Shrimp Mei Fun

Name: Shrimp Mei Fun
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/8 teaspoon MSG (optional); 5 ounces dried rice noodles; 2 tablespoons oil (divided); 1/2 pound shrimp; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 cup sliced onions; 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 1/2 cups sliced cabbage; 2 scallions (julienned)

Olivia Morgan

May 31, 2025

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Shrimp Mei Fun: 30-Minute Authentic Chinese Noodle Stir-Fry

Shrimp Mei Fun brings the authentic flavors of Chinese takeout right to your home kitchen in just 30 minutes! This quick stir-fry combines delicate rice vermicelli noodles with plump, juicy shrimp and crisp-tender vegetables in a savory, perfectly balanced sauce. Each forkful delivers that satisfying combination of silky noodles, succulent seafood, and fresh vegetables that makes this dish utterly irresistible. #ShrimpMeiFun #ChineseNoodles

What makes this Shrimp Mei Fun truly special is the harmonious blend of textures—from the delicate rice noodles that soak up all the flavorful sauce to the tender shrimp that provide a delightful protein boost. The colorful medley of vegetables adds both nutritional value and visual appeal, making this quick meal as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious!

Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep, this versatile noodle dish requires minimal active cooking time while delivering maximum flavor impact. Once you master this homemade version, you might find yourself reaching for your wok instead of the takeout menu!

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights
Incredibly versatile—customize with your favorite proteins or vegetables
Nutritionally balanced with lean protein and plenty of colorful vegetables
Family-friendly flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults
One-pan wonder requiring minimal cleanup—a busy cook’s dream come true!

Ingredients for Shrimp Mei Fun

This Shrimp Mei Fun recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create authentic Chinese flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

5 ounces dried rice vermicelli noodles (or wider rice noodles if preferred)
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup sliced onions
1 cup julienned carrots
1 1/2 cups sliced cabbage
2 scallions, julienned

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon MSG (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Shrimp Mei Fun every time:

Step 1

Prepare your rice noodles by soaking them in a bowl of cold water until they become pliable. Thin vermicelli typically takes 10-15 minutes to soften, while thicker rice noodles may require up to 30 minutes. This gentle soaking method prevents the noodles from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
Step 2

While the noodles are soaking, prepare your sauce by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken bouillon powder, dark soy sauce, sugar, and MSG (if using) in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar and bouillon powder are completely dissolved. This balanced sauce will give your mei fun its characteristic savory flavor.
Step 3

Heat a large nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat until it’s properly hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the cooking surface. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 1 minute per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan, leaving behind any residual oil.
Step 4

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. This layering of flavors will help develop the dish’s complexity and ensure nothing goes to waste.
Step 5

Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the hot oil. Stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic which can add bitterness to the dish.
Step 6

Add the julienned carrots and sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for two minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crispness. This quick cooking preserves their vibrant colors and nutrients while achieving that perfect crisp-tender texture.
Step 7

Using tongs or chopsticks, transfer the soaked rice noodles directly from the water to the pan, allowing some water to cling to the noodles. This small amount of water helps create steam that will finish cooking the noodles. Add the prepared sauce and julienned scallions, then toss everything together for about 1 minute until the noodles are heated through and evenly coated with sauce.
Step 8

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss briefly to incorporate them with the noodles and vegetables. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional fresh scallions if desired.

Tools You’ll Need:

•Large nonstick pan or wok
•Large bowl for soaking noodles
•Small bowl for sauce mixture
•Measuring spoons and cups
•Wooden spoon or spatula for stir-frying
•Tongs or chopsticks for handling noodles

How to Serve Shrimp Mei Fun

Presentation and accompaniments can elevate your Shrimp Mei Fun from great to extraordinary:

Serve hot immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor
Transfer to a large serving platter and garnish with additional julienned scallions
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal
Serve with small dishes of condiments like chili oil, sriracha, or hoisin sauce so everyone can customize their portion
For a complete meal, pair with simple side dishes like steamed dumplings or spring rolls
Add a fresh element with a side of simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar

Storage & Reheating Tips

Properly stored and reheated, leftover Shrimp Mei Fun can taste almost as good as freshly made:

Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating on Stovetop (Recommended): Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat, add the cold noodles and a splash of water (about 1-2 tablespoons), then cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Microwave Method: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the noodles and vegetables can become mushy when thawed.

Recipe Notes:

✓Noodle Soaking: Different brands and thicknesses of rice noodles require different soaking times. Check them regularly by testing a strand—they should be pliable but not completely soft.
✓High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying works best with high heat and quick movements, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
✓Sauce Adjustments: For a more flavorful dish, you can increase the sauce ingredients by 25% if you prefer more sauce to coat the noodles.
✓Vegetable Preparation: Cutting vegetables into uniform sizes ensures even cooking and makes the dish more visually appealing.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of Shrimp Mei Fun is how customizable it is. Try these delicious variations:

Protein Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with thinly sliced chicken breast, strips of beef, cubed tofu, or even sliced Chinese barbecue pork (char siu).
Vegetarian Version: Omit the shrimp and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, and bell peppers for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Spicy Mei Fun: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili oil or sriracha to the sauce mixture, or include thinly sliced fresh chilies with your vegetables.
Singapore-Style: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the sauce for a Singapore-style mei fun with a warm, aromatic flavor profile.
Egg Addition: Create a small opening in the center of your stir-fry before adding the noodles, pour in a beaten egg, scramble it, then incorporate it with the rest of the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different noodles for this recipe?

Yes! While traditional mei fun uses thin rice vermicelli, you can experiment with different types of Asian noodles. Wider rice noodles (like those used in pad thai) work well, as do mung bean noodles (glass noodles) or even egg noodles. Just adjust the soaking or cooking time according to package instructions as thicker noodles generally need more time to soften.

How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

Properly cooked shrimp undergoes a dramatic transformation—it turns from translucent gray to opaque pink and white, and curls into a C-shape. This typically takes about 1 minute per side for medium-sized shrimp. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re pink all the way through with no gray remaining.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! Shrimp Mei Fun makes excellent meal prep for busy weekdays. Prepare as directed, allow to cool completely, then divide into individual containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best texture when reheating, add a splash of water to create steam and prevent the noodles from drying out. If meal prepping for more than a day ahead, consider slightly undercooking the vegetables so they don’t become too soft upon reheating.

Is there a gluten-free version?

This dish is easily adapted for gluten-free diets. Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but you’ll need to substitute regular soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions. Also check that your bouillon powder is gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free chicken stock powder. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a completely gluten-free Shrimp Mei Fun without compromising on flavor.

What’s the difference between mei fun and chow mein?

Though both are popular Chinese noodle dishes, they differ primarily in the type of noodles used. Mei fun uses thin rice noodles (vermicelli) which are white, delicate, and gluten-free. Chow mein uses wheat-based egg noodles which are yellow, chewier, and contain gluten. The cooking technique also differs slightly—mei fun noodles are typically soaked before stir-frying, while chow mein noodles are often boiled first. Both dishes use similar vegetables and proteins, but the noodle type creates a distinct textural difference.

Personal Cook’s Note

I’ve been making Shrimp Mei Fun for years, and it never fails to transport me back to the bustling Chinese restaurants I grew up visiting with my family. There’s something magical about the transformation that happens when those simple soaked noodles hit the hot pan and soak up that flavorful sauce. My personal tip? I like to toast some sesame seeds and sprinkle them on top just before serving for an extra layer of nutty flavor that complements the seafood beautifully.

I remember the first time I made this for my kids—they were skeptical of the rice noodles at first but quickly became converts after their first bite! Now it’s a regular request in our house. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by adjusting the vegetables or protein based on what you have on hand. The beauty of home cooking is in the personalization. I’d love to hear in the comments about your own adaptations or how this dish turned out for your family!