Char Kway Teow is one of the most beloved street food dishes in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore. This dish features flat rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, prawns, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and chives, all coated in a flavorful sauce. The secret to an authentic Char Kway Teow lies in the high heat, also known as wok hei, which gives it a signature smoky flavor.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this famous dish at home, this step-by-step recipe will guide you through making an authentic, restaurant-quality Char Kway Teow with simple ingredients and easy techniques.
1. What Makes Char Kway Teow Special?
✔ Iconic Street Food – A popular dish across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
✔ Rich, Smoky Flavor – Achieved by cooking over high heat (wok hei).
✔ Savory & Slightly Sweet Sauce – A perfect blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste.
✔ Loaded with Protein – Contains prawns, eggs, and Chinese sausage for extra flavor.
✔ Quick & Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes!
Whether you enjoy it from a hawker stall or homemade, Char Kway Teow is always deliciously satisfying!
2. Ingredients for Authentic Char Kway Teow
To make a flavorful and authentic Char Kway Teow, gather these simple yet essential ingredients.
Main Ingredients:
✔ 250g flat rice noodles (kway teow), fresh or dried
✔ 2 tbsp cooking oil (preferably lard or vegetable oil)
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 8-10 medium prawns, peeled & deveined
✔ 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), thinly sliced
✔ 2 eggs, lightly beaten
✔ 1 cup bean sprouts
✔ ¼ cup Chinese chives, cut into 2-inch pieces
✔ 2 tbsp chili paste (optional, for extra spice)
Sauce Ingredients:
✔ 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth of flavor)
✔ 1 tbsp light soy sauce (for saltiness)
✔ 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for umami richness)
✔ ½ tsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
✔ ½ tsp white pepper
✔ 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional, for extra depth)
These ingredients come together to create an irresistible balance of flavors in every bite.
3. How to Make Char Kway Teow: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
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If using fresh rice noodles: Gently separate them before cooking.
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If using dried noodles: Soak them in warm water for 20-30 minutes until soft, then drain.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
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In a small bowl, mix dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
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Stir well until combined and set aside.
Step 3: Heat the Wok
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Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wok over high heat until smoking hot.
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Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Protein
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Add sliced Chinese sausage and stir-fry for 30 seconds until slightly crispy.
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Push the sausage to one side and add prawns.
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Cook until pink and slightly charred, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Noodles & Sauce
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Add the drained rice noodles to the wok.
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Pour in the prepared sauce and toss well to coat the noodles evenly.
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Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce.
Step 6: Add Eggs & Vegetables
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Push the noodles to one side of the wok.
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Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and let them cook for a few seconds.
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Scramble lightly, then mix with the noodles.
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Add bean sprouts and Chinese chives, stirring quickly to combine.
Step 7: Final Toss & Serve
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Stir everything together and cook for another 30 seconds until well combined.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra chives and chili paste if desired.
Your homemade Char Kway Teow is now ready to enjoy!
4. Tips for the Best Char Kway Teow
✔ Use a Hot Wok. High heat creates the signature wok hei (smoky aroma).
✔ Don’t Overload the Wok. Cook in small batches to prevent soggy noodles.
✔ Use Fresh Rice Noodles. They absorb the sauce better and have the best texture.
✔ Adjust Spice Levels. Add more chili paste if you prefer it extra spicy.
✔ Customize Your Protein. Add chicken, squid, or tofu for variety.
These expert tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home!
5. Popular Variations of Char Kway Teow
Penang-Style Char Kway Teow
✔ Uses duck eggs for a richer texture.
✔ Often includes cockles for extra seafood flavor.
Singapore-Style Char Kway Teow
✔ Slightly sweeter with more dark soy sauce.
✔ Sometimes includes fish cakes or extra chili sauce.
Vegetarian Char Kway Teow
✔ Replace prawns and sausage with tofu and mushrooms.
✔ Use vegetarian oyster sauce for an authentic taste.
These variations allow you to experiment with different flavors while staying true to the dish!
6. How to Store & Reheat Char Kway Teow
Storing Leftovers:
✔ Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
✔ Avoid freezing, as the noodles may become mushy when reheated.
Reheating Instructions:
✔ Stovetop: Reheat in a hot wok with a little oil for the best texture.
✔ Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Reheating properly ensures your noodles stay fresh and flavorful!
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Char Kway Teow Without a Wok?
Yes! A large non-stick skillet can work, but a wok is best for achieving wok hei.
What If I Can’t Find Chinese Sausage?
You can substitute with bacon or smoked sausage, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Is Char Kway Teow Spicy?
Traditional versions have a mild chili kick, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
These common questions help perfect your homemade Char Kway Teow!
This authentic Char Kway Teow recipe delivers all the bold, smoky flavors of traditional Malaysian and Singaporean street food. With its perfectly balanced sauce, fresh ingredients, and quick cooking time, you can now enjoy this classic dish at home!
Give this easy Char Kway Teow recipe a try and impress your family with a delicious, restaurant-quality stir-fried noodle dish!