Home-Style Chicken Mei Fun Noodles

Chicken Mei Fun is a beloved Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asia right into your kitchen. This one-pan wonder is incredibly satisfying, brimming with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and delicate mei fun noodles, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s not only a healthier and often tastier alternative to restaurant takeout but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner that will delight your entire family.

Note: This post was originally published in December 2022. It has since been thoroughly updated with fresh, high-quality photos, enhanced descriptive details, and minor recipe improvements to ensure you achieve the best possible cooking experience and a truly authentic flavor.

What Our Readers Are Saying: A Testament to Taste

I just made this recipe, with my daughter’s help. We also added snow peas. It was so light, refreshing and DELICIOUS! This is something we’ll be making regularly. Thank you for making such a yummy recipe.

Ana

Decoding Mei Fun: The Versatile World of Rice Vermicelli Noodles

At the very core of this delightful dish are Mei Fun noodles, a direct translation from Chinese referring to thin, dried rice vermicelli noodles. Widely recognized as ‘rice sticks,’ these fine, translucent strands are a foundational element in the culinary landscapes of Southeast Asia and traditional Chinese cuisine. Their subtle flavor, delicate texture, and remarkable ability to absorb the essence of accompanying sauces make them an incredibly versatile component for a diverse range of stir-fries, robust soups, and fresh salads.

The term “Mei Fun” extends beyond just the noodles themselves, often encompassing the myriad of delicious dishes that feature them as the star ingredient. For instance, in the rich Cantonese dialect, a stir-fried preparation of these noodles is known as ‘chow mei fun.’ This phrase is commonly pronounced as ‘mai fun’ or ‘mi fen’ and directly translates to “stir-fried rice vermicelli noodles,” clearly indicating the cooking method and primary ingredient.

While many in the Western world might be more acquainted with ‘Singapore Noodles’ – a variant that incorporates a distinctive curry flavor – classic Mei Fun dishes typically showcase the inherent freshness of the ingredients, complemented by a nuanced, savory sauce rather than a dominant spice profile. This allows the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables to truly shine through.

The fundamental composition of Mei Fun noodles is remarkably simple: primarily ground rice and water. This natural base makes them inherently gluten-free, a significant advantage for those with dietary restrictions. Occasionally, a small proportion of tapioca or cornstarch is incorporated during their manufacture. This addition serves to improve the noodle’s elasticity and texture, imparting a more satisfying chewiness that holds up well during cooking. These noodles are typically found in compact, plastic-wrapped bundles in the Asian food aisle of most large grocery stores or, for an even wider selection and authentic brands, at your local Asian market.

A key characteristic of Mei Fun noodles, stemming from their fine gauge, is that they do not necessitate parboiling prior to stir-frying. The most effective and widely adopted method for preparing them involves a simple immersion in hot (but crucially, not boiling) water. During this soaking period, which usually lasts about 5-8 minutes, occasional stirring ensures even softening. To ascertain their readiness, you can gently test a single noodle by chewing it; it should be pliable yet still possess a slight firmness. Once they reach this ‘al dente’ stage, it is paramount to immediately rinse them under cold water and thoroughly drain them. This critical step halts the cooking process, prevents them from becoming overly soft or mushy, and washes away excess starch, ensuring each strand remains distinct and ready to absorb the flavorful stir-fry sauce.

The Unrivaled Benefits of Homemade Chicken Mei Fun

Opting for our homemade Chicken Mei Fun recipe isn’t just about preparing a meal; it’s about embracing a culinary experience that is hearty, profoundly flavorful, remarkably economical, and deeply satisfying. This dish is meticulously designed for efficiency, allowing you to whip it up in under 30 minutes, which makes it an indispensable addition to your repertoire of quick and easy weeknight dinners. Beyond mere convenience, it offers a distinct advantage over its takeout counterparts – a fresher, lighter, and often healthier rendition of a beloved Chinese classic.

Envision soft yet resilient rice vermicelli noodles, masterfully stir-fried until perfectly tender-crisp. These delicate strands are then intertwined with succulent, marinated chicken pieces, an impressive medley of vibrant, crunchy vegetables, and the fragrant kick of freshly minced garlic. All these elements are meticulously brought together under the embrace of a signature savory sauce, a harmonious blend of umami and subtle sweetness. Every forkful offers a delightful interplay of textures and a rich tapestry of flavors, culminating in an incredibly pleasing gastronomic journey that genuinely excites the tastebuds.

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of this Chicken Mei Fun recipe is its exceptional versatility. It acts as an outstanding culinary canvas, effortlessly accommodating your personal preferences, specific dietary requirements, or whatever fresh ingredients you happen to have on hand. Whether you wish to experiment with different proteins, integrate a wider variety of vegetables, or adjust the spice levels, this recipe empowers you to customize with ease. Its broad appeal ensures it’s a fantastic noodle dish that the entire family can wholeheartedly enjoy, catering to diverse palates. Furthermore, its impressive ability to maintain its quality and flavor as leftovers makes it a brilliant choice for meal prepping, guaranteeing deliciousness for several days following preparation.

Crafting Perfection: A Deep Dive into Mei Fun Ingredients

The secret to an exceptional Chicken Mei Fun lies not only in the cooking technique but also in the careful selection and understanding of each ingredient. Below, we’ve provided a comprehensive breakdown of what you’ll need, complete with insightful notes to guide your choices and preparation. For precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card located further down this page.

Core Components:

• Mei Fun Noodles: These are the star – thin rice vermicelli noodles. When shopping, seek out bundles in the Asian section of your grocery store or an Asian market. Their slender form is crucial for achieving the desired texture in this stir-fry, allowing them to cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Chicken: For this particular recipe, we highly recommend using lean chicken breast, meticulously cut into thin, uniform strips. Its mild flavor serves as an ideal canvas, readily absorbing the rich marinade and savory sauce. If you prefer a slightly richer taste and a more succulent texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be an excellent alternative, offering similar tenderness when properly prepared.
• Fresh Vegetables: Our foundational vegetable trio includes crisp cabbage, brilliantly orange carrots, and refreshing celery. The key to their success in a stir-fry is precision: ensure they are all uniformly cut into thin strips (julienned). This method guarantees they cook rapidly and evenly in the wok, retaining their delightful, slightly crunchy texture that provides a wonderful contrast to the soft noodles.
• Aromatics (Onion and Garlic): These are the indispensable building blocks of flavor for our stir-fry. Freshly minced garlic and thinly sliced onion will release their pungent, sweet, and savory essences when sautéed, laying the aromatic groundwork for the entire dish.

Essential Seasoning & Cooking Medium:

• Salt and Pepper: Though seemingly simple, these basic seasonings are fundamental. We utilize salt to enhance overall flavor and ground white pepper, which is a traditional choice in many Asian cuisines. White pepper offers a subtly milder, more nuanced heat and a distinct floral aroma compared to its black counterpart.
• Cooking Oil: For successful stir-frying, a neutral-flavored cooking oil is paramount. Vegetable oil is a readily available and excellent choice. However, other neutral oils such as peanut, canola, soybean, or sunflower oil will also perform beautifully, allowing the complex flavors of the Mei Fun to dominate without interference.

The Signature Flavorful Sauce:

The sauce is arguably where the true magic of Chicken Mei Fun unfolds. It transforms individual components into a cohesive, deeply satisfying meal. The quality of these ingredients directly impacts the final taste profile:

• Light Soy Sauce: This is a cornerstone of Chinese cooking, contributing a fundamental salty, umami-rich depth. It’s important to distinguish this from dark soy sauce, which is thicker, darker, and primarily used for coloring dishes.
• Oyster Sauce: This ingredient is absolutely crucial, delivering the characteristic savory, subtly sweet, and intensely umami flavor that is the hallmark of many authentic Chinese stir-fries, including our Mei Fun. Investing in a high-quality brand, such as Lee Kum Kee or Kikkoman, will yield a noticeably superior and more authentic taste experience.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Aromatic and potent, toasted sesame oil is typically added as a finishing touch. A small drizzle at the end provides an irresistible nutty aroma and a complex, earthy flavor that beautifully integrates all the elements of the dish.
• Chicken Powder (Optional): While not strictly mandatory, a small inclusion of chicken powder can significantly amplify the savory “umami” notes, much like monosodium glutamate (MSG). This optional addition can impart that extra layer of “restaurant-quality” depth and richness to your Mei Fun, making the flavors pop even more.

Mastering Homemade Chicken Mei Fun: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Embark on a culinary journey to create an incredibly delicious and authentic Chicken Mei Fun right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Remember, successful stir-frying hinges on preparation, so ensure all your ingredients are meticulously prepped before you even think about turning on the stove.

1. The Art of Mise En Place: Begin by precisely preparing every single ingredient. This involves thinly slicing your chicken into uniform strips, finely mincing the garlic, thinly slicing the onion, julienning the carrots, cabbage, and celery into even strips, and cutting the scallion greens into appropriate lengths. Having all components measured, chopped, and within easy reach (a technique known as “mise en place”) before you start cooking is the absolute key to a swift, stress-free, and successful stir-fry.
2. Marinating for Tenderness: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken strips with a portion of ground white pepper, a pinch of salt, a tablespoon of water, the cornstarch, and a half teaspoon of vegetable oil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a quick 10-15 minutes. This brief yet effective marinade is vital for tenderizing the chicken, ensuring it remains succulent and deeply flavorful even after high-heat cooking.
3. Perfect Noodle Soak: Place the thin dried rice vermicelli noodles into a large bowl. Pour hot (but critically, not boiling) water over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for approximately 5-8 minutes, stirring them occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even hydration. The ideal texture is pliable but still possessing a slight firmness; you can test this by biting a single noodle.
4. Rinse, Drain, and Set Aside: Once the noodles have reached the desired tender-crispness, immediately transfer them to a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This crucial step serves two purposes: it instantly halts the cooking process, preventing mushiness, and washes away excess starch, which helps keep the noodles separate. Ensure they are exceptionally well-drained and set aside.
5. Prepare the Egg: Crack the large egg into a small bowl. Using a fork, beat it vigorously until the yolk and white are completely emulsified and uniform in color.




6. Scramble the Egg: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the cooking surface is hot, add 1 tablespoon of your chosen cooking oil and swirl it to coat the entire bottom and sides. Pour in the beaten egg. As the egg begins to set, use your spatula to gently break it into small, fluffy pieces. Cook it just until set, then promptly remove the scrambled egg from the pan and set it aside to avoid overcooking and ensure it remains tender.
7. Cook the Chicken: Return the pan or wok to high heat until it is visibly smoking hot. Add another 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer if possible. Stir-fry over medium-high heat, constantly tossing and turning the chicken, until it is fully cooked through and has developed a beautiful, light golden-brown sear. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside with the scrambled egg.
8. Craft the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small, separate bowl, combine the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and the optional chicken powder. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and any chicken powder is fully dissolved. Pre-mixing the sauce is essential for rapidly incorporating flavor during the fast-paced stir-frying stage.
9. Sauté the Aromatics: Add 1.5 tablespoons of oil to the same pan, ensuring it’s hot enough. Introduce the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry these aromatics for approximately 30 seconds, until they release their fragrant oils and become slightly softened. Be vigilant to prevent the garlic from burning, which can turn bitter.




10. Add the Vegetables: Following the aromatics, add the julienned carrot, cabbage, and celery to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds to one minute. The objective is for the vegetables to become slightly tender but still retain a pleasing crispness, adding a vital textural element to the dish.
11. Reincorporate Cooked Elements: Gently return the previously cooked scrambled eggs and chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle a final dash of ground white pepper over the mixture and toss everything together lightly to combine.
12. Introduce the Noodles: Carefully add the thoroughly prepared and drained rice noodles to the pan. Using tongs or two spatulas, gently but continuously toss the noodles with the other ingredients. The goal is to ensure they are evenly distributed and thoroughly heated through without breaking the delicate strands.
13. Final Flavor Infusion: At this stage, pour the entire pre-mixed stir-fry sauce evenly over the noodles and vegetables. Immediately add the scallion greens. Continue to toss everything vigorously and rapidly until all the components are beautifully and evenly coated with the rich, glossy sauce.
14. Serve Promptly: As soon as all ingredients are perfectly coated, steaming hot, and vibrantly flavorful, turn off the heat. Immediately transfer the Chicken Mei Fun to a clean serving dish. Serving without delay ensures you capture the freshest flavors and maintain the optimal texture of the noodles and vegetables.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Ultimate Chicken Mei Fun

Achieving truly restaurant-quality Chicken Mei Fun in your home kitchen is remarkably achievable when you adhere to a few fundamental principles. These expert tips will elevate your dish from good to absolutely outstanding:

• Embrace Mise En Place: Before you even consider heating your wok or pan, ensure that every single ingredient is meticulously prepped, chopped, measured, and conveniently arranged within arm’s reach. Stir-frying is an inherently rapid cooking method; there is simply no time to be dicing vegetables or searching for sauces once the cooking process has begun. This foundational preparation is the undisputed secret to a smooth, stress-free, and ultimately successful stir-fry.
• Prioritize the Chicken Marinade: Do not be tempted to skip the quick marinating process for the chicken. This brief step is not merely for infusing flavor; it is absolutely crucial for achieving the incredibly tender and juicy chicken that is characteristic of authentic Chinese restaurant dishes. The cornstarch in the marinade creates a delicate, protective coating that effectively locks in moisture and aids in developing a beautiful, lightly browned exterior when stir-fried.
• Master the Noodle Soak: When soaking your rice vermicelli, it is imperative to use a generous amount of hot (but, importantly, not boiling) water. The noodles require ample space to move freely and absorb water uniformly. If they are overcrowded, they risk clumping together or cooking unevenly, leading to an undesirable texture.
• The Golden Rule: Don’t Overcook the Noodles: This might be the most critical piece of advice for perfect Mei Fun. Rice vermicelli noodles are inherently delicate. Overcooking them during the initial soaking stage will inevitably result in mushy, fragile strands that will break apart and become unappealing during the subsequent high-heat stir-frying. They should be just ‘al dente’ – pliable with a slight chewiness – before they even enter the wok, as they will continue to cook briefly once combined with the other hot ingredients.
• Strategic Sauce Timing: Always introduce the pre-mixed stir-fry sauce ingredients at the very tail end of the cooking process. This precise timing is essential to ensure that the flavors remain vibrant and fresh, preventing them from over-reducing, evaporating, or burning during the intense heat of stir-frying. Adding it last ensures the dish achieves its perfect gloss, aroma, and flavor balance.
• Serve Without Delay: The moment your Chicken Mei Fun is perfectly cooked and removed from the heat, immediately transfer it to your serving dish. Leaving the completed dish in the hot pan or wok can lead to ‘residual cooking.’ This continued exposure to heat can subtly overcook the delicate noodles and crisp vegetables, detracting from their optimal texture and the overall freshness of the meal.
• Embrace High Heat: Authentic stir-frying fundamentally relies on high heat. Ensure your wok or large pan is screaming hot, ideally smoking slightly, before you add any oil or ingredients. This intense heat allows for rapid searing and cooking, which is key to preserving the vibrant crispness of the vegetables and the tender juiciness of the protein, all without overcooking.

Creative Culinary Journeys: Delicious Mei Fun Variations

Chicken Mei Fun, in its essence, is a remarkably versatile dish, serving as an excellent foundation for countless culinary adaptations. It eagerly invites experimentation, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste preferences, dietary requirements, or whatever ingredients you have readily available in your pantry. Here are some inspiring ideas to spark your creativity:

• Amplify the Heat: For enthusiasts of spicy cuisine, integrating a dash of chili oil, a generous swirl of sriracha, or your preferred chili sauce during the final stages of stir-frying will provide an exhilarating kick. Alternatively, for a more deeply infused heat, thinly sliced fresh chilies, such as bird’s eye chilies, can be added alongside your aromatics (onion and garlic) at the beginning of the stir-fry.
• Explore Diverse Proteins: Don’t hesitate to substitute the chicken or add other exciting proteins to your Mei Fun. Succulent shrimp (which cook very quickly, so add them towards the end), tender strips of pork, thinly sliced beef, or even flaky fish can create entirely new flavor profiles. For a delightful seafood medley, consider adding crab meat or delicate scallops. Remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly based on the protein chosen to ensure perfect doneness.
• Boost Your Vegetable Intake: Enhance both the nutritional value and textural complexity of your dish by incorporating a wider array of colorful vegetables. Options such as Chinese cabbage, vibrant bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), crisp bok choy, fresh bean sprouts, thinly sliced bamboo shoots, tender broccoli florets, sweet snow peas, fresh spinach, or various types of mushrooms (shiitake, button, oyster) all make fantastic additions. The key is to cut them into similar sizes (julienned or thinly sliced) to ensure they cook evenly and rapidly in the hot wok.
• Craft a Vegetarian or Vegan Delight: Transforming this dish into a flavorful vegetarian or vegan meal is surprisingly simple. Replace the chicken with pressed and diced or sliced firm or extra-firm tofu, hearty tempeh, or a rich medley of your favorite mushrooms. For the essential savory sauce, substitute traditional oyster sauce with a high-quality vegan oyster sauce. Naturally, you would also omit the egg and chicken powder to ensure it aligns with vegan principles.
• Embrace a Gluten-Free Lifestyle: Plain rice vermicelli noodles, by their very nature, are gluten-free as they are derived solely from ground rice and water. To ensure the entire dish is completely gluten-free, it is crucial to verify that all other sauce ingredients are also certified gluten-free. This specifically includes using a gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari) and a certified gluten-free oyster sauce. Always make it a habit to meticulously check the ingredient labels of all packaged components.

The Perfect Pairing: Serving Suggestions for Chicken Mei Fun

Chicken Mei Fun, with its rich combination of noodles, protein, and vegetables, is undeniably a complete and immensely satisfying meal all on its own. Its universal appeal makes it an excellent choice for virtually any occasion – be it a casual weeknight dinner, a quick and fulfilling lunch, a vibrant addition to a potluck, a comforting dish for game or movie nights, or even as a unique centerpiece for a festive brunch. Its balanced flavors are consistently a crowd-pleaser.

However, if you’re aiming to elevate your Chinese feast or wish to curate a more elaborate and diverse spread, here are some fantastic supplementary recipes that complement the flavors and textures of Mei Fun noodles beautifully:

• Chinese Chicken in Garlic Sauce: A timeless and aromatic companion that offers a different textural experience.
• Honey Sriracha Chicken: Provides a delightful sweet and spicy counterpoint, adding an exciting zing to your meal.
• Easy Black Pepper Chicken: Delivers a robust, peppery flavor profile that stands out without overpowering the Mei Fun.
• Kung Pao Shrimp: A delicious seafood alternative or addition, featuring a beloved spicy, nutty, and savory kick.

Maximizing Your Meal: Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Mei Fun

One of the numerous advantages of preparing a generous batch of homemade Chicken Mei Fun is how wonderfully it stores and reheats! If you find yourself with delightful leftovers, ensure the dish cools completely to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. When properly refrigerated, your Mei Fun will maintain its freshness and delicious flavor for an impressive 3 to 4 days. This makes it an ideal candidate for efficient meal prepping, providing convenient and tasty lunches throughout your week.

For reheating, a simple trick ensures your noodles retain their desirable texture and don’t dry out: sprinkle a few drops of water over the noodles before microwaving them. This added moisture helps to rehydrate the vermicelli, bringing back its original tenderness. Alternatively, you can gently reheat the Mei Fun in a wok or a large pan over medium heat. Again, a tiny splash of water or a light broth can be added, and the dish should be tossed frequently until it is warmed through evenly. Avoid high heat during reheating to prevent the noodles from sticking or becoming brittle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Mei Fun

How do you prevent Mei Fun noodles from sticking together?

Preventing Mei Fun noodles from sticking is key to a perfect stir-fry. Here are effective strategies: Firstly, be careful not to overcook them during the soaking process; they should be pliable but still have a slight firmness. Immediately after soaking, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and halt the cooking. For an extra measure, you can add a few drops of neutral cooking oil to the hot water while soaking and gently stir, or simply toss the thoroughly drained noodles with a tiny amount of oil before they go into the wok. This creates a thin, protective barrier that helps each strand remain distinct.

How can I prevent noodles from sticking to the pan or wok during stir-frying?

Noodle sticking to the pan can be frustrating but is entirely avoidable with the right techniques:

• Perfect Noodle Preparation: Ensure your noodles are not overcooked from the soaking stage. They should be slightly undercooked and firm before they ever touch the wok. Equally important, ensure they are thoroughly drained and as dry as possible, as excess moisture can lead to sticking.
• Optimal Pan Heat: Your pan or wok must be screaming hot, ideally smoking slightly, before you introduce any oil or ingredients. A properly heated pan creates a naturally non-stick surface, often referred to as ‘wok hei’ when using a wok.
• Sufficient and Swirled Oil: After the pan is hot, add the recommended amount of cooking oil. Immediately swirl the oil around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. This creates a slick barrier that prevents food from adhering.
• Avoid Overcrowding: It’s tempting to cook everything at once, but overcrowding the pan is a common mistake. Too many ingredients quickly lower the pan’s temperature, causing the food to steam rather than stir-fry, which almost guarantees sticking. Cook in smaller batches if necessary.
• Constant Movement: Stir-frying inherently means continuous stirring and tossing. Keep the noodles and other ingredients constantly moving. This prevents them from resting on the hot surface for too long and adhering.
• Seasoned Wok: If using a carbon steel wok, ensure it is properly seasoned. A well-seasoned wok develops a natural, slick, non-stick surface over time, significantly aiding in preventing food from sticking.

What is the key difference between Chow Fun and Mei Fun noodles?

Both Chow Fun and Mei Fun are popular types of Chinese rice noodles, crafted from rice flour and water. However, their primary distinction lies in their physical characteristics, specifically their thickness and shape. Chow Fun noodles are broad, flat, and possess a wonderfully chewy texture, making them ideal for dishes like the classic Beef Chow Fun where their robust structure can hold up to heartier sauces. In stark contrast, Mei Fun noodles are exceptionally thin, delicate, and resemble fine vermicelli. This slender form makes them perfect for lighter stir-fries, where a tender texture is desired, or as a component in brothy soups where they can absorb flavors without becoming overly heavy.

Is Mei Fun inherently gluten-free?

Yes, plain rice noodles, which include Mei Fun, are naturally gluten-free. Their traditional composition consists solely of ground rice and water, containing no wheat or other gluten-containing grains. Therefore, dishes prepared with Mei Fun noodles are generally safe for individuals adhering to a gluten-free diet. However, it is absolutely essential to ensure that all other ingredients used in the recipe – such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, any marinades, or additional seasonings – are also explicitly certified as gluten-free. Always make it a practice to carefully check the product labels of all packaged components to guarantee a truly gluten-free meal.

Tried This Delicious Recipe? Share Your Experience!

If you’ve taken on the delightful challenge of whipping up this fantastic Chicken Mei Fun recipe, we are genuinely eager to hear about your culinary adventure! Please take a moment to share your thoughts by leaving a comment and rating below. Your invaluable feedback is not only a tremendous source of encouragement for us but also provides helpful insights and inspiration for other home cooks who are considering making this flavorful dish. We appreciate your cooking journey with us!

Chicken Mei Fun Home-Style Noodle Recipe

This incredibly satisfying one-pan dinner features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and classic Mei Fun noodles enveloped in a flavorful, homemade sauce. It’s a healthier, more delicious alternative to ordering takeout, ready in just 30 minutes!

Rating: 4.86 out of 5 stars (based on 7 votes)

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Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Chicken Mei Fun, Chinese noodles, Stir-fry, Weeknight dinner

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 660 kcal

Author: Geetanjali

Ingredients

• 150 gram (5.3 oz) dried thin rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ medium size onion, thinly sliced
• ½ medium size carrot, thinly striped
• ¼ cup cabbage, thinly striped
• ¼ cup celery, thinly striped
• 2-3 scallion (green onion) greens, cut into 2-inch pieces
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

For the Chicken:

• 150 gram (5.3 oz) skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• ⅙ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon chicken powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare all your ingredients: Slice the chicken, mince garlic, slice onions, julienne carrots, cabbage, and celery, and cut scallions. Have everything ready.
2. In a bowl, combine chicken strips with ground white pepper, salt, water, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Mix well and marinate for 10-15 minutes.
3. Soak thin dried rice noodles in hot (not boiling) water for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
4. Rinse the softened noodles in cold water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
5. Crack and beat the large egg in a small bowl.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add beaten egg, scramble into pieces, and immediately remove once set. Do not overcook.
7. Heat the pan/wok over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry marinated chicken until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
8. Make the stir-fry sauce: In a bowl, mix light soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and chicken powder (if using) until well combined.
9. In the same pan, heat 1.5 tablespoons of oil. Add sliced onion and minced garlic, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Add julienned carrot, cabbage, and celery. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until slightly tender but still crisp.
11. Return the cooked eggs, chicken, and a dash of ground white pepper to the pan.
12. Add the prepared rice noodles. Gently toss until thoroughly heated through, taking care not to break them.
13. Pour the stir-fry sauce and add scallion greens. Toss everything until well coated with the sauce.
14. Turn off the heat and serve your delicious Chicken Mei Fun immediately.

Chef’s Notes for Success

• Always prepare all ingredients (mise en place) before starting to cook for a smooth and efficient stir-fry.
• Marinating the chicken is crucial for tender, flavorful results, just like in your favorite Chinese restaurants.
• Ensure the rice vermicelli has enough room to move freely in hot water while soaking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcook the noodles during soaking; they should be al dente (slightly firm) to prevent them from becoming mushy when stir-fried.
• Add the stir-fry sauce at the very end of the cooking process to preserve its vibrant flavors and prevent burning.
• Transfer the finished Mei Fun to a serving dish immediately after cooking to stop residual heat from overcooking the delicate ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is a general estimate only and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. For the most accurate dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a reliable nutrition calculator.

• Calories: 660 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 71g
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 985mg
• Potassium: 529mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 2875 IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 66mg
• Iron: 2mg