What Is Shrimp Mei Fun and Why You Should Try This Chinese Dish

Shrimp mei fun is a mouthwatering Chinese noodle dish that deserves a spot on your dinner table. This stir-fried delicacy packs a flavorful punch – it’s the ultimate comfort food that also happens to be healthy and easy to make. If you haven’t tried shrimp mei fun yet, keep reading to find out what makes this dish so special.

An Overview of Shrimp Mei Fun

Mei fun noodles, also known as rice vermicelli, are the star ingredient in shrimp mei fun. These thin, delicate noodles are made from rice flour and water. When paired with plump shrimp, crisp vegetables, and umami seasoning, mei fun transforms into a treat for the tastebuds.

Shrimp mei fun is aCantonese dish that likely originated in southern China. It rose to popularity on the menus of Chinese restaurants across North America and beyond. These days, shrimp mei fun is a beloved staple that you can find in specialty grocery stores and Asian supermarkets when a homemade version just won’t cut it.

So what sets shrimp mei fun apart from other noodle dishes? Let’s break it down:

• The rice noodles provide an irresistible soft chewy texture. They readily soak up the dynamic flavors of the dish.

• Shrimp lends a sweet, briny taste and meaty bite. It’s a protein powerhouse, too.

• A medley of sliced vegetables adds crunch and freshness. Popular choices include bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and green onions.

• Aromatic seasonings like garlic, ginger, and scallions provide a fragrant foundation. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while oyster sauce contributes savory umami notes.

• Sesame oil ties everything together. Its nutty essence enhances the overall flavor.

Shrimp mei fun is truly the whole package – it satisfies cravings with an array of textures and flavors in one nebula. The result is a vibrant, healthy noodle dish you can feel good about eating.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Shrimp Mei Fun at Home

Part of shrimp mei fun’s appeal lies in how easy it is to whip up at home. With just 10 core ingredients and a few basic steps, you can have a restaurant-worthy plate of noodles on the table in under 30 minutes.

Here’s a simple shrimp mei fun recipe to try for yourself

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried mei fun rice noodles
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cups mixed sliced vegetables (bean sprouts, carrots, cabbage, etc.)
• 2 Tbsp cooking oil
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried mei fun noodles in hot water for 5-10 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Set the sauce mixture aside.

3. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl in the cooking oil.

4. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

6. Stir in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

7. Give the sauce mixture a quick stir to recombine. Pour it over the ingredients in the wok.

8. Add the soaked and drained mei fun noodles. Gently toss everything together using tongs or chopsticks.

9. Continue tossing for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and well coated in sauce.

10. Transfer the shrimp mei fun to plates or bowls. Top with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy immediately!

It doesn’t get much easier than that. With a basic home cook’s pantry, you can enjoy restaurant-caliber shrimp mei fun any night of the week. The dish also reheats beautifully, so extras make excellent leftovers.

Customize Shrimp Mei Fun to Suit Your Tastes

Once you nail down the basic recipe, the fun lies in customizing shrimp mei fun to your preferences. There are endless ways to tweak this noodle dish with different ingredients:

Swap the protein:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Tofu or seitan

Try different vegetables:

• Baby corn
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Bok choy
• Snow peas
• Water chestnuts

Change up the seasoning:

• Chili garlic sauce or chili oil
• Five-spice powder
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Lime juice
• Fish sauce

Top with extras:

• Roasted peanuts
• Sesame seeds
• Crispy fried onions
• Fresh herbs like cilantro

Make it gluten-free:

• Use tamari instead of soy sauce
• Use coconut aminos instead of oyster sauce
• Ensure all sauces and oils are certified GF

Add some heat:

• Sriracha
• Dried red pepper flakes
• Fresh chopped chilies

The possibilities are endless. Shrimp mei fun is the ideal blank canvas noodle dish to customize to your stomach’s content.

Why You Should Add Shrimp Mei Fun to Your Dinner Rotation

Now that you know what shrimp mei fun is all about, here’s why you should be eating it on the regular:

It’s healthy: Shrimp mei fun is lighter than fried rice or lo mein, yet still packed with nutritious ingredients. Shrimp provides lean protein, the vegetables offer vitamins and fiber, and the mei fun noodles are low-carb and gluten-free.

It’s quick and easy: Thanks to convenient pre-cooked rice noodles and frozen shrimp, shrimp mei fun comes together in just 30 minutes. The hands-on cooking time is under 15 minutes. Easy weeknight winner!

It’s family-friendly: With its mild flavors and noodle-based appeal, shrimp mei fun satisfies picky eaters and kids. Add a side of steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

It’s versatile: Customize shrimp mei fun with your favorite veggies, proteins and seasonings for an ever-changing noodle dish. The simple formula makes it a breeze to personalize.

It’s freezer-friendly: Shrimp mei fun holds up remarkably well in the freezer. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for effortless meals down the road.

You can eat it cold: Unlike some noodle dishes, shrimp mei fun tastes delicious chilled. Enjoy leftovers cold in a packed lunch or midday snack.

It travels well: The ingredients hold their texture and flavor when transported, perfect for taking to potlucks or other events.

It’s hard to mess up: With only a few key ingredients and steps, shrimp mei fun is a forgiving dish for beginner cooks building confidence in the kitchen.

Shrimp mei fun brings that perfect harmony of simple prep, delicious results, and versatility to the dinner table. It satisfies comfort food cravings and health goals in one fabulous package. I’m willing to bet your whole family will devour this noodle dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Shrimp Mei Fun

If you’re new to the world of shrimp mei fun, you probably have some questions about making this noodle dish at home. Here are helpful answers to the most common FAQs:

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Chicken makes a great lower-cost substitution. Dice or shred cooked chicken breast and use it in place of the shrimp.

What vegetables should I use in my shrimp mei fun?

Bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, snow peas and bell peppers are all excellent choices. You can also try bok choy, baby corn, mushrooms and water chestnuts for different flavors and textures.

Do I need a wok to make shrimp mei fun?

While a wok is ideal, you can easily make shrimp mei fun in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan. The key is using high heat to quickly stir-fry the ingredients.

What type of soy sauce is best?

Opt for a good-quality regular (light) soy sauce. Low-sodium or gluten-free soy sauce options work too. Dark soy sauce will make the noodles darker in color.

Can I freeze leftover shrimp mei fun?

Yes! Portion it out into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Should I use fresh or frozen shrimp?

Either works well, though fresh shrimp will yield the best flavor. Thaw frozen shrimp beforehand and pat dry well.

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