Name: Shrimp Mei Fun
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp; 5 oz dried thin rice vermicelli noodles; 1/2 lb choy sum (or baby bok choy); 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine; 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons chicken stock (or water); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable); 2 eggs (beaten with a pinch of salt); 2 teaspoons ginger (minced); 1 small carrot (julienned); 4 scallions; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

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The aroma of sizzling shrimp mingled with fragrant ginger fills the air, drawing you into the kitchen like a comforting embrace. As you take a moment to prepare a warm plate of Shrimp Mei Fun, vibrant colors and enticing textures promise a delightful meal that’s ready in a flash. This dish brings me back to cozy evenings where I would enjoy a similar stir-fry with loved ones, laughter mingling with the sound of sizzling noodles. Every bite bursts with flavor, reminding me that sometimes the simplest meals stir the deepest memories.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Shrimp Mei Fun
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Shrimp Mei Fun

Perfect for any weeknight, this Shrimp Mei Fun comes together in just 30 minutes, allowing you to savor the love and warmth of a home-cooked meal without a hefty time commitment. The combination of tender shrimp, chewy rice vermicelli, and crisp vegetables feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful journey of flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is a tantalizing mix of savory and slightly sweet, making it hard to stop at one bowl.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful vegetables and beautifully cooked shrimp make this dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a wholesome dinner, or pack it up for a delicious lunch the next day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs like gluten-free or veggie-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp: Fresh shrimp are ideal for this dish, but frozen shrimp works too. Just ensure they’re thawed before use for the best texture.
5 oz dried thin rice vermicelli noodles: These noodles are the cornerstone of Mei Fun. They soak up flavors beautifully. You can also use other noodle types, but vermicelli works best.
1/2 lb choy sum (or baby bok choy): These greens offer a delightful crunch. If you’re in a pinch, swap for spinach or kale.
1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine: This adds depth with its aromatic sweetness. If unavailable, dry sherry or white wine can be good substitutes.
1/4 teaspoon grated ginger: Fresh ginger brightens the dish, but if you’re out, ground ginger is an alternative—just use less.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to your taste.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: This will help to coat the shrimp, making them tender and juicy.
2 tablespoons chicken stock (or water): Adds moisture; use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Creates a savory umami flavor. For a vegetarian option, choose mushroom sauce instead.
1 tablespoon light soy sauce: This will give saltiness without overpowering. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative.
1/4 teaspoon salt: For added flavor contrast.
1/4 teaspoon white pepper: A subtler spice than black pepper, perfect for Asian cuisine.
1/4 teaspoon sugar: Balances the salty and savory elements beautifully.
3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable): Ideal for its high smoke point and rich taste; you can also use canola oil if you prefer.
2 eggs (beaten with a pinch of salt): Adds protein and a nice creamy texture when scrambled.
2 teaspoons ginger (minced): Fresh minced ginger brings brightness and texture.
1 small carrot (julienned): Adds sweetness and crunch. Feel free to add more colorful veggies!
4 scallions: Adding these at the end provides a burst of freshness and vibrant color—a must for garnishing.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: A final drizzle adds richness and depth. Keep this handy for other dishes too!

How to Make Shrimp Mei Fun

Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, mix halved shrimp with Shaoxing wine, grated ginger, salt, and cornstarch. Use your hands to thoroughly coat each piece. This not only enhances flavor but also ensures tenderness. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients.

Prepare the Noodles: Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water per package instructions until just al dente. It’s perfect to cook them slightly under, so they hold their shape against the wok’s heat. Once ready, drain, and snip them into shorter strands with scissors; this makes stir-frying a breeze.

Chop the Vegetables: Slice choy sum stems on a diagonal into 1/4-inch slices, and chop the greens into 1-inch pieces. If using baby bok choy, cut the whites and greens separately for balanced cooking. Lay these colorful veggies aside for later.

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, chicken stock, light soy sauce, white pepper, salt, and sugar. This sauce will bring all the goodness together, ensuring every noodle is coated in flavor. Set it next to your stove so it’s handy.

Scramble the Eggs: Add half a tablespoon of oil to the heated wok. Once smoking, pour in the beaten eggs, stirring gently until scrambled and just cooked through. Transfer the fluffy eggs onto a plate. This adds creaminess to your dish, enriching every bite.

Sear the Shrimp: Pour another half tablespoon of oil into the hot wok. Add the shrimp, making sure they’re spread out with minimal overlap. Sear until one side turns pink, then flip and cook through. Transfer to the egg plate, letting the shrimp juices mingle with the flavors.

Stir-Fry the Greens: Add half a tablespoon of oil, then toss in the choy sum stems. Stir for about 30 seconds before adding the greens. Gently sprinkle with a pinch of salt and continue to stir until they slightly wilt yet remain crisp and vibrant. Remove and place with the eggs and shrimp.

Cook the Aromatics: Heat the remaining oil in the wok and pour in the scallion whites and minced ginger. Stir for about a minute, letting the fragrance fill the kitchen, before adding the carrot. Sauté until the carrot starts to soften, around a minute; this is where the magic begins!

Toss the Noodles: Add the drained noodles and scallion greens to the wok, then pour in the sauce. Toss and lift until the noodles fully absorb the sauce’s flavors. Finally, add back the shrimp, eggs, and choy sum, mixing everything until beautifully combined and heated through. Your **Shrimp Mei Fun** is now ready to serve!

Storing & Reheating

For leftovers, Shrimp Mei Fun can be stored at room temperature for up to an hour. Afterward, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to help revive the noodles. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly, but refreshing it in a hot pan will do wonders.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure the wok is super hot before adding ingredients; this creates that desirable stir-fry sizzle.
Avoid crowding the pan with shrimp; this helps them sear rather than steam.
If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are entirely thawed and patted dry to achieve that beautiful caramelization.
Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand; bell peppers and snow peas are great additions!
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a bit of extra sesame oil just before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables not only add flavor and crunch but also brighten your meal. Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or bean sprouts; just remember to adjust cooking times according to your vegetable choices for the best results.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for this dish to ensure tenderness and flavor. However, frozen shrimp can be a convenient option if thawed properly. Just remember to pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make Shrimp Mei Fun ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components — shrimp, veggies, and sauce — ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste. While the flavors meld wonderfully, stir-frying just before serving will elevate the dish.

What sides go well with Shrimp Mei Fun?

A light cucumber salad or a bowl of hot and sour soup complements Shrimp Mei Fun beautifully. The refreshing crunch of cucumbers contrasts nicely with the warm, savory noodles. Serve with a side of spring rolls for an extra treat!