Surinamese Bami Goreng (Javanese Fried Noodles)

  • Prep Time - 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time - 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Suriname
Dark fried noodles (Bami Goreng) with pieces of chicken and vegetables, served in a bowl.

Bami Goreng (meaning 'fried noodles') is made from wheat noodles (Mie), which are briefly boiled before frying. The Surinamese version, like Nasi Goreng, relies on the distinct flavor of Ketjap Manis (sweet soy sauce), which gives the dish a dark, caramelized color and a sweet-and-salty taste.

It is traditionally served with a piece of chicken or pork, fresh vegetables, and chili sauce (Sambal).

Ingredients

I. Base

  • 400 g Wheat Noodles (Mie), Chinese or Surinamese Bami type
  • 300 g Chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 200 g Bok Choy or Bami vegetable mix

II. Surinamese Spices and Sauces

  • 1 pc Onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp Ketjap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Ketjap Asin (Salty Soy Sauce)
  • 0.5 tsp Trassi (Shrimp Paste), optional
  • 1 pc Maggi Cube (bouillon), crushed

III. For Frying and Serving

  • 1 sufficient amount Oil (sunflower)
  • 1 for serving Sambal (chili sauce) or pickled cucumber

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Noodles and Meat

Boil the wheat noodles in salted water exactly according to instructions (al dente). Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and let them drip dry. (Crucial for preventing sticking).

Dice the chicken meat and marinate it for 15 minutes in 1 tbsp of Ketjap Manis and seasoning.

Step 2: Sautéing Spices and Meat

Heat the oil in a Wok or large deep pan over high heat.

Sauté the onion and garlic. If using Trassi, add it now and fry until the aroma is released.

Add the marinated chicken and fry until cooked and golden.

Step 3: Frying the Bami

Add the chopped vegetables (Bok Choy, leek, etc.) and fry for 2 minutes.

Add the boiled noodles, the crushed Maggi cube, the remaining 2 tbsp of Ketjap Manis, and 1 tbsp of Ketjap Asin to the pan.

Stir quickly and thoroughly, preferably with two spatulas, so the sauces are evenly distributed. The noodles should achieve a uniform dark color. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Serving

Serve the Bami Goreng hot, optionally with pickled vegetables (Atjar Tjampoer) and a bit of spicy Sambal.