Mee Rebus
Global • halal_safe
About Mee Rebus
Yellow noodles in sweet potato-based gravy with egg and lime
How to Make Mee Rebus (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Mee Rebus is a beloved staple in Singaporean hawker and kopitiam culture, celebrated for its rich, sweet-spicy gravy and satisfying egg noodles. Rooted in Malay and Indian culinary traditions, Mee Rebus represents the multicultural fusion that is at the heart of Singapore cuisine. Its name means 'boiled noodles' in Malay, hinting at its comforting, slurp-worthy base. The dish is typically enjoyed as a hearty lunch, but it’s also a popular breakfast choice among locals who crave something warm and nourishing to start their day. Singapore’s Mee Rebus stands out for its thick, flavourful gravy made from mashed sweet potatoes, aromatic spices, and a gentle heat from chillies. Toppings like hard-boiled eggs, tau kwa (firm tofu), bean sprouts, and a squeeze of calamansi lime add layers of texture and taste. You’ll often find Mee Rebus at bustling hawker centres, where each stall puts its own spin on this classic, reflecting the diverse tapestry of Singaporean food culture. This healthy version retains all the authentic flavours while offering a lighter, nutrient-conscious twist, making it a great choice for anyone mindful of their daily calorie intake.
Ingredients(for 1 large bowl per serving, as served in Singapore kopitiams)
- 200g Yellow egg noodles (mee) (blanched)
- 150g Sweet potatoes (steamed and mashed)
- 80g Lean chicken breast (poached and shredded)
- 80g Firm tofu (tau kwa) (cubed and lightly pan-seared)
- 60g Bean sprouts (blanched)
- 2 Shallots (sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Dried shrimp (hae bee) (rinsed and chopped)
- 500ml Low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Chilli paste (use fresh local chilli blend)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce (reduced sodium)
- 2 Calamansi lime (halved, for serving)
- 2 Hard-boiled eggs (halved)
- 2 tbsp Chinese celery leaves (chopped, for garnish) - optional
- 1 tbsp Fried shallots (for garnish) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sweet potatoes by steaming until soft. Mash finely and set aside.
5 minutes
Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and colour.
- 2
In a saucepan, heat 1 tsp oil over medium heat. Sauté sliced shallots, minced garlic, and dried shrimp until fragrant.
3 minutes
Don’t burn the shallots; keep stirring to release maximum aroma.
- 3
Add chilli paste and continue to fry for another minute. Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes and combine well.
2 minutes
Adjust chilli paste for preferred spice level.
- 4
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Add soy sauce and shredded chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5 minutes
Keep the heat low to avoid breaking the gravy.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Mee Rebus recipe is a healthy choice because it swaps high-fat toppings with lean proteins and adds plenty of fibre-rich vegetables. Sweet potatoes provide a slow-release source of energy, helping to keep you full longer and support healthy blood sugar levels. By using less oil, reduced sodium, and wholesome ingredients, you enjoy all the authentic flavours of Singaporean Mee Rebus without excess calories or unhealthy fats.
Mee Rebus is a balanced meal, combining lean protein from chicken and tofu, complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and noodles, and a generous serving of vegetables like bean sprouts and celery. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, supporting eye health and digestion. The inclusion of eggs and tofu adds essential amino acids, while the use of low-sodium stock and less oil keeps fat and sodium in check. This version is lower in saturated fat and calories compared to traditional hawker recipes, making it suitable for those watching their intake.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use orange sweet potatoes for a naturally creamy, vibrant gravy.
- 💡Tip 2: Blanch noodles and bean sprouts just before serving to keep them springy and crisp.
- 💡Tip 3: Squeeze calamansi lime over the dish right before eating to enhance freshness and balance richness.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover gravy and toppings separately from noodles in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gravy gently before serving and blanch fresh noodles for best texture.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 480.0 kcal |
| Protein | 15.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62.0 g |
| Total Fat | 18.0 g |
| Fiber | 3.0 g |
