Chicken Mei Fun

Ingredients

• 7 oz dried thin rice vermicelli noodles (soaked and drained)
• 1 tsp vegetable oil (for coating noodles)
• 0.5 tsp dark soy sauce (for coating noodles)
• 7 oz chicken breast (cut into strips)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for marinade)
• 1 tbsp water (for marinade)
• 1.5 tsp oyster sauce (for marinade)
• 2 tsp Shaoxing wine (for marinade)
• 0.25 tsp white pepper (for marinade)
• five spice powder (1 pinch, optional, for marinade)
• 1 tsp vegetable oil (for marinade)
• 2 slices ginger (julienned)
• 4.5 small shallots (thinly sliced)
• 1 medium carrot (julienned)
• 5 oz cabbage (shredded)
• 3 scallions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce (for seasoning)
• 0.5 tsp sesame oil (for seasoning)
• 0.25 tsp white pepper (for seasoning)
• salt (to taste)
• 2 tbsp water (optional, for softer noodles)

Steps

1. 1

   Soak the dried rice noodles as per the instructions on the back of the package. To test whether or not they’ve been soaked enough, take a noodle and chew on it to make sure it’s no longer hard/dry.

2. 2

   Drain the noodles thoroughly, shaking off the noodles to get rid of excess water.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, mix the rice noodles with 1 teaspoon of oil and ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.

4. 4

   Add the chicken to a medium bowl, along with the cornstarch, water, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, five spice (if using), and vegetable oil. Marinate for 20 minutes.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, prepare the ginger, shallots, carrot, cabbage, and scallions. Have everything ready to go before you turn on the stove.

6. 6

   Heat your wok over high heat. Add 3 tablespoons oil, followed by the ginger and chicken.

7. 7

   Stir-fry until the chicken is just cooked through.

8. 8

   Add the shallots, and stir-fry for 10 seconds.

9. 9

   Add the cabbage and carrots, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.

10. 10

    Season everything with 1½ tablespoons light soy sauce, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, and ¼ teaspoon white pepper. Mix well.

11. 11

    Finally, add the prepared rice noodles along with the scallions.

12. 12

    Turn the heat down to medium and stir-fry everything together to heat the noodles through and distribute the chicken and vegetables. Salt to taste.

13. 13

    If you like more al dente noodles, you can serve immediately. If you like softer noodles, add 2 tablespoons of water to the wok, cover, and cook for a minute over low heat before serving.

Notes

Mei fun noodles are thin rice vermicelli. This recipe uses dried noodles that are pre-cooked and then dried; they only require a quick pre-soak. You can substitute the vegetables with whatever you have on hand. Serve with chili oil if desired.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• stir-fried
• rice noodles
• chicken
• Chinese
• dairy-free
• weeknight dinner