Fried Rice Vermicelli/Rice Sticks/Rice Noodles with Chicken (炒米粉)

July 04, 2008

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As a Chinese, I've never had to think hard when it comes to buying noodles at the market. Noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine; the varieties of noodles available are just like pastas to the Italians--they come in different sizes, shapes, colors, texture, and forms. There are rice vermicelli, yellow noodles, green (spinach) noodles, egg noodles, steamed chow mein, pan-fried chow mein, lo mein, crispy noodles, Shanghai noodles, fresh noodles, glass noodles, udon-like "laifen," flat rice noodles, Taiwanese noodles, etc. And then, there are dried packaged noodles from all over Asia and the lists and brands go forever on.

Despite the many offerings in the marketplace, picking out the right noodles for that perfect fried noodles dish is our natural ability. However, the experience could be overwhelming for others, a fact that I have just come to realize. For many non-Chinese/Asians and Asian food beginners, buying noodles is a somewhat daunting--not to mention confusing and frustrating--task. There are just too many different noodles to choose from--especially if you shop in Asian supermarkets. For example: how do you tell the difference between "steamed chow mein" and "pan-fried chow mein?" They look almost identical; the only difference is the texture of the noodles. So, how do you select the perfect noodles for a homemade fried noodle dish? I thought I would provide a simple example/recipe that is sure to please most people...

Rice sticks are also called rice vermicelli or rice noodles in the United States. In Chinese, we call them 米粉 or mifen as they are plain noodles made from rice flour and water. In Malaysia and Singapore, they are simply known as beehoon or meehoon. The Vietnamese call them bun. They are very common across all Asian cuisines, be it Chinese, Malaysian/Singaporean, Indonesian, Filipino (called pancit or bihon), Thai, or Cantonese. Rice vermicelli is always a safe bet if you are just starting to learn about Chinese noodles.

For this fried rice sticks with chicken recipe, I used the simplest of ingredients--chicken, rice sticks, and bean sprouts (which lend a "crunchy" texture and a refreshing taste to this dish). Despite the uninteresting and very humble look, fried rice sticks always rank high in the taste department. 炒米粉 or fried rice sticks do make a good and satisfying meal.

If you are a Chinese noodles newbie, do try this recipe. I think you would love it, especially if you top it off with a fiery hot chili paste. :)

Recipe: Fried Rice Vermicelli/Rice Sticks/Rice Noodles with Chicken (炒米粉)

Ingredients:

1/2 pack rice sticks (8 oz)
2-3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 big handful of fresh bean sprouts
3 stalks scallions (cut into 2-inch length)
1 boneless & skinless chicken breast (cut into small pieces)
1/2 teaspoon corn starch (to marinate the chicken)
4 tablespoons oil

Seasonings:

4 tablespoons soy sauce (Kimlan Light Soy Sauce)
1 tablespoon ABC sweet soy sauce
4 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
3 dashes of white pepper powder

Method:

Soak the rice sticks in warm water for 30 minutes or until they turn soft. Set aside in a colander to drain the excess water. Rinse the bean sprouts with water and set aside to drain excess water. Lightly coat the chicken meat with the corn starch (to tenderize the chicken).

Mix all the seasonings and water together and set aside. Heat up a wok and add in the cooking oil. Add in the chopped garlic and stir-fry until aromatic or turn light brown. Add in the chicken meat and stir fry until the chicken is half done.

Add in the rice sticks and then follow by the seasonings. Stir the rice sticks continuously to blend well with the seasonings. Continue to stir fry for 2-3 minutes or until noodles turn soft or no longer wet, then add in the bean sprouts and chopped scallions. Stir-fry for another minute or until the bean sprouts are cooked.

Dish out and serve hot.

Cook's Notes:

You can substitute chicken with pork, beef, shrimp, or other seafood. You can also do a combination of them.
Once you master the techniques of stir-frying noodles, you can start experimenting with other noodles. Eventually, you will discover what makes that perfect fried noodles dish for you. :)

Labels: 30-Minute Meals, Chinese Food, Chinese Recipes, Eating Light