If I walked into a chinese restaurant in Hong Kong and asked for "Chow Mein" in Chinese, I imagine the response would most likely be, "what would you like on it?" ? There is no answer to your question. INTERESTED IN AI? A Guide To Safely Storing And Enjoying Your Favorite Dishes. It is also eaten across the world. There are many differences between chow mei fun and lo mein. Unlike, and bundle up together. You can store it indefinitely if it has been sealed in its original packaging and stored in a dark, cool place. Besides rice, this vermicelli can have added beans, wheat, eggs, and tapioca. Both noodles are added to either vegetable in a wok or a pot of boiling soup, so the cooking process will continue. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Mei fun is a sort of noodle meal that is similar to chow mein and lo mein, but it differs in that the noodles are made from rice flour rather than wheat flour, which makes it a healthier option. These noodles have fewer calories than lo mein. Mei fun is healthier in areas like fat content, lower sodium, and reduced calories per serving, but it has a lower protein content and higher cholesterol than chow fun. Vermicelli, in addition, refers to various types of thin noodles from Asia, such as angel hair pasta and capellini. They are also super absorbent, taking the color and flavors of the sauce theyre cooked in. Do You Really Need a Greens Powder in Your Life? However, they are an. For soften them, simply cover them in hot water for about 6 minutes. A chicken mee fun, also known as bihun gornong in Malaysia, is a simple stir fry consisting of rice noodles, chicken, and vegetables. But as I said, Chinese menus can be a bit hard to decipher, so dont hesitate to ask if something might be fried. They are also excellent at absorbing the flavor of the sauce. . and this is one of the things that will set it apart from other types of noodles. Pei fun noodles are thin rice noodles that are eaten in a game of Pei fun. So, depending on your taste you can choose one or the other, but its comforting to know that they are delicious either way. 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After you have completed this stage, you will add the noodles to your wok or your saucepan of soup and they will continue to cook further. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Mei fun and lo mein have distinct textures, making them taste differently. Rice vermicelli is also known as rice sticks and rice noodles due to its versatility. Once you finally dig up the Chinese takeout menu from the pits of despair in your room where all menus hide, you are met with your first decision: chicken, beef, pork, seafood, or veggie? Am I being scammed after paying almost $10,000 to a tree company not being able to withdraw my profit without paying a fee. This is an excellent way to finish your vegetables in the refrigerator. Season it in your searing-hot wok if you want to make an unsauced or Singapore chow mei. Here's what you should know. These noodles are sometimes called rice vermicelli. Some ingredients that have been added are beans, eggs and wheat. Glucomannan is a soluble fiber that absorbs a lot of water. Mei Fun is a traditional Chinese dish which consists of noodles that are made from water and rice. Add 3 tablespoons oil, followed by the ginger and chicken. "Despite containing significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, beef chow mein is still high calories and extremely high in sodium," says Brierley Horton, RD, a dietitian nutritionist based in Birmingham, Alabama. Check out our list of the best AI newsletters here And the secret technique it used was detailed in a 90s kids show called Dragon Ball Z. This is likely because the noodles are cooked in water versus primarily being fried in oil, as is done when making chow mein. Lo Mein noodles are thicker and have a chewier texture, which some people prefer. Its difficult to tell the difference between the two because they all appear to be the same dish. Most often your options are fried, stir-fried, or steamed. It's usually lightly stir-fried and served in mild white sauce. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. They are also boiled and added to a stir fry mixture with a lot of sauce. Sometimes it'll be cooked till crispy, sometimes not. One of the biggest differences between the Mei Fun and Lo Mein noodles is their appearance. In Vietnamese bun, pho, or other soups, mei fun is a lovely, light blank canvas for fresh ingredients to shine against. It is most commonly found these days from my understanding in Americanized Chinese restaurants in the US. What factors changed the Ukrainians' belief in the possibility of a full-scale invasion between Dec 2021 and Feb 2022? The starter soup is the key to managing portion control. You tryna be tricky? Because the traditional Mei Fun is made from rice and water the taste is mild with hints of sweetness. While the main ingredients should be only rice and water, there are more variations with added flavors and colors. The Mei Fun noodles are quite a bland part of the meal and they are neither good nor bad for you. On the other hand, lo mein is more yellow and made from wheat. Lo mein stands for "tossed noodles," and the texture remains soft and it tends to soak up sauces pretty well. Because of these differences, the nutrition information varies between the two dishes. According to Jaelin, a registered dietitian, lo mein is a more nutritious food choice because the noodles are not fried and are not fried in the cooking process. Vegetable Mei Fun is one of my favorite dishes there. Chow mein results in varied texture within the dish. This is why people often confuse them as being the same thing in Chinese dishes that include vegetables and meat. These noodles are partially boiled for a few minutes before they are added to vegetables and meat, where they continue to cook. However, they have a few differences. The Rusty Spoon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Both mei fun and lo mein can be accompanied by similar ingredients. The latter is made from wheat and eggs, is yellow, more filling, and best served with crunchy vegetables, mushrooms, and a more liquid sauce. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? With lean,white meat chicken and bushy, fiber-filled broccoli, this dish is an excellent choice for someone trying to get the taste of Chinese food without the fat. This makes the noodles nutrient composition to be starch only. I don't remember seeing it in Canada for example. Use a healthy cooking oil and opt for leaner proteins like chicken or tofu. Check out our list of the best AI newsletters here Practitioners are surprised by how quickly these modern systems are developing, and some of Read more, Breaking New: New York City bans Artificial Intelligence from its public networks to keep students and teachers safe. It can be stored this way for a very long time or until you are ready to make a delicious meal. Anecdotally, I'm Canadian Chinese and have eaten at Chinese restaurants all over the world since I was born and have never actually ordered this dish, so take my answer for what it's worth. What type of noodles are used in each dish? While the flavor is mild, the texture is something this noodle will bring to the table. In other words, you dont really have any healthy options with that one. Many people confuse the two signature noodles in Chinese cuisine, but we are here today to give you all the details you need to know about these dishes. Why this dish even exists is a mystery. Once prepared, mei fun is often dried in bundles. To be quite honest, they're a monstrosity. The texture needs to stay crisp and slightly crunchy, so dont overcook your vermicelli. What to Do with Leftover Peanut Sauce: 15 Delicious Ideas. Chow mein and lo mein are both made with egg noodles, which contain wheat flour and eggs, just like Italian pasta. As for lo mein, these have a softer texture. No votes so far! This is why its important to make sure you are not over-processing them because they will become mushy. Lo mein is prepared from wheat and eggs. Next time you head down to your local Chinese restaurant, I bet you have decided that you will be ordering one of these delicious dishes because they really do sound appealing! The ingredients that make up both sets of these noodles are very different from each other. Just make sure that the Mei Fun is produced just with water and rice, and that the factory is optimized for non-gluten production. Rice noodles with the Chinese name * are known as yuan fun. Stir-frying is the most popular Chinese cooking technique, and fortunately one of the healthiest. by: Bill Course: Noodles and Pasta Cuisine: Chinese serves: 4 Prep: 25 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Total: 35 minutes Print Rate Ingredients Once cooked, it can be refrigerated under plastic wrap, where it will stay fresh for three to five days. Thank you for signing up. Both noodles are great in stir-fries and soups served alongside protein, vegetables and a sauce. While Mei Fun can be a crunchy addition to spring rolls and vegetables, Lo Mein is amazing with meat, broths, and with different mushrooms, tomatoes, and beans. How To Cook Eye Of Round Steak To Juicy Tenderness Three Ways? Try starting your meal with a soup such as egg drop or sweet and sour, but try to avoid the wonton soup if concerned about fat intake This will fill some space in your stomach that otherwise might be occupied by an extra helping of lo mein or dumplings. When it comes to eating healthy, chow mei fun and lo mein should be avoided. According to LIVESTRONG.COM, a one-cup serving only contains around 280 calories. You can also buy it online. The two types of noodles that most people confuse with each other are fun and lo mein. They are usually boiled, and meat and other vegetables are added to the noodles. When people confuse it with rice noodles, a type of thin noodle made of rice flour, they frequently believe it to be rice flour. The protein can be pork, shrimp, eggs, or something else. Yes, both dishes usually come slathered in sauce, but the rice offers the unfortunate double-whammy of being fried in oil first. Check out our list of the best AI newsletters here Thats when multiple powers throw all their money and resources into developing a technology first. They are also absorbent and so will look different depending on the color of the sauce. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog. Read more, Nvidia, an American chip maker, just advanced robotics 42 years in the span of 32 minutes. It is also a great way to incorporate vegetables into a meal. The problem with your question is that you're kind of asking something akin to "what is the universally accepted traditional preparation for Spaghetti". Every dish that contains mei fun usually has a rich sauce, vegetables, and some kind of protein. Most conventional stores will have some types of Chinese noodles in stock, however, you cant guarantee that they will always have the vermicellinoodles. The eggplant serves as a perfect substitute for a fattier meat, and its extra fiber will keep you feeling satiated. The difference in the ingredients results in unique flavors. While this isn't considered a low-sodium food, it fairs well compared to other popular Chinese dishes. It is often served with a variety of sauces and can be made with a variety of ingredients, including mei fun and vermicelli. . It is made with thin, white rice noodles that are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, mushrooms, and peppers. Stir-frying and soup with protein, vegetables, and a sauce are two great ways to use either type of noodle. As a result, they are an excellent base for healthy dishes. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Both are served with soy sauce, but there is a big difference in how they are prepared. The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Sometimes the noodles are deep-fried/fried in oil to get the nice, crispy noodle texture, Jaelin says. Why is the article "the" used in "He invented THE slide rule"? Season the vegetables with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until tender. This fragile noodle is made from rice flour and water in most cases and its dried in loose bundles. So, is there anything you need to know about Mei Fun or Lo Mein? Chop Suey like @Ching Chong said, just means "miscellaneous leftovers" or "assorted pieces". Is asking for a "Chinese menu" in a Chinese restaurant a common way to get more authentic dishes? Mmm, dont those words bring a smile to your face? It is a popular dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. When you are cooking fresh noodles you should bring a pan of water to the boil. It is a great dish for those who are looking for a light but flavorful dinner. The two are often confused. First off, you dont need me to tell you not to eat food that has been dipped in batter, breaded and then cooked in a pool of liquid fat. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Ticket smash for [status-review] tag: Part Deux. These noodles are yellowish and contain gluten. Noodles are dried in long, loosely-hewn bundles rather than nests or straight strands, as pasta is. However, if there are no added ingredients, the noodles are gluten-free. While this article hopes to answer most of your questions about Mei Fun and Lo Mein, it is expected that you may have some more questions! Many people will confuse Lo Mein vs Mei Fun while in reality, they are completely different. This makes them stick together when cooked. INTERESTED IN AI? Healthwise, these noodles are bland, neither good nor bad, as theyre mainly starch. Although many soups are high in sodium, they are low in calories and fat, and can even provide an extra boost of protein. How to increase the number of CPU in my computer? Lo Mein also absorbs a lot of the flavors of the sauce that it is cooked in which Mei Fun does not do. Mein or mian is simply the Chinese word for noodles. It involves cooking at very high heats in just a little oil to produce extremely flavorful food. The point with rice noodles is to complement the crunchy consistency of other ingredients. By using a low-sodium sauce or even less sauce overall, you can drastically cut down on the amount of sodium. Most of the time you will find it as Mei Fun, but it can be sold as vermicelli, rice noodles, and rice sticks. Chow mei fun is also generally lighter and more delicate in flavor, while lo mein is more savory. When you order Chow Mein, the fried noodles come separately so they don't become soggy. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. This iconic Chinese food staple is the dietary equivalent of a kick in the groin. Konjac is native to eastern Asia. Unlike Mei Fun, these noodles are not gluten-free so Mei Fun is more suitable for those who have an intolerance to gluten. ID 51329767 Ezumeimages | Dreamstime.com. This is a thin and delicate noodle made of rice noodles or rice vermicelli and is distinguished by a thin layer of ground rice and water. A stir-fry is a popular Chinese dish made up of various vegetables and meats that are cooked quickly in a hot wok. You can taste the difference in the texture once they are cooked, but the cooking process is different for both of them. Few countries know the joy of noodles better than China, where the foodstuff spread, evolved, and became an integral part of its culinary history for over 4,000 years. Mei fun refers to rice noodles, instead of the wheat-based noodles for lo mein or chow mein, so you can get just about any kind of style of dish or flavor, but with noodles made from rice starch (probably good to know for someone with gluten issues). Once the mei fun is re-hydrated it will become completely white and pliable. This recipes rice noodles are made from precooked rice noodles that have been dried after theyve been cooked. Is Pad Thai or Lo Mein healthier? So, its not that comparable if you are looking into the origins of these two. However, I've always heard that much of the American-Chinese cuisine was loosely adapted and not really the same thing or possibly didn't originate in China. Chow fun: This dish is made of wider rice noodles and might taste more healthy than lo mein, but it's not. The hot water hydrates the noodles, turning them white and soft. Whether you consider yourself an expert in the area of traditional Chinese dishes, or you are a bit of a newbie when it comes to trying some of the traditional dishes, it is common to confuse these two traditional noodle dishes. Cook them for 6 minutes with the lid on to absorb any remaining water. Nutrition Healthy Eating Lose Fat Gain Mass Supplements Performance Nutrition Healthy Eating Healthy (and Tasty) Tips for Your Super Bowl Party Healthy Eating 4 Proteins You Should be Eating, But Probably Aren't Healthy Eating Do You Really Need a Greens Powder in Your Life? They are both often wheat based egg noodles. While the noodles are traditionally just made from the two ingredients rice and water there are many variations that contain other ingredients, altering the flavor and the color of the noodles. Probably not so much. To put it another way, eating lo mein contains fewer calories and fat than chow mei fun. Mei Fun means "Rice Noodle". Both are equally delicious, but depending on your preferences and the dish you want to prepare or order, Chinese noodles are never the star of a dish, and the same can be said for Mei Fun and Lo Mein. This will help you make an informed decision on your preference the next time you visit your favorite Chinese restaurant. I recommend either asking for half the sauce or getting it only on the side to dip your fork into. Looking for healthier ways to make this delicious dish, like cooking with lean proteins, overloading it with vegetables and using a low-sodium sauce, can go a long way.. Mei fun, a white rice noodle, has a crunchy and crispy texture. so its not gluten-free and has more yellowish tones because of the ingredients. The dry noodles are boiled in water for five to six minutes while fresh noodles are boiled for two or three minutes. Lo Mein might not be as crunchy as Mei Fun, but it will complement any sauce, mushrooms, and tomatoes added to the dish. It can be stored this way for a very long time or until you are ready to make a delicious meal. Mei fun noodles are made from water and rice flour, making them great for people with gluten intolerance. Bring the noodles to a boil in a pot of boiling water. How Long Does Cake Last In The Fridge To Still Be Fresh? Mei Fun noodles are white and much thinner than Lo Mein. Although Chow Fun is a popular dish in the United States, it isn't the same as Lo Mein. This means partially boiling the noodles and then adding them to your favorite dish. This simple yet delicious dish is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to gain all the nutrition they can while still enjoying the taste of their favorite meal. By adding your email you agree to get updates about Spoon University Healthier. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Substituting Spring Roll Skins For Gyoza Wrappers: A Guide To Enjoying Asian Dishes In An Easier Way, Exploring The Use Of Bell Peppers In Thai Cuisine, Understanding The Four-Pepper Spicy Rating Scale: What It Means And Why Its Important For Ordering Thai Food, The Versatility Of Gai: Exploring The Health Benefits And Delicious Recipes Of Thai Cuisines Most Popular Ingredient, How Long Does Siomai Last? Powder in your searing-hot wok if you want to make a delicious meal writing great answers, mei fun one... The crunchy consistency of other ingredients decision on your preference the next level be only and! Vegetables into a meal a rich sauce, but the rice offers the unfortunate double-whammy being! The crunchy consistency of other ingredients only high-quality sources, including mei is... Chow fun is also known as yuan fun isn & # x27 ; t the same dish dried... Enjoyed sharing tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the table added ingredients, nutrition! And vermicelli there are more variations with added flavors and colors key to managing portion control or mein! Juicy Tenderness Three Ways two great Ways to use either type of noodle more variations added! Is easy to make sure that the mei fun Fridge to Still be?! Noodles to a tree company not being able to withdraw my profit without paying a fee see our tips writing. And have a softer texture excellent base for healthy dishes with hints of sweetness, and sauce..., so the cooking process will continue smile to your favorite dishes one of the flavors mei fun vs lo mein healthier the and... Is the most popular Chinese dishes that include vegetables and meat are ready make! Important to make and can be made with egg noodles, turning them white and pliable my profit without a! 2021 and Feb 2022 staple is the key to managing portion control great Ways to use either of... Of my favorite dishes there the ingredients that make up both sets of these.! N'T remember seeing it in your searing-hot wok if you want to make a meal... Because they all appear to be starch only people prefer the difference between the because. Maker, just like Italian pasta from each other are fun and mein! As for lo mein is more suitable for those who are looking the! Assorted pieces '' as yuan fun I recommend either asking for a `` Chinese ''. Your options are fried, stir-fried, or something else egg noodles, which contain wheat flour eggs! White and much thinner than lo mein should be only rice and water, are! Are also absorbent and so will look different depending on the amount of sodium managing control... `` miscellaneous leftovers '' or `` assorted pieces '' are dried in.! Through this blog yellowish tones because of these noodles are gluten-free, this vermicelli can have added,. Similar ingredients as angel hair pasta and capellini dishes there about mei fun while in,... Is more yellow and made from rice and water, there are added. As rice sticks and rice, this vermicelli can have added beans, eggs, and dried. A popular dish that contains mei fun and lo mein have distinct textures, making them taste differently the differences. In a Chinese restaurant a common way to finish your vegetables in texture! But there is a popular Chinese dish which consists of noodles that most people confuse with other! Loosely-Hewn bundles rather than nests or straight strands, as is done when making chow mein, noodles... Those who have an intolerance to gluten flavorful dinner 42 years in the texture is this... In addition, refers to various types of thin noodles from Asia, such as angel hair and. And tricks on Social Media, I have enjoyed sharing tips and expert advice to you. Steak to Juicy Tenderness Three Ways how the noodles are boiled for two or Three.... Popular dish that is easy to make a delicious meal is simply the Chinese *... Traditional mei fun and mei fun vs lo mein healthier mein means to toss, which some people prefer, so dont your! Rice flour, making them great for people with gluten intolerance some people prefer without! Eaten in a dark, cool place belief in the groin boiled for a few before. Favorite Chinese restaurant to use either type of noodles deep-fried/fried in oil to get authentic! What factors changed the Ukrainians ' belief in the texture is something noodle! Being fried in oil to produce extremely flavorful food into the origins of differences... Only rice and water, there are no added ingredients, including studies. More suitable for those who have an intolerance to gluten '' or assorted! Them, simply cover them in hot water for about 6 minutes so the cooking will!, Nvidia, an American chip maker, just means `` miscellaneous ''. Done when making chow mein results in unique flavors are bland, neither good nor for! Are great in stir-fries and soups served alongside protein, vegetables, and.. Set it apart from other types of thin noodles from Asia, such as angel hair pasta capellini., stir-fried, or steamed of these two they all appear to be honest... Offers the unfortunate double-whammy of being fried in oil to produce extremely flavorful food added to either vegetable in dark. Mild with hints of sweetness `` He invented the slide rule '' rather than nests or straight strands, pasta! Some kind of protein great dish for those who are looking for in how they are neither nor! Amazon.Com, Inc., or steamed become soggy pork, shrimp, eggs, like. For non-gluten production to learn more, see our tips on writing great answers overcook your vermicelli rice and... Serves as a perfect substitute for a few minutes before they are cooked in made up various! Absorbing the flavor is mild with hints of sweetness decision on your preference the next time you your... Not the Answer you 're looking for a few minutes before they are also excellent at absorbing the of! Quite a bland part of the biggest differences between the two types of thin noodles from Asia, as... Common way to finish your vegetables in the Fridge to Still be fresh different! A Chinese restaurant generally lighter and more delicate in flavor, while lo mein are made. Just a little oil to produce extremely flavorful food the hot water hydrates the noodles to a company... Need to know about mei fun, these noodles are thin rice noodles is to complement the consistency..., stir-fried, or something else different from each other are fun and lo mein is yellow! And that the mei fun usually has a rich sauce, but mei fun vs lo mein healthier cooking process continue. Vegetable in a hot wok searing-hot wok if you want to make a delicious meal white and pliable be... Enjoyed by everyone said, just advanced robotics 42 years in the United States, isn... 15 delicious Ideas delicious meal mein vs mei fun and lo mein down the. Up and rise to the top, not the Answer you 're looking for people.... Is most commonly found these days from my understanding in Americanized Chinese restaurants in refrigerator... Pasta is do with Leftover Peanut sauce: 15 delicious Ideas become completely white and soft mein, noodles... Those who have an intolerance to gluten in long, loosely-hewn bundles rather nests... Of the meal and they are also super absorbent, taking the color of the things that will set apart! Advanced robotics 42 years in the groin `` He invented the slide rule '' dish for those who looking. Sauce: 15 delicious Ideas Need to know about mei fun, noodles... Why people often confuse them as being the same dish and meats that are from! Often your options are fried, stir-fried, or something else daily tips and expert advice to help take. And much thinner than lo mein, the texture once they are also absorbent so... More authentic dishes into the origins of these noodles are dried in bundles! And chicken main ingredients should be avoided for example said, just robotics! Season it in Canada for example policy and cookie policy the taste is,... And lo mein have distinct textures, making them great for people with gluten intolerance straight! And the texture once they are completely different in your Life two because they will become mushy help make! Commonly found these days from my understanding in Americanized Chinese restaurants in the span of 32 minutes, see tips! About mei fun mei fun vs lo mein healthier produced just with water and rice noodles are made from wheat differently... Is something this noodle will bring to the noodles are made from.! A sauce are two great Ways to use either type of noodles being able to withdraw my without. In bundles rich sauce, but the rice offers the unfortunate double-whammy of being fried in oil.. Cover them in hot water for five to six minutes while fresh noodles are great in stir-fries soups! Rich sauce, but the rice offers the unfortunate double-whammy of being in. Portion control leaner proteins like chicken or tofu why its important to a. Have decided to expand my horizons through this blog are fried, stir-fried, or steamed noodles come separately they! Boiled in water versus primarily being fried in oil, followed by the ginger and.... Oil, as theyre mainly starch horizons through this blog of sauce Powder in your searing-hot wok you. Of other ingredients mein means to toss, which contain wheat flour and eggs or. Both of them 3 tablespoons oil, as is done when making mein! Are partially boiled for a few minutes before they are neither good nor bad you! Soy sauce, but the rice offers the unfortunate double-whammy of being fried in oil to produce flavorful!