An island classic with Chinese origins, this easy one pot noodle dish is a real game changer.
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Sapasui, also known as Samoan chop suey, is a popular dish in Samoa with a history as interesting as its taste. This dish shows the mix of different cultures that have influenced Samoan food, especially from Chinese cuisine.
The story of sapasui starts in the late 1800s and early 1900s when Chinese workers came to Samoa. They brought their cooking styles with them, which blended with local Samoan ingredients and methods. This blend created sapasui, a dish that has become a regular part of Samoan meals and a symbol of the country's diverse culture.
Sapasui is made with thin noodles called vermicelli. These noodles are stir-fried with various ingredients like beef or chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and vegetables such as carrots, onions, and green beans. The use of soy sauce and stir-frying comes from Chinese cooking, but the dish has been changed to fit Samoan tastes, making sapasui a unique mix of flavors.
One reason sapasui is so popular is because it’s easy to make and flexible. You can use whatever ingredients you have, which makes it perfect for big family meals or gatherings. Sapasui is also often made for special occasions and community feasts called "fiafias," where it’s enjoyed along with other traditional Samoan dishes.
Sapasui is not only loved in Samoa. Samoans who have moved to other countries have brought the recipe with them, sharing it with new friends and neighbors. In places like New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, where many Samoans live, sapasui is a common dish at cultural festivals and family celebrations, reminding people of home.
The charm of sapasui is its ability to bring people together and celebrate Samoan culture. It shows how Samoan cooking can take new ideas and make them into something special and loved. Whether it’s eaten in Samoa or in a Samoan home abroad, sapasui remains a treasured part of Samoan culinary traditions, symbolizing the hospitality and warmth of Samoan culture.
Samoan Sapasui Recipe
Prep time 20 minutes | Cook time 30 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients:
250g (7 oz) vermicelli noodles
500g (1 lb) beef, pork or chicken, sliced into cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup light soy sauce
1/4 cup dark soy sauce
1 cup water or beef/chicken broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Soak the vermicelli noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes or until they are soft. Drain and cut the noodles in half with a scissor.
2. Cook the Meat:
Bring water to a boil, add your meat and cook for 1-2 minutes to blanch
Remove meat and keep the liquid you create.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Add in oil, the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add in meat and brown it as well.
4. Add the Sauce:
Pour the soy sauce and broth over the meat mixture.
Add the brown sugar if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Little by little, add the noodles, giving it a stir to incorporate. Do this until all the noodles are used
Stir everything together well, making sure the noodles are fully coated with the sauce.
5. Simmer:
Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the noodles have absorbed most of the liquid and the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat.
Serve hot, either on its own or with a side of rice.
Enjoy your homemade sapasui! This dish is perfect for family meals and gatherings, offering a taste of Samoa's rich culinary tradition.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
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