I Tried Thailand's Viral Instant Noodles and Recreated It - Mama Jeh O

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll recreate the viral Mama Tom Yum instant noodle dish from Jeh O Chula in Thailand. Known for its rich flavor and unique ingredients, this recipe captures the essence of the original dish. Follow these steps to bring the taste of Thailand to your kitchen.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Instant noodles (preferably a type that cooks quickly)
• Tom Yum paste (available at Asian grocery stores)
• Fresh shrimp or chicken (your choice)
• Mushrooms (preferably straw mushrooms)
• Fresh herbs (like cilantro and green onions)
• Lime (for juice)
• Fish sauce
• Chili oil or fresh chilies (to taste)
• Optional: additional toppings like fried garlic or boiled eggs

Practical Tip: Check your pantry for any of these ingredients before heading to the store.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

Creating a flavorful broth is crucial for this dish. Follow these steps:

1. Boil Water: In a pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add Tom Yum Paste: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of Tom Yum paste. Adjust based on your flavor preference.
3. Add Protein: Once the paste is dissolved, add your shrimp or chicken and simmer until cooked (about 3-5 minutes for shrimp).
4. Incorporate Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Common Pitfall: Ensure the broth is seasoned well before adding noodles. Taste and adjust with fish sauce or lime juice if needed.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Now it’s time to cook the noodles:

1. Add Noodles: Add your instant noodles to the boiling broth.
2. Cooking Time: Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually around 2-4 minutes.
3. Final Touches: Stir occasionally to separate the noodles and ensure they absorb the broth's flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Once the noodles are cooked, it’s time to plate:

1. Serve Noodles: Use a ladle to serve the noodles and broth into bowls.
2. Add Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped cilantro and green onions for freshness.
3. Garnish: Drizzle with chili oil and add lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Practical Tip: For added texture, consider adding fried garlic or a boiled egg on top.

Conclusion

You’ve now recreated the delicious Mama Tom Yum instant noodles right from your home! This dish is perfect for a quick meal that packs a punch of flavor. Enjoy it hot, and don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients based on your taste preferences. Next, consider trying other Thai dishes to expand your culinary skills!