If you’ve ever enjoyed a savory plate of thin, delicate stir-fried noodles at your favorite Chinese restaurant, chances are you’ve had mei fun noodles. These versatile and light rice noodles are a staple in many Asian cuisines. They are known for their ability to soak up flavor and create a satisfying, yet not overly heavy, dish.
This guide will show you how to master the art of cooking perfect mei fun noodles at home in just 20 minutes. It’s an incredibly quick and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Once you learn how to handle these delicious noodles, you’ll be able to create a wide variety of stir-fries that are far better than takeout.
Ingredients for Perfect Mei Fun Noodles
The beauty of a great stir-fry lies in the combination of a savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and a protein of your choice. This recipe is highly customizable. Here are the foundational ingredients you’ll need to create a truly great plate of mei fun rice noodles.
- 8 oz dry mei fun rice noodles
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cups shredded vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell peppers)
- 1 cup protein (shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu), pre-cooked
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a balanced and flavorful sauce that coats every strand of the chow mei fun noodles. This simple sauce is a key part of making this dish a success.
How to Make Mei Fun Noodles
Preparing these noodles is a quick process, so it’s best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. The key is to work quickly over high heat, just like in a professional kitchen. This is a very easy and fast method for how to make mei fun noodles.
- Soak the Noodles: Place the dry mei fun noodles in a large bowl. Cover them completely with hot tap water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable but not mushy. Drain them well in a colander.
- Make the Sauce: While the noodles are soaking, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and broth in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables & Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shredded vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Combine: Add the pre-cooked protein and the drained noodles to the wok. Pour the sauce over the top.
- Toss and Serve: Using tongs or a spatula, quickly and gently toss the noodles, vegetables, and protein to combine them with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is hot and well-coated. Remove from heat, stir in the green onions, and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
This process ensures your noodles don’t clump together and that the vegetables retain a slight crunch. For another great Asian-inspired dish, consider trying this recipe for chicken noodle soup crock pot, which adds a bit of a spicy curry kick. The chow fun vs chow mei fun debate ends here, as these thin noodles are perfect for a light and savory stir-fry.
Tips & Variations for Your Stir-Fry
This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Protein: Swap the chicken or shrimp for sliced beef, pork, or even scrambled egg. For a vegetarian option, use extra-firm tofu or mushrooms.
- Vegetables: Almost any vegetable works here. Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, snow peas, bok choy, or broccoli.
- Spice: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Sauce: For a deeper, richer flavor, you can add a splash of dark soy sauce. For a more authentic taste, try adding a tablespoon of Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing).
- Garnish: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of roasted peanuts or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
These simple changes can transform this dish and give you endless options for dinner. For example, a popular variant is the Singapore mei fun recipe which uses a curry powder base instead of the traditional savory sauce. You can also buy mei fun noodles at most Asian markets or in the international aisle of larger grocery stores.
Serving Suggestions
Mei fun noodles are a fantastic standalone meal, but they can also be part of a larger feast. Here are some great pairing ideas:
- Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls: Serve the noodles alongside crispy spring rolls for a classic combination.
- Soup: A simple hot and sour soup or egg drop soup makes a great appetizer.
- Dumplings: A side of steamed or pan-fried dumplings complements the stir-fry perfectly.
- Side of Vegetables: For an even more veggie-packed meal, serve with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried bok choy.
Storage & Nutrition
Mei fun noodles are best enjoyed immediately, as they can clump together when refrigerated. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, stir-fry them in a pan with a little bit of water or broth to help loosen them up.
Mei fun rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, which makes them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. They are also relatively low in calories and fat. For more information, visit an authoritative source like the MyFoodData website for detailed nutritional breakdowns of Chinese rice noodles and other ingredients.
FAQs About Mei Fun Noodles
Still have questions? Here are some answers to common queries about this versatile noodle dish.
What are mei fun noodles?
Mei fun noodles are a type of thin, dried rice noodle widely used in Chinese and other Asian cuisines. They are known for their delicate texture and ability to absorb flavors from sauces and other ingredients. They are distinct from thicker rice noodles like chow fun.
What is mei fun noodles?
Mei fun noodles are a specific type of Chinese rice noodles. They are very thin, almost like vermicelli, and are made from rice flour and water. They are commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and spring rolls. Unlike egg noodles, they are naturally gluten-free.
How to make mei fun noodles?
Making mei fun noodles is a quick process. The dry noodles are first soaked in hot water to soften. Once pliable, they are drained and then added to a hot wok or skillet with other stir-fried ingredients and a sauce, cooking for only a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
Are mei fun noodles gluten free?
Yes, authentic mei fun noodles are made from rice flour and water, making them naturally gluten-free. Always check the ingredient list on the packaging to confirm, especially if you have a gluten sensitivity, as some brands may use additives.
Final Thoughts
Mastering a dish like mei fun noodles gives you a powerful, quick, and satisfying meal for any night of the week. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to whip up a fantastic stir-fry that is far better and healthier than any takeout option. This guide gives you a solid foundation, and from here, the culinary possibilities are endless. Enjoy the journey of creating your own flavorful chow mei fun noodles! Don’t forget to pin this recipe and leave a comment with your favorite variations.