Welcome to the vibrant world of Cambodian cuisine, where flavors dance harmoniously to create culinary delights that tantalize the taste buds. Among the plethora of mouthwatering dishes, Cha Mee stands out as a beloved comfort food, cherished by locals and celebrated by food enthusiasts worldwide. This traditional Cambodian noodle dish offers a symphony of flavors, combining tender noodles, savory meats, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices in a tantalizing broth.

In this recipe, we will embark on a culinary journey to recreate the authentic Cambodian Cha Mee experience right in your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe will guide you through the steps to craft a bowl of Cha Mee that's bursting with flavor and rich in cultural heritage. Get ready to savor the essence of Cambodia with every slurp of this delectable noodle soup. Let's dive in and discover the magic of Cambodian cuisine with our homemade Cha Mee!

Ingredients:

• 250g egg noodles
• 200g chicken breast, thinly sliced (or substitute with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.

3- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken (or your choice of meat/seafood) and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, and cook until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2 minutes.

5- Add the julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, and thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

6- Return the cooked chicken (or meat/seafood) to the skillet. Add the cooked egg noodles and the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

7- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth.

8- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired.

9- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Cambodian Cha Mee, packed with delicious flavors and textures that will transport you to the bustling streets of Cambodia with every bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed in the recipe:

250g egg noodles:

• Calories: 875 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 175g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 5g

benefits:

• Source of carbohydrates for energy
• Contains some protein for muscle repair and growth
• Provides small amounts of dietary fiber for digestion

200g chicken breast:

• Calories: 264 kcal
• Protein: 48g
• Fat: 5g

benefits:

• Excellent source of lean protein for muscle building and repair
• Low in fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their calorie intake
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium

2 tablespoons vegetable oil:

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
• Provides energy and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• Can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation

2 cloves garlic:

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Contains compounds like allicin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Has antimicrobial properties and may boost the immune system

1 small onion:

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health
• May help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease

1 carrot:

• Calories: 25 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and is essential for vision health
• Provides fiber for digestive health and weight management
• Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases

1 bell pepper:

• Calories: 24 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health
• Rich in antioxidants like carotenoids, which may reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases
• Contains fiber and water, which aid in digestion and hydration

1 cup cabbage:

• Calories: 22 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in fiber, making it a great option for weight management
• Contains vitamins K and C, which are important for bone health and immune function
• Rich in antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases

2 tablespoons soy sauce:

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 2g

benefits:

• Adds flavor to dishes with minimal calories
• Contains some protein and essential amino acids
• Provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as iron and manganese

1 tablespoon oyster sauce:

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Adds a savory umami flavor to dishes
• Contains some protein and minerals such as iron and zinc
• Enhances the taste of stir-fries, marinades, and sauces

1 tablespoon fish sauce:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Adds a salty and savory flavor to dishes
• Contains essential amino acids and minerals like sodium
• Enhances the umami taste in Southeast Asian cuisine

1 teaspoon sugar:

• Calories: 16 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Provides quick energy for the body
• Adds sweetness to dishes, balancing flavors
• Best consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content

1/2 teaspoon black pepper:

• Calories: 3 kcal

benefits:

• Contains piperine, which may improve digestion and nutrient absorption
• Has antioxidant properties that may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Adds flavor and heat to dishes without adding calories

2 green onions:

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in flavor
• Contains vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health
• Adds a fresh, onion-like flavor to dishes without overpowering other ingredients

Nutritional values for optional garnish:

• Fresh cilantro: Negligible calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
• Lime wedges: Negligible calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and specific ingredients used.