In today’s fast-paced world, most of us crave meals that are quick to prepare, healthy, and satisfying. If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, then you’ve likely come across Shrimp Mei Fun—a dish that perfectly combines all those qualities. This recipe is more than just a stir-fry; it’s an aromatic, flavor-rich combination of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and light, silky rice noodles that come together in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking to replace takeout with something homemade, want a gluten-free dinner option, or simply want a dish that’s endlessly customizable, this Shrimp Mei Fun recipe is going to be a game-changer.
What is Shrimp Mei Fun?
Mei Fun, sometimes referred to as rice vermicelli, is a type of thin rice noodle used in Chinese cuisine. “Mei Fun” translates to “rice noodles” in Cantonese, and while there are variations across Asia, the version with shrimp is one of the most popular—both in takeout menus and home kitchens.
In Shrimp Mei Fun, these delicate noodles are stir-fried with fresh vegetables and juicy shrimp in a savory sauce that’s both comforting and light. Unlike heavier noodle dishes like Lo Mein, Mei Fun stays light on the stomach and is gluten-free by nature, making it ideal for health-conscious eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ Healthy – Low in fat, rich in protein
- ✅ Gluten-Free – Perfect for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals
- ✅ Flexible – Easily customizable with different proteins or veggies
- ✅ Family-Approved – Mild flavors that appeal to adults and kids alike
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Shrimp Mei Fun
To make a balanced and flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients. These quantities serve 4 people.
Core Ingredients:
- Rice vermicelli noodles (Mei Fun) – 200g
- Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 250g
- Carrot – 1 medium, julienned
- Bell pepper (red or green) – 1 large, thinly sliced
- Cabbage – 150g, shredded
- Onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 tbsp, freshly grated
- Green onions – 2 stalks, chopped
Sauces and Seasonings:
- Soy sauce (low sodium) – 2 tbsp (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp (or mushroom sauce for vegan)
- Sesame oil – 1 tsp
- Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp (or to taste)
- White pepper – ¼ tsp
- Chicken broth or water – ¼ cup
Substitution Options
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability:
| Ingredient | Substitute Option |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | Tofu, chicken breast, or thin-sliced beef |
| Rice noodles | Soba, zucchini noodles, or glass noodles |
| Soy sauce | Tamari (GF) or coconut aminos |
| Oyster sauce | Vegan mushroom sauce or hoisin |
| Sesame oil | Peanut oil or avocado oil |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Shrimp Mei Fun
Let’s break down the cooking process into simple, manageable steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles
- Place rice vermicelli in warm water.
- Let soak for 10–15 minutes, until soft but firm to the touch.
- Drain and set aside.
📌 Avoid soaking too long, or the noodles may become mushy during stir-frying.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp and Vegetables
- Pat shrimp dry using a paper towel.
- Julienne the carrot, shred the cabbage, and slice the bell pepper and onion.
- Mince garlic and grate ginger.
- Chop green onions for garnishing.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side, until pink.
- Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil.
- Toss in garlic and ginger.
- Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Add carrot, bell pepper, onion, and cabbage.
- Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly soft but still crunchy.
Step 6: Add Noodles and Sauces
- Add drained noodles to the wok.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth (or water).
- Toss everything gently until coated.
Step 7: Return Shrimp to the Pan
- Add the cooked shrimp.
- Season with salt and white pepper.
- Stir to combine evenly and heat through for 2 minutes.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat.
- Top with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with a side of lime wedges or chili sauce if desired.
Tips to Perfect Your Shrimp Mei Fun
✅ Keep the Noodles Springy
Don’t over-soak rice noodles. Keep them slightly al dente before stir-frying so they don’t turn to mush.
✅ High Heat is Key
Stir-frying works best with a hot wok and quick cooking. This locks in flavors and keeps veggies crisp.
✅ Protein First, Not Last
Always cook the shrimp (or your protein) before adding other ingredients, so it doesn’t get rubbery.
✅ Add Sauce Gradually
If you’re unsure about saltiness, start with half the sauce, then taste and adjust.
Popular Variations
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Here are some crowd-pleasing ways to mix things up:
🌱 Vegan Mei Fun
Replace shrimp with pan-fried tofu, skip oyster sauce, and use mushroom-based sauce.
🌶 Spicy Version
Add sriracha, sambal oelek, or crushed chili flakes for extra heat.
🥜 Thai-Inspired
Add crushed peanuts, a splash of lime juice, and cilantro for a Southeast Asian twist.
🍄 Umami Boost
Add shiitake mushrooms and a few drops of fish sauce (if not vegetarian) for deeper flavor.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration:
- Store in airtight container
- Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
Freezing:
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight before reheating
Reheating:
- Best in a skillet with a splash of broth
- Or microwave in intervals, stirring halfway
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Protein (from shrimp) | Helps build muscle, keeps you full |
| Omega-3s | Good for heart health |
| Vitamins A & C | Boost immune system and skin health |
| Low Fat | Heart-friendly with minimal oils |
| Gluten-Free | Safe for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! It stores well and reheats beautifully for lunches or weeknight meals.
Q: What if my noodles clump together?
A: Rinse them with warm water after soaking and toss with a drop of oil before stir-frying.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely. The mild, savory flavors and colorful veggies make it perfect for picky eaters.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes—just thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Side Dishes That Pair Well
- 🥟 Steamed Dumplings
- 🥒 Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar
- 🥣 Miso Soup or Egg Drop Soup
- 🥬 Garlic Stir-Fried Bok Choy
- 🍵 Green Tea or Jasmine Iced Tea
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Mei Fun isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy an authentic Asian noodle dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version. Its balance of simplicity, nutrition, and incredible flavor makes it the perfect weeknight meal.
The best part? You can adapt it to any taste, diet, or season—making it a lifelong staple in your recipe box.