Saimin

Saimin is one of the most popular dishes in Hawaii. In fact, you can even find Saimin on the menu at most McDonald's there. It features noodles very similar to Chinese mein, Philippine pancit, and Japanese udon.

Saimin can be traced all the way back to Hawaii's plantation era. During the early 20th century, laborers from China, the Philippines, Portugal, Hawaii, Korea, and Japan worked side by side on Hawaii's many pineapple and sugar cane plantations. These laborers worked together and ate together too and as a result, new culinary combinations evolved. Saimin is one such creation. It features thin wheat egg noodles borrowed from Chinese and Japanese tradition. It also features cabbage popular in Korea as well as pork which is often found in Portuguese cuisine. Saimin is a versatile, easy dish to prepare that works with a wide range of ingredients.

Udon Noodles


Ingredients:
1 package of Udon Japanese Noodles
4 cups of chicken broth
1/2 inch piece diced fresh ginger
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tspn garlic powder
1 tspn salt
1 tspn pepper
1/2 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
1/2 carrot, thinly sliced lengthwise
1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded cabbage
3 green onion, diced
3 to 4 dried shiitake mushrooms, diced

Preparation:

1. Cut pork tenderloin into thin slices and put them in a bowl with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix the ingredients together so that the surface of the slices is well coated.
2. Refrigerate pork slices for a half an hour.
3. Brown pork slices in an oiled skillet over medium heat. Then remove from heat.
   
4. Add chicken broth and ginger to a large pot and heat at medium high.
5. Bring just to a boil and then reduce heat to low.
6. Add soy sauce and pork slices.
7. Add the carrot, cabbage, green onion, and mushrooms.
8. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked to the degree that you like.
9. Remove from heat.
10. Heat udon noodles in a microwave for 15 seconds in a soup bowl.
11. Spoon broth, pork, and vegetable mixture over the noodles and serve.

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