespoons crispy fried garlic
• 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
• Hard-boiled eggs, halved or quartered
• Red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice Flour Gel

   In a small saucepan, combine the rice flour and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent. Remove from heat and stir in rice vinegar and sugar. Set aside to cool.

2. Cook the Noodles

   Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Pork Sauce

   Heat the peanut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the minced pork and cook until browned. Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Assemble the Dish

   Place a portion of cooked noodles in a bowl. Top with a spoonful of the pork sauce. Add a spoonful of the rice flour gel. Garnish with bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onions. Add a few slices of hard-boiled egg. Drizzle with fermented soybeans, chili oil, and sprinkle with red chili flakes if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Mandalay Meeshay is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal. Pair it with a refreshing green papaya salad or a light coconut milk soup to balance the rich flavors. For dessert, consider serving mango sticky rice to complete the Burmese culinary experience.

Tips and Variations

Protein Options

While this recipe uses minced pork, you can substitute it with ground chicken or tofu for a different flavor profile.

Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Replace the fish sauce with soy sauce and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or tofu.

Adjusting Spice Levels

Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili oil and red chili flakes according to your preference.

Make-Ahead

The pork sauce and rice flour gel can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat before serving.