Effortless Weeknight: Silky Smooth Mei Fun Stir-Fry

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Soak the Mei Fun in hot water for 5-7 minutes, or until softened but still slightly firm. This step is crucial to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy during stir-frying. You want them pliable but not completely cooked through, as they will continue to cook in the wok. The water should be hot, but not boiling, to avoid overcooking the delicate noodles.

   ~7 min

   Tip: Do not oversoak the noodles, or they will become gummy.
2. 2

   Drain the Mei Fun thoroughly and set aside. Shake the noodles gently to remove excess water. This will prevent the noodles from steaming in the wok, allowing them to develop a slightly crispy texture. You can also use kitchen shears to cut the noodles into shorter lengths for easier handling during stir-frying.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Use kitchen shears to cut the noodles for easier handling.
3. 3

   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and chicken broth. This is your flavor base, so taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy notes is what makes this sauce so addictive. Set the sauce aside for later.

   ~3 min

   Tip: Taste and adjust the sauce to your preference.
4. 4

   Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking hot. A properly heated wok is essential for achieving 'wok hei'. The high heat will quickly sear the noodles and prevent them from sticking. If you don't have a wok, a large skillet will work, but be sure to heat it thoroughly.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Ensure the wok is smoking hot before adding oil.
5. 5

   Add the vegetable oil to the hot wok, swirling to coat the surface. The oil should shimmer and be almost smoking. This will create a non-stick surface and help to distribute the heat evenly. Work quickly from this point on, as the cooking process happens fast.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Use an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
6. 6

   Add the minced garlic to the wok and stir-fry for about 15 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. The aroma of the garlic should fill your kitchen, indicating that it's ready for the next step.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Watch the garlic carefully to prevent burning.
7. 7

   Add the drained Mei Fun to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, tossing constantly, until slightly charred and heated through. The noodles should start to develop a slight crispness around the edges. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture.

   ~3 min

   Tip: Toss constantly to prevent sticking.
8. 8

   Pour the prepared sauce over the Mei Fun and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce has thickened slightly. The sauce should cling to the noodles, creating a glossy and flavorful coating. Continue to toss constantly to ensure even distribution.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Ensure the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
9. 9

   Continue to stir-fry until the sauce is absorbed and the noodles are cooked through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The noodles should be tender but still have a slight bite. This is the final step to ensure the noodles are perfectly cooked and the flavors are melded together.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
10. 10

    Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil. The Mei Fun is best enjoyed hot, when the noodles are at their silkiest and the flavors are at their peak.

    0

    Tip: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts