Char Hor Fun

Char Hor Fun: A Delicious Malaysian Stir-Fried Noodle Dish

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a taste of Malaysia in a single dish, Char Hor Fun is the answer. This mouthwatering stir-fried noodle dish combines silky rice noodles, succulent seafood or chicken, and a savory gravy that’s simply irresistible. In this blog post, we’ll explore Char Hor Fun in easy words, making it accessible for you to recreate this Malaysian classic at home.

What is Char Hor Fun?

Char Hor Fun, also known as “Cantonese Fried Hor Fun,” is a popular Malaysian dish that hails from Chinese culinary traditions. The name “Hor Fun” refers to the broad rice noodles used in the dish. These noodles are known for their silky, slightly chewy texture, which makes them a perfect canvas for soaking up rich and flavorful sauces.

Ingredients For the Noodles and Protein
– Fresh or dried flat rice noodles (Hor Fun) – Sliced chicken, prawns, or a combination
– Cooking oil – Chopped garlic
– Chopped scallions

 

For the Gravy Sauce For Vegetables (Optional)
– Light soy sauce – Sliced bell peppers
– Dark soy sauce – Bean sprouts
– Oyster sauce – Choy sum or Chinese broccoli
– Chicken or vegetable broth
– Sugar
– Salt and white pepper to taste
– Cornstarch mixed with water (for thickening)

Char Hor Fun

Instructions of Char Hor Fun

  1. Prepare the Noodles:

  • If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water until they become soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  • If using fresh rice noodles, separate them gently with your fingers to prevent clumping.

  1. Cook the Protein:

  • Heat a pan or wok with oil over high heat.
  • Stir-fry the chicken and/or prawns until they are cooked through and slightly browned.

  1. Saute Garlic and Vegetables (If Using):

  • If more oil is required, add it to the same pan. Stir-fry the garlic until fragrant, then add the sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or Choy sum. Cook until they begin to soften.
  1. Create the Sauce:
  • Mix light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and white pepper in a bowl. This forms the savory gravy.

  1. Stir-fry with Noodles:

  • Add the softened rice noodles to the pan with the sautéed garlic and vegetables (if using).
  • Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir-fry everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

  1. Thicken the Sauce:

  • If the sauce needs thickening, drizzle the cornstarch-water mixture over the noodles and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

  1. Garnish and Serve:

  • Sprinkle chopped scallions on top for a burst of freshness and color.
  • Serve your homemade Char Hor Fun hot and enjoy!

A Taste of Malaysia at Home:

Char Hor Fun is a Malaysian favorite that brings together the flavors of Chinese and Malaysian cuisines. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can experience the rich and savory goodness of Char Hor Fun right in your own kitchen. Give it a try and savor the delightful taste of Malaysia!

 

FAQs about Char Hor Fun

Q1: What is Char Hor Fun?

  • A1: Char Hor Fun is a popular Malaysian dish made with wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried with meat (often chicken or prawns) and a savory sauce.

Q2: What Makes Char Hor Fun Special?

  • A2: Char Hor Fun is known for its silky rice noodles and delicious sauce that combines sweet, savory, and umami flavors, creating a delightful taste.

Q3: Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?

  • A3: While traditional Char Hor Fun uses wide rice noodles, you can experiment with other noodles like egg noodles or even spaghetti if you prefer.

Q4: What Meat Can I Use?

  • A4: Chicken and prawns are common choices, but you can also use beef, tofu, or a combination of proteins according to your preference.

Q5: Is Char Hor Fun Spicy?

  • A5: It’s not typically a spicy dish, but you can add chili flakes or sauce if you enjoy some heat.

Q6: Can I Customize the Vegetables?

  • A6: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or Chinese broccoli to suit your taste.

Q7: What Sauces Are Used in Char Hor Fun?

  • A7: The sauce typically includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and seasonings to create a savory flavor.

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