Name: Easy Shrimp Mei Fun (20 Minutes, No Wok Needed)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (divided); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tsp fresh ginger (chopped small); ½ red onion (sliced thin); 1 large carrot (peeled and cut in matchsticks); 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 40 large shrimp (cooked, peeled and thawed; see note for raw shrimp); 3 Tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 Tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 Tbsp sesame oil; 8 oz rice noodles (soaked/cooked according to package instruction; or egg noodles); ½ Tbsp turmeric powder

Total time: 20

Prep time: 10

5 from 2 votes

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Make Shrimp Mei Fun at home in under 20 minutes, chopping included. This easy recipe uses pre-cooked shrimp and needs no wok, no marinating, and no curry powder. Just thin rice noodles, shrimp, lots of veggies, and a simple sauce that coats every strand. A quick & easy "fakeout" meal you will be making over and over again.

Easy Tasty Takeout Noodles - Made at Home

When it comes to Chinese food, I've always been a sucker for the noodles. Lo Mein, Chow Mein, and Mei Fun are all some of my favorite items to order.

This is not an entirely authentic version. This is a make-it-at-home-with-what-you've-got version. It's quick, easy and delicious - but if you're looking for a truly authentic version this is not it.

However, it tastes just like the Westernized versions of Mei Fun you will find on the menu at most Chinese restaurants in Europe and the US.

It is all done in under 20 minutes - chopping included - and made with pre-cooked shrimp, so you don't need to worry about cooking them right. You also don't need a wok to make it, I use a skillet with high sides instead. If you have a wok, great! Go ahead and use it.

I use a slightly thicker rice noodle, because that's what's easily accessible to me, but for a more authentic version, do go for the super thin ones.

Is This the Same as Singapore Noodles?

No, it is not. Shrimp Mei Fun is sometimes referred to as "Singapore Noodles" or "Singapore Mei Fun". But, while Singapore Noodles are made with the same thin rice noodles, it is slightly different, made with a curry based sauce and char siu pork.

Use the Ingredients You Can Find

I use simple, everyday ingredients for this recipe, because that's what I have at home.

What Noodles to Use

Mei Fun are the actual rice noodles, and they are generally thinner than what is shown here. But, this is what I could find, and it is slightly different, but still delicious. This recipe works with both the super thin noodles, these slightly thicker noodles, and even thicker "pad thai style" rice noodles.

You can also make it with egg noodles.

What Shrimp to Use

I use frozen cooked shrimp that I allow to thaw completely before adding to the stir-fry. I always remove the tail before adding them.

You can make this with raw shrimp as well - fresh or pre-frozen and thawed. Make sure it's peeled, cleaned and deveined first.

If using raw shrimp, add them at the same point in the recipe, but simmer until they are cooked through before adding the noodles.

Make It a Seafood Mei Fun

You can make a seafood mix version of this by adding scallops and/or squid as well.

Switch up the Veggies

I love the combination of veggies included here: crispy carrots, bell pepper with a slight bite, and red onion for a bit of a softer onion flavor. But, you can swap them all for other alternatives as well.

I do recommend using one type of onion (red, yellow, shallots) and something crispy like carrots, but other than that - you do you. I sometimes add cabbage, which is super tasty.

Make It Gluten Free

To make it gluten free you need to use gluten free hoisin sauce and soy sauce. You also need to make sure your rice noodles are 100% gluten free.

How to Make It in 4 Simple Steps

1. Stir-fry Veggies

Start by stir-frying garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add onion and stir-fry 1 minute. Follow with carrots and stir-fry 1 minute more, then add bell peppers and give it a good mix.

Stir-frying garlic, onion, carrots and red bell pepper to make shrimp mei fun.

2. Shrimp, Sauce & Simmer

Add shrimp, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil and mix well. Simmer 1 minute (or until the shrimp is cooked through, if using raw shrimp).

Making shrimp mei fun, here we are simmering shrimp with veggies and sauce.

3. Prep the Noodles

Drain the noodles and place them in a large bowl. Mix oil and turmeric, then add this to the noodles and mix well.

A bowl with rice noodles mixed with turmeric and oil.

4. Add the Noodles

Add the noodles to the stir-fry and give it a good mix, then let it sit for a few minutes so the noodles warm up.

Top Tips

Don't overcook the noodles. It's better to cook/soak them 1 minute less than stated on the package. If they are still a bit hard when you've drained them, you can let the whole dish sit on the heat for a few minutes after adding the noodles.

Don't overcook the veggies. You want the carrot to have a bit of a crisp left and the bell pepper shouldn't be soggy.

What to Do with Leftovers

Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing: This dish does not freeze well.

Reheating stove top: Heat in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, until heated through. Mix often.

Reheating in microwave: Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 1-minute increments, mixing between each segment.

20-Minute Shrimp Mei Fun

Easy Tasty Takeout Noodles - Made at Home

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Is This the Same as Singapore Noodles?