HK Cha Chaan Teng Satay Beef Noodle Soup

 

A popular comfort staple at HK cafes (cha chaan teng) satay beef noodle soup 🍜 is not the kind of satay you expect from Southeast Asia (peanutty and spicy) but flavoured with a sauce called sa cha (often labeled as barbecue sauce). It is made of garlic, fish, dried shrimp and mild spices concocted into a dark brown, oily and gritty smoky flavourful sauce. It is very popular in Taiwan to use as a base for hot pot. Look for Bull Head as any Taiwanese would tell you... no other brand compares 😉!

I had a deep craving for satay noodles after coming back from Hong Kong. The classic is served with vermicelli however, instant ramen is also very popular. Even though I never order this nor craved it before, the image of this fine bowl kept popping up in my head and is on the tip of my tongue. Perhaps this is the very kind of food that reminds me of my short stay in HK, and how we didn't even venture into a cha chaan teng for their many western fusion delights that makes me yearn this iconic cafe bowl. After a bit of research, I'm happy to learn how super simple it was to make and so... into the kitchen I go.

Satay beef noodle soup, truffle omelet and Chinese tea at Cafe de Hong Kong

Breakfast line up queues at this iconic Markham spot

HK Satay Beef Noodle Soup

Serves 4

Prepared broth (I combine chicken and pork bones)

1 lb. beef fillet (any quick-cooking), thinly sliced

1/2 cup sa cha sauce (choose Bull Head)

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 cup water

3 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided

1 garlic clove, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 454 g pkg. vermicelli or 4 pkg. of instant ramen (reserve the seasoning packets)

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Toasted sesame seeds 

Marinade:

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. cornstarch 

1 Tbsp. neutral oil

2 Tbsp. water

Combine the marinade ingredients into a bowl and add the beef; mix well to evenly coat. Set aside for 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine sa cha sauce, sugar and water.

In a medium skillet/pan over medium-high heat, saute the beef in 1 Tbsp. oil, spreading around to cook evenly for a minute. Remove into a bowl. Add the remaining oil, and saute the garlic and shallot for a minute before adding back the beef and cooking until done about two minutes to absorb all the flavour.

Meanwhile, cook the vermicelli according to package instructions. Drain well.

Bring the prepared broth to a boil. (Note: for a vegetable side, try adding bak choy or choy sum to round out your meal).

Divide the noodles into four bowls, top with satay beef mixture, veggies (optional), ladle soup to cover and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with hot chili oil at the table.

Full Recipe: 

HK Satay Beef Noodle Soup

Serves 4

Prepared broth (I combine chicken and pork bones)

1 lb. beef fillet (any quick-cooking), thinly sliced

1/2 cup sa cha sauce (choose Bull Head)

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 cup water

3 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided

1 garlic clove, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 454 g package vermicelli

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Toasted sesame seeds 

Marinade:

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. cornstarch 

1 Tbsp. neutral oil

2 Tbsp. water

Combine the marinade ingredients into a bowl and add the beef; mix well to evenly coat. Set aside for 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine sa cha sauce, sugar and water.

In a medium skillet/pan over medium-high heat, saute the beef in 1 Tbsp. oil, spreading around to cook evenly for a minute. Remove into a bowl. Add the remaining oil, and saute the garlic and shallot for a minute before adding back the beef and cooking until done about two minutes to absorb all the flavour.

Meanwhile, cook the vermicelli according to package instructions. Drain well.

Bring the prepared broth to a boil.

Divide the noodles into four bowls, top with satay beef mixture, ladle soup to cover and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with hot chili oil at the table.

And just a fun gallery at another favourite HK Cafe in Scarborough known for their gorgeous retro interior replicate of any cha chaan tengs. It's like I went back to HK without actually leaving 🇭🇰🚫✈😁- Cafe de Majestik! I was mesmerized and so happy to discover them! Check it out for their extensive cafe offerings and set combo meals for a group!