Exploring Mei Fun: From Origins to Recipes

by Story Teller Posted on

I. Introduction

Mei Fun is a popular dish in Asia that is beloved by food lovers worldwide. It is a simple yet flavorsome dish consisting of thin rice noodles, vegetables, herbs, and meat. Whether it’s fried, stir-fried, or in soup form, Mei Fun has been a staple of Asian cuisine for centuries.

This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to Mei Fun. From its history and origin to easy-to-follow recipes, nutritional benefits, and perfect accompaniments, we intend to cover it all.

II. The History and Origin of Mei Fun

Mei Fun has an intriguing origin story dating back to sixth-century China, where it was commonly served during the Northern Wei Dynasty. At that time, the noodles were homemade with rice and water, and instead of serving as a main course, it was used mainly as an accompaniment to other dishes such as hotpots and stews.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), rice noodles became a staple food item in China. Owing to its gluten-free properties, Mei Fun was favored among gluten-free communities and those with dietary restrictions. Within time, different variations of Mei Fun emerged throughout the Asian continent.

III. Cooking Mei Fun from Scratch

You can easily prepare Mei Fun at home with a few ingredients and tools. Follow these instructions to make it from scratch:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup of vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots)
  • 1/2 cup of protein (chicken, shrimp)
  • 1 teaspoon of white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Equipment:

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Frying pan

Instructions:

  1. Place rice vermicelli noodles in a pot with boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
  2. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  3. Heat the frying pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil, garlic, vegetables, and protein. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the protein is cooked.
  4. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and salt to the pan. Toss well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Your Mei Fun is now ready to be served.

Pro tip: Do not overcook the noodles, or they will become mushy. You can also replace the protein with tofu or mushrooms to make the recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

IV. 5 Recipes to Level Up Your Mei Fun Game

Mei Fun is an excellent dish to experiment with, given its versatility and ability to accommodate a wide range of flavors. Here are five recipes you might find tempting:

1. Spicy Chicken Mei Fun

  • 1 pack rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup of vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots)
  • 1/2 cup of chicken breast (thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the instructions in section III. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in the frying pan. Add garlic, chicken slices, and vegetables. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  3. Season the dish with cayenne pepper, soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Toss everything together well.
  4. Finally, add the cooked noodles and stir everything together for 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
  5. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

2. Veggie Spring Roll Mei Fun

  • 1 pack rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 cup of vegetables (shredded)
  • 4 spring rolls (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon of white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the instructions in section III. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in the frying pan. Add garlic, shredded vegetables, and chopped spring rolls. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  3. Season the dish with soy sauce, sesame oil, white sugar, and salt. Toss everything together well.
  4. Finally, add the cooked noodles and stir everything together for 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
  5. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

3. Coconut Curry Shrimp Mei Fun

  • 1 pack rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1/2 cup of canned coconut milk
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of white sugar

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the instructions in section III. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the coconut oil in a frying pan. Add garlic, shrimp, and curry powder. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  3. Season the dish with soy sauce, turmeric, and white sugar. Toss everything together well.
  4. Finally, add the cooked noodles and stir everything together for 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
  5. Before serving, pour the coconut oil over the Mei Fun and toss everything together for an alluring coconut flavor.

4. Vegan Cauliflower Cumin Mei Fun

  • 1 pack rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of cauliflower cut into small florets
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon of white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the instructions in section III. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in the frying pan. Add chopped onions, cauliflower florets, and cumin powder and saute for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and brown.
  3. Season the dish with sesame oil, soy sauce, white sugar, and salt. Toss everything together well.
  4. Lastly, add the cooked noodles and stir everything together for 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
  5. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

5. Beef and Broccoli Mei Fun

  • 1 pack rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup of broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup of beef (thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon of white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the instructions in section III. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in the frying pan. Add garlic, broccoli florets, and sliced beef. Stir-fry for 7-10 minutes, or until everything is cooked through.
  3. Season the dish with sesame oil, soy sauce, white sugar, and salt. Toss everything together well.
  4. Lastly, add the cooked noodles and stir everything together for 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
  5. Adjust the seasoning as needed and serve.

V. The Health Benefits of Mei Fun

Mei Fun has a host of health benefits that make it an ideal ingredient for a balanced diet. Unlike pasta, the noodles are gluten-free, making them a perfect alternative for those who suffer from gluten sensitivity. Mei Fun is also low in fat and calories, making it ideal for those who are off on a health kick regime. Furthermore, it is a great source of carbohydrates and fiber, essential for a healthy diet.

It is significantly beneficial for those who are trying to lose weight or are at risk of developing diabetes.

VI. The Perfect Pairings

Mei Fun is a versatile dish that pairs well with other foods. Here are a few of our favorite dishes that complement Mei Fun:

  • Spring rolls
  • Chinese dumplings
  • Sweet and sour chicken or pork
  • Crispy beef
  • Mapo tofu

These dishes add texture, flavor, and a variety of nutrients, making your Mei Fun experience all the more delectable.

VII. One Pot Mei Fun

Preparing dinner on a busy weeknight can be stressful, which is why one-pot Mei Fun recipes can be a lifesaver. All you need to do is throw all your ingredients in a pot and let it cook. Here’s an easy one-pot recipe you might enjoy:

One-Pot Chicken Mei Fun Recipe:

  • 1 pack rice vermicelli noodles
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of thinly sliced carrots
  • 1/2 cup of sliced onions
  • 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of sliced chicken breast

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot, except the noodles, and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and let the contents cook for 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
  3. Add the rice noodles and let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Pro tip: This recipe is easy to customize. You can add additional vegetables or meats, such as shrimp, and tofu, depending on your preference.

VIII. A Culinary Journey

The popularity of Mei Fun has led to the development of numerous variations of the dish throughout Asia. Here are some of the famous variations of Mei Fun:

  • Phở bích quy
  • Pad Thai
  • Shanghai Fried Noodles
  • Chow Fun
  • Carbonara-style Mei Fun

Each dish has its unique spice combinations, cooking techniques, and ingredients that distinguish it from the others.

IX. Conclusion

Mei Fun is a perfect comfort food, easy to prepare, and customizable to a variety of flavors. It’s an excellent dish to make during a busy week and also a great way to experiment with new flavors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Courier Blog by Crimson Themes.