Image by Shino

Mie cakalang

When I think of the Indonesian dish Mie Cakalang, the very first image that springs to my mind is that of a steaming bowl of comfort. For those unfamiliar with the culinary creation, Mie Cakalang is an immensely popular Asian noodle dish made using processed skipjack tuna and fresh egg noodles.

Mie cakalang


The taste of this seafood-based delight is truly unique and cannot be compared to anything else. The tuna itself is marinated with a plethora of spices, giving it a marvelous umami flavor. It is then stirred together with egg noodles in a mouthwatering gravy concoction, adding further luscious notes to the already lush blend. The end result is one bowl of delectable goodness which is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The dish is actually incredibly easy to make at home as it only requires a few ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry. All you need to do is start by boiling the noodles until they become al dente and set them aside before beginning on the gravy. Simply take some garlic, ginger, shallots and chili paste, and add them to a wok or stir-fry pan. Once these have been sizzling away for a few minutes, add in your diced skipjack tuna, along with some light soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar. Keep stirring to ensure everything is mixed together evenly and add in a compelling quantity of hot water to give the gravy its desired consistency. Finally, simply pour the now completed gravy over the noodles and voila – you have your genuine Mie Cakalang dish.

I am sure after reading this you must be craving a bowl right now! Therefore, I would unreservedly recommend you try out this savory indulgence for yourself. Whether it’s for a quick lunch at home or an evening snack, Mie Cakalang never fails to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

The origin of Mie cakalang

Ah, the beloved and well-known Mie Cakalang. This tasty seafood dish has been a source of sustenance, comfort and joy for many generations in Indonesia. It actually has a rich and interesting origin story that is worth exploring.

The creation of this classic Indonesian dish is often linked to the city of Manado, which lies in the heart of the island of Sulawesi. Here, the locals have long used mackerel as an important ingredient in their cuisine, often frying, grilling or barbecuing it and serving with simple condiments such as chilli, soy sauce or sambal. It was during this period that the idea for the classic Mie Cakalang dish was born.

It is said that a local fisherman had the brilliant stroke of genius to add this mackerel to noodles and concoct the dish that we now know and love as Mie Cakalang. By combining thick yellow egg noodles with chunks of mackerel, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and bean sprouts, and a savoury sauce made from soy sauce, chilli and garlic, this ingenious fisherman created a captivating dish that would come to be cherished by his fellow Indonesians.

From its humble beginnings in the fishing villages of Manado, Mie Cakalang quickly spread across the archipelago, becoming a popular dish throughout the country. Today, it is a must-have food at any major event or gathering, and is beloved by young and old alike. Local eateries and market stalls throughout Indonesia specialize in this particular delicacy, ensuring its delicious flavor continues to be enjoyed throughout the generations.

So the next time you find yourself in the mood for some truly authentic Indonesian cuisine, seek out some Mie Cakalang and savour the flavors of its fascinating past.

Types of Mie cakalang

Mie cakalang is a beloved Indonesian dish composed of a tantalizing tangle of noodles, vegetables and protein. The dish has a variety of flavor profiles, depending on the region of origin, and can be an easy yet satisfying meal whether you’re looking for something quick or a more drawn out and luxurious repast.

The most popular iteration of the dish is generally mie cakalang asli, a savory concoction made with yellow noodles, fresh vegetables, and typically fried mackerel. Chili peppers are often added to give the dish a spicier kick. The eastern Islands of Indonesia, however, serve up a sweeter variation of the dish, made with shallots, peanuts, and a generous helping of sweet soy sauce.

In Javanese cuisine, mie cakalang is also prepared differently. This regional take on the dish features cubed mackerel and tofu, as well as cabbage and bean sprouts, served with a thick and flavorful shrimp broth; it’s spicy and savory, with just the right amount of sweetness. And for the health conscious, there’s a version made with black soba noodles, bok choy, and a succulent miso sesame dressing, providing a nutrient-packed meal that’s equally delicious.

No matter what your preference, mie cakalang offers a variety of flavorful options for a casual weeknight dinner or a more indulgent weekend feast. With its mix of ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you want something light and healthy or something with a little more oomph, there’s a mie cakalang recipe to suit every taste.