• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Biting at the Bits logo
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPE INDEX
  • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPE INDEX
  • CONTACT
  • SPRING
  • Find us on Social!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPE INDEX
    • CONTACT
    • SPRING
  • Find us on Social!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    • A serving dish filled with couscous salad made the authentic Mediterranean way.
      The Mediterranean Couscous Recipe Everyone Should Know
    • Collection of 25 homemade pizza varieties including vegetarian options, meat-vegetable combinations, hawaiian, prosciutto-arugula, marinara, margherita, mushroom, various cheese pizzas, olive, breakfast pizza, capricciosa, zucchini and ham, pepperoni, quattro formaggi, BBQ chicken pizza, and more on different kinds of homemade pizza dough including neapolitan, whole wheat, bread flour, 00 flour, St. Louis Style, pizza fritta, and pinsa Romana.
      Best Pizza Toppings & Pizza Dough Ultimate Guide w/Real Photos
    • A serving platter with light green colored Mexican cilantro rice.
      Restaurant-Style Cilantro Lime Rice (Better Than Chipotle w/Video)
    • The best shrimp burger recipe served up in red burger baskets on a vintage carhop tray - crispy shrimp burgers on two potato buns with burger toppings including spicy wasabi mayo, shredded cabbage, pickles, cilantro and shallots with twice-fried french fries for a real classic drive in burger experience.
      Crispy Shrimp Burger Recipe (Homemade Teochew Shrimp Patties + Video)
    • Homemade Asian sesame dressing in a small Weck Canning jar with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chives floating on top, showcasing its rich amber color and smooth texture.
      Asian Sesame Dressing (Easy 5-Minute Homemade Recipe + Video)
    • Creamy blue crab risotto served in a white pasta bowl with whole cooked blue crab garnish, topped with fresh chives and a single fresh red chili pepper.
      Easy Crab Risotto Recipe (Risotto al Granchio Blu Classico + Video)
    • Homemade Mexican dinner plate featuring cheese enchiladas, creamy refried pinto beans topped with melted cheese and authentic Mexican cilantro rice - better than restaurant enchilada plate.
      Easy Authentic Refried Beans Recipe (From Scratch or Canned w/Video)
    • Traditional homemade lasagna bolognese with eight layers, showcasing rich meat sauce and handmade spinach pasta sheets in classic Italian culinary style.
      Authentic Lasagna Bolognese (Lasagne alla Bolognese +Video)
    • A tray holding a microplane with blood orange zest filling it up sitting in front of fresh blood oranges, empty blood orange halves, freshly squeezed blood orange juice, and a jar of homemade orange sugar.
      Easy Orange Sugar Recipe (Using Sicilian Blood Oranges)
    • A casserole dish filled with cheese enchiladas covered in sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and minced white onions.
      Cheese Enchiladas with Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (Authentic Tex-Mex + Video)
    • An All-Clad sauté pan filled with homemade red enchilada sauce with a whisk resting in the pan.
      Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (Authentic Tex-Mex w/Video)
    • My hand holding a widemouth Mason canning jar filled with bright red glistening homeamde cherry pie filling.
      Ultimate Cherry Pie Filling Recipe (10-Minutes, Homemade)
    Home » Recipes » Chinese

    20-Minute Singapore Mei Fun Noodles (Shrimp Mei Fun)

    Published: Sep 20, 2022 · Modified: Dec 5, 2022 by Kelly · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    A takeout favorite you'll find on just about every Chinese-American restaurant menu, Singapore noodles couldn't be easier to make at home. These delicious rice noodles get their bright yellow color (and flavor) from curry powder and are filled with shrimp, eggs, carrots, Napa cabbage, onions, and scallions. Plus, it's a really versatile dish -- you can substitute just about anything like deli ham, pork loin, chicken, hot dogs, or anything you need to use up in your refrigerator. 

    For anyone who may be new to stir-frying at home, we've included step-by-step recipe photos at the end of the post.

    singapore mei fun noodles just cooked in a wok
    a wok full of singapore shrimp and pork mei fun noodles
    a wok full of fried Singapore Mei Fun Noodles with shrimp

    What are Singapore Rice Noodles?

    Most often Singapore Mei fun is a curry-spiced vermicelli noodle dish filled with shrimp, Chinese BBQ pork, eggs, and various vegetables like carrots, cabbage, onions, scallions, and bell peppers. If you don't have BBQ, substitute ham, frankfurters, leftover pork roast, chicken, or pretty much any meat, tofu, or vegetable you have in your refrigerator. 

    Noodle Comparison Photographed  Below:

    1. Thai Rice noodles,

    2. Cellophane Rice noodles (aka. vermicelli)

    3. Mung Bean noodles (aka. vermicelli or cellophane)

    4. Mung Bean Fettuccine noodles)

    4 types of dried Asian noodles for comparison (thai rice noodles for pad Thai, rice cellophane noodles, mung bean or cellophane glass noodles, mung bean glass fettuccine noodles

    What are Vermicelli Rice Noodles (aka cellophane noodles) and How Do You Cook them?

    Rice Vermicelli or Fettuccine noodles are gluten-free and made from rice starch and water. When cooked they're mostly opaque and they're highly absorbent. These noodles have less springiness than mung bean noodles and are often used for famous Chinese dishes like this Singapore Mei Fun recipe (aka Singapore Noodles, or Singapore Mai Fun). 

    To cook rice vermicelli (cellophane) noodles (if you're using the Wai Wai brand as we have for this post), I always start by boiling water and then submerging the dried noodles for exactly 2 minutes. This quickly renders the noodles the right consistency to add to stir-fries without them turning to mush or being too firm. Of course, always check the package instructions depending on what brand you're using before getting started.  

    closeup of singapore noodles on an oval platter with the sunlight hitting it
    singapore noodles on an oval platter with the sunlight hitting it

    Where are Singapore Mei Fun Noodles from?

    This recipe has no authentic Singaporean roots, although you can find it there nowadays too. The dish originates from Hong Kong and was thought to have been created in the 50s or 60s when a Cantonese chef was trying to develop an "exotic dish". He added curry powder and named them "Singapore noodles" because so little was known about Singapore at that time. 

    all the mei fun ingredients chopped, measured, stirred and ready to be cooked

    How to Cook Chinese Food at Home -- Techniques + Tips for Making Better Stir-Fry at Home

    If you've ever made stir fry at home and been disappointed with the results you're not alone. As with any cuisine, there are certain techniques that make up the foundation for getting the best (and most consistent) results like what you'd expect from your favorite restaurant. We've outlined a few common mistakes people make when cooking Chinese food at home (particularly when stir-frying) and how to avoid them. For more in-depth information on each point below, check out this post over here. 

    1. Use the right Chinese ingredients. 
    2. Use a wok or comparable cooking vessel with a large surface area that allows for fast and quick high-heat cooking.
    3. Don't overcrowd the wok with too many ingredients at one time. 
    4. Have all of your ingredients chopped thinly, measured, whisked, and ready to go before you start cooking. 
    an oval platter of Singapore Mei Fun noodles with shrimp, carrots, cabbage, scallions

    Why We Love This Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe 

    • It cooks in just 10 minutes
    • You can use frozen shrimp
    • You can add pork or chicken
    • You can make it a vegetarian mei fun
    • The amount of curry used is customizable
    • It's inexpensive to make
    • You can make it spicy (or not)
    • A great way to use up leftover bits of veggies & meat from your fridge
    singapore noodle ingredients on a cutting board ready to be chopped, measured, mixed, and stirred.

    Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Ingredients 

    If you want to make chicken mei fun or shrimp and pork mei fun, be sure to add 4 ounces of the desired meat (i.e. chicken breast or thigh, roast pork, ham, hot dogs, or Chinese BBQ pork) to the recipe. Also, feel free to substitute the cabbage and carrot for zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli. 

    NOODLE INGREDIENTS

    • dried rice vermicelli/cellophane noodles 
    • Argentinian Red shrimp (or your favorite shrimp)
    • Napa cabbage 
    • carrots
    • onion 
    • scallions and/or chives
    • garlic
    • dried Chinese chili (optional)
    • eggs
    • vegetable oil

    WET SAUCE INGREDIENTS

    • Shaoxing wine*
    • soy sauce 
    • water (or chicken stock)
    • toasted sesame oil

    CURRY SEASONING BLEND 

    • madras curry powder, or favorite curry 
    • salt
    • granulated sugar
    • white pepper

    *If you can't find Shaoxing wine, use dry sherry in a 1:1 ratio. If you're thinking about using mirin, it's acceptable if that's all you've got (but it really has a totally different flavor than Shaoxing wine and it's also a bit sweet which would still taste nice in this dish).

    shrimp mei fun noodles on an oval serving platter with chopsticks next to it
    closeup of singapore noodles on an oval platter with the sunlight hitting it

    How to Make the Best Singapore Noodles at Home

    Before you get started, make sure all of your ingredients are measured, sliced, chopped, and stirred. And if you need to, work in batches if your wok is smaller or you're using a sauté pan instead which will allow you to cook everything well even if it takes a little more time. 

    1. Reconstitute the noodles. Boil a small pot of water and pour it over the noodles making sure they are completely submerged. Allow to soak for exactly 2 minutes and strain the noodles. Cut the noodles into halves or thirds to make them easier to stir fry and set aside. 
    2. Cook the eggs. Heat the wok over medium-high and add ½ of the vegetable oil (you'll use the other ½ in another step). Add the eggs and fry until bubbling around the edges and then flip it over. Using your spatula, break up the eggs into bite-sized pieces. When all the egg is cooked through and roughly chopped, remove it to a plate. 
    3. Cook the garlic, onions, and chives. Add the remaining oil, sliced onions, garlic, and chives to the hot wok and stir fry for 15 seconds.
    4. Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the wok and stir fry for 20 seconds.
    5. Cook the cabbage, carrots, and chilis. Increase the heat of the work to high and add the cabbage, carrots, and chili peppers and stir fry for 30 seconds.
    6. Deglaze the wok. Drizzle the Shaoxing wine around the perimeter of the wok making sure it has contact with the pan and stir fry for 15 seconds.
    7. Cook the noodles. Add the noodles to the wok, constantly moving them around the pan to incorporate them with the vegetables, and stir fry for 1 minute. 
    8. Add the curry spice blend. Add the curry powder, sugar, salt, and white pepper tossing well to incorporate all of the ingredients, stir fry for 2 minutes. 
    9. Add the wet sauce ingredients and scallions. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and scallions, and continue tossing until well combined, stir fry for 1 minute and remove to a serving platter, Enjoy!

    Singapore Mei Fun Noodles (Shrimp Mai Fun) recipe step-by-step photos

    singapore noodle ingredients on a cutting board ready to be chopped, measured, mixed, and stirred.
    boiling water
    pouring boiling water over dried noodles
    cutting the noodles in thirds with kitchen shears
    fully rehydrated vermicelli rice noodles
    strained vermicelli noodles in a sieve
    all prepped ingredients ready to cook the mei fun noodles
    Red argentinian shrimp shelled, deveined, and patted dry.
    pouring beaten eggs into the hot oil in the wok
    about to flip the egg over
    stir fried egg pieces on a plate to cool
    pouring the last half of the oil into the wok
    adding the onions, chives, and garlic to the wok
    stir frying the onions, chives, and garlic
    shrimp being added to the wok
    stir frying the shrimp
    julienned carrots, shredded cabbage. and chili peppers in a prep bowl being added to the wok
    deglazing the wok with Shaoxing wine
    adding the noodles to the wok
    incorporating all of the ingredients in the wok
    adding the dry spice ingredients to the wok
    adding the wet sauce ingredients to the wok
    a wok full of fried Singapore Mei Fun Noodles with shrimp
    a wok full of fried Singapore Mei Fun Noodles with shrimp

     

    Looking for a Few More Delicious Dim Sum or Asian Dishes?

    If you're looking for a few other dishes to round out your takeout night in, below are a few of our favorites we think you may also enjoy.

    • Lucky Lunar New Year Fried Cherry Pie “Wontons”
    • Homemade Chinese Soup Dumplings Xiaolongbao (小笼包) (100% From Scratch)
    • Easy Egg Drop Soup with Crispy Fried Wonton Strips (Danhuatang 蛋花湯)
    • Thin + Chewy Homemade Chinese Wonton Wrappers
    • Easy Homemade 2-Ingredient Chinese Dumpling Dough
    • Takeout Style Pork and Green Bean Stir-Fry w/Glass Noodles
    • Easy Pork and Chive Potstickers w/Sautéed Napa Cabbage & Carrots (Jiaozi)
    • Chinese Takeout Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry w/Glass Noodles (a Family Favorite)
    • Best Ever Chicken Dumplings Recipe (Plump & Juicy Jiaozi)
    • Easy Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry (w/Cantonese Style White Sauce)
    • Easy and Delicious Pork Potsticker Recipe (Cantonese Style Jiaozi)
    • Crispy Pork and Chive Spring Rolls w/Glass Noodles & Vegetables
    • Steamed Pork & Chive Money Bag Dumplings (Beggar’s Purse Dumplings)
    • Hoisin Garlic-Ginger Oven-Braised Pork Ribs
    my hand holding a cherry fried pie wonton with a bite taken out and it's gloriously cherry red filling exposed inside
    the best homemade chinese soup dumplings xiaolongbao (小笼包) just steamed and still sitting in the bamboo steamer
    a small bowl of egg drop soup with crispy fried homemade wonton strips.
    a stack of beautiful egg wonton wrappers
    dumpling dough wrappers freshly rolled out and a pair of chopsticks in the background
    closeup of a pasta bowl filled with a wok filled with beautifully brown glass fettuccine noodles, tender slivers of pork and garden fresh green beans
    a layer of stacked golden brown and glossy pork and chive potstickers plated on top of sauteed cabbage with crispy spring rolls in the background
    chicken and vegetable stir fry in a wok just after cooking
    closeup of a tray filled with dumplings
    shrimp and vegetable stir-fry in lobster sauce
    chinese potstickers layered in a row in a white ceramic dish with crispy chili oil drizzled on top
    3 super golden brown crispy spring rolls on a pink and peach tray decorated with Chinese fans
    just steamed money bag dumplings sitting atop nappa
    three perfectly cooked fork-tender ribs on a plate

     

    Let's get started!

    Print

    📖 Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    a wok full of fried Singapore Mei Fun Noodles with shrimp

    Best Singapore Noodles (Shrimp Mei Fun)


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Kelly
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 4 Servings
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe

    Description

    Singapore noodles couldn't be easier to make at home! These delicious rice noodles get their bright yellow color (and flavor) from curry powder and are filled with shrimp, eggs, carrots, Napa cabbage, onions, and scallions. It's an incredibly versatile dish because you can substitute just about anything like deli ham, pork loin, chicken, hot dogs, or pretty much any meat, tofu, or vegetable you need to use up in your refrigerator. 


    Ingredients

    NOODLE INGREDIENTS
    • 5 ounces dried rice vermicelli/cellophane noodles (150g)
    • 10 to 12 shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry (160g)
    • 10 ounces shredded Napa cabbage (285g)
    • 1 medium carrot, julienned (5 ounces) (135g)
    • ½ medium onion (2 ½ ounces), thinly sliced (70g)
    • 1 scallion, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons chives, finely minced (optional)
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or sub ½ teaspoon dried minced garlic)
    • 2 dried Chinese chilis, seeds removed
    • 2 large eggs, beaten (100g)
    • 2 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil (40g)
    WET SAUCE INGREDIENTS
    • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (place in separate bowl for deglazing the wok) (14g)*
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30g)
    • ¼ cup water (or chicken stock) (60g)
    • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (2g)
    CURRY SEASONING BLEND 
    • 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons madras curry powder, or favorite curry (10-20g)
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
    • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (3g)
    • ⅛ teaspoon white pepper (0.25g)
    *If you can't find Shaoxing wine, use dry sherry in a 1:1 ratio. If you're thinking about using mirin, it's acceptable if that's all you've got (but it really has a totally different flavor than Shaoxing wine and it's also a bit sweet which would still taste nice in this dish).


    Instructions

    1. Reconstitute the noodles. Boil a small pot of water and pour it over the noodles making sure they are completely submerged. Allow to soak for exactly 2 minutes and strain the noodles. Cut the noodles into halves or thirds to make them easier to stir fry and set aside. 
    2. Cook the eggs. Heat the wok over medium-high and add ½ of the vegetable oil (you'll use the other ½ in another step). Add the eggs and fry until bubbling around the edges and then flip it over. Using your spatula, break up the eggs into bite-sized pieces. When all the egg is cooked through and roughly chopped, remove it to a plate. 
    3. Cook the garlic, onions, and chives. Add the remaining oil, sliced onions, garlic, and chives to the hot wok and stir fry for 15 seconds.
    4. Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the wok and stir fry for 20 seconds.
    5. Cook the cabbage, carrots, and chilis. Increase the heat of the work to high and add the cabbage, carrots, and chili peppers and stir fry for 30 seconds.
    6. Deglaze the wok. Drizzle the Shaoxing wine around the perimeter of the wok making sure it has contact with the pan and stir fry for 15 seconds.
    7. Cook the noodles. Add the noodles to the wok, constantly moving them around the pan to incorporate them with the vegetables, and stir fry for 1 minute. 
    8. Add the curry spice blend. Add the curry powder, sugar, salt, and white pepper tossing well to incorporate all of the ingredients, stir fry for 2 minutes. 
    9. Add the wet sauce ingredients and scallions. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and scallions, and continue tossing until well combined, stir fry for 1 minute and remove to a serving platter, Enjoy!

    Notes

    • If you want to make chicken mei fun or shrimp and pork mei fun, be sure to add 4 ounces of the desired meat (i.e. chicken breast or thigh, roast pork, ham, hot dog weiners, or Chinese BBQ pork) to the recipe. You don't need to change anything else in the recipe.
    • Don't have cabbage or carrots, but still want to make this recipe? Use zucchini, bell peppers, bean sprouts, cauliflower, or even broccoli instead. In fact, this recipe is a great way to use up whatever veggies and tidbits are leftover in your fridge. 
    • Before you get started, make sure all of your ingredients are measured, sliced, chopped, and stirred.
    • Work in batches if your wok is smaller or you're using a sauté pan instead which will allow you to cook everything well even if it takes a little more time. 
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Dim Sum + Dumplings
    • Method: Stir Fry
    • Cuisine: Chinese

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ¼ recipe

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @BITINGATTHEBITS on Instagram and hashtag it #BITINGATTHEBITS 

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    More Takeout Style Chinese Recipes

    • Chinese chicken dumplings and pork dumplings being turned into potstickers in a cast iron skillet (with all different colored dumpling wrappers)
      Naturally Colored Dumpling Wrappers (For Chinese New Year (春节)
    • Crispy golden brown firecracker shrimp spring rolls stacked on a serving platter with the tails sticking out of each end.
      Chili Oil Firecracker Shrimp Spring Rolls (With Video)
    • A small shallow ramekin dish with a dollop of chili oil cream cheese dip with a pool of extra chili oil drizzled in the middle well and a large homemade fried wonton chip tucked into the side.
      Chili Crisp Cream Cheese Dip (w/Homemade Wonton Chips)
    • Har Gow dumplings drizzled with homemade sichuan crispy chili oil.
      Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings 虾饺 (The Ultimate Guide with Video)

    Reader Interactions

    Made the Recipe? Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

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

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Kelly doing a pasta making demonstration at The Broadway Panhandler in NYC, NY.

    Hi, I'm Kelly! A private chef helping busy families cook and enjoy tastier, healthier meals at home. Born and raised in Arkansas, I've lived and worked in NYC, Sichuan China, and now Northeast Italy. Each of these places impacts the diverse way we cook, live, and celebrate life. You'll find a bit of everything here whether you're new to cooking, or you've made it all. If you love to eat, you're in the right place!

    A BIT MORE →

    Healthy Comfort Food Recipes

    • A casserole dish filled with cheese enchiladas covered in sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and minced white onions.
      Cheese Enchiladas with Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (Authentic Tex-Mex + Video)
    • A tray filled with rows of homemade raw tortellini in the traditional style of Bologna.
      Authentic Homemade Italian Tortellini (Tortellini in Brodo)
    • An All-Clad sauté pan filled with homemade red enchilada sauce with a whisk resting in the pan.
      Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (Authentic Tex-Mex w/Video)
    • Traditional homemade lasagna bolognese with eight layers, showcasing rich meat sauce and handmade spinach pasta sheets in classic Italian culinary style.
      Authentic Lasagna Bolognese (Lasagne alla Bolognese +Video)

    Pizza Night Recipes

    • Just sliced super crispy thin-crust sausage and onion pizza.
      Best Thin-Crust Pizza Dough Recipe (Using Bread Flour)
    • Perfect thick-crust pizza dough with pizza toppings (including homemade pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and mini buffalo mozzarella balls.
      Best Thick-Crust Pizza Dough Recipe (Using 00 Flour)
    • Super crispy sliced whole wheat Supreme pizza with green olives, spicy ventricina salami, salsiccia, prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, red bell peppers, and onions.
      Best Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe (For Thin Crust Pizza)
    • Homemade 00-thin crust pizza with pioppini mushrooms, pepperoni, shallots, mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, and large green and black olives.
      Best Thin-Crust 00 Flour Pizza Dough Recipe (+Video)
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
    • Contact

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • PRIVACY & COOKIE POLICY
    • ALL RECIPES

    Newsletter

    • Coming Soon!

    Contact

    • CONTACT

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    COPYRIGHT© 2025 BITINGATTHEBITS.COM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO IMAGES OR CONTENT CONTAINED ON THIS SITE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER.