Yi Mein

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese dishes, then you’ve probably encountered the delightful and savory dish known as Yi Mein. These stir-fried noodles are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges with a hint of chewiness.

One of the reasons Yi Mein is so beloved is because of its versatility and the wide array of ingredients that can be combined with it. I make my noodles with crunchy carrots, earthy shiitake mushrooms and pork.

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What is Yi Mein?

Yi Mein, also known as “E-fu noodles,” is a type of Chinese egg noodle that originated in the Fujian province of China. These noodles are made from wheat flour and egg, which gives them a slightly yellow hue and a chewy, tender texture when cooked. The name “Yi Mein” can be translated to “longevity noodles,” making them a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions, such as birthdays and weddings, in Chinese culture. The symbolism of long, uncut noodles is associated with a wish for a long and prosperous life.

Here’s Why You Will Love Yi Mein

• Customizable: Yi Mein can be served in a variety of ways, depending on preferences and personal tastes. Some common additions include vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots, as well as protein sources like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Great for special occasions: This dish is great for the lunar new year or other special occasions such as weddings or birthdays. The symbolism of long, uncut noodles is associated with a wish for a long and prosperous life.
• As authentic as it gets: You will see Yi Mein at Chinese restaurants for wedding banquets and special occasions. Now, you can make this at home and impress your guests!
• Better than takeout: You can make this tasty dish right in your own kitchen without breaking the bank.
• Simple: You can make this recipe regardless of your cooking skill level. It’s very easy to make.

Equipment and Tools to Make Yi Mein

Pot: To boil noodles

Cutting board and knife: To cut carrots, shiitake mushrooms and pork

Pan: To stir fry this dish

Small bowl: To assemble sauce ingredients

Measuring spoons and cups: To measure seasonings

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

Yi Mein: These noodles come in a large disc. They are already deep fried. I bought mine from the local Asian grocery store.

Pork tenderloin: Thinly sliced pork tenderloin is the perfect match to this dish. Make this dish vegetarian by omitting the pork.

Carrots and shiitake mushrooms: The carrots add a a touch of sweetness and vibrant color whereas the shiitake mushrooms add an earthy umami flavour to your dish.

Light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine and sugar: The key is pairing the Yi Mein to the right sauce. These ingredients form the base of the savoury sauce.

Yi Mein Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…

• Use a different type of protein with this noodle such as chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu.
• Use other types of vegetables, bok choy, bean sprouts and snow peas are possible options.
• Drizzle chili sauce or Sriracha to spice things up.
• Chop green onions or cilantro for a burst of freshness.

How to Make Yi Mein

To make this recipe, simply…

Prepare your ingredients. Marinate the pork tenderloin with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, a pinch of sugar and pepper to taste. Marinate the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and a pinch of sugar. Julienne the carrots. Mix all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.

Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook Yi Mein according to manufacturer’s directions, about 1-2 minutes. Drain in colander.

Cook the dish. In a large pan over medium heat, saute the pork in a little oil until cooked through. Add in carrots and shiitake mushrooms. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes or just until they are tender-crisp. Add noodles and sauce ingredients. Toss everything together to coat the noodles and ingredients evenly. Simmer and let the noodles absorb the sauce ingredients. Transfer the Yi Mein to a serving platter and enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Yi Mein refrigerates well in an air tight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet.

I do not recommend freezing these noodles.

Make Ahead Options

You can wash, peel, and chop the carrots ahead of time.

Rehydrate the shiitake mushrooms overnight so that it is ready to go.

Prepare the sauce mixture in advance.

You can saute the pork ahead of time and leave it in the fridge for up to 3 days then toss together with the noodles and sauce when you are ready to eat.

Store all of the above in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This saves time on the day you plan to cook the noodles.

Recipe Tips

Assemble all your ingredients and have them prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Yi Mein cooks quickly, so having everything prepared in advance will help you avoid overcooking or burning any components.

If you’re using protein (chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu), cook it first in a hot wok or skillet with a bit of oil until it’s almost done. Remove it from the pan and set it aside. This prevents overcooking the protein during the stir-frying process.

Constantly toss and stir the ingredients in the pan to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking or burning.

If you’re doubling the recipe, it’s better to stir-fry in smaller portions to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking. It’s best to cook one package of noodles at a time.

Feel free to add or omit ingredients based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Yi Mein is highly adaptable, so make it your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Yi Mein taste like? Yi Mein, also known as E-fu noodles, has a distinct and delicious flavour profile that combines savoury, slightly sweet, and umami notes. Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory umami quality to the dish, while soy sauce contributes a salty and savory aspect. Together, they create a deep, complex flavor that forms the backbone of the dish. The Yi Mein noodles themselves have a neutral flavor that serves as a canvas for the other ingredients and sauces. They are slightly chewy and absorb the flavors of the sauce and ingredients they are cooked with.

What goes well with Yi Mein? Yi Mein is highly adaptable with any protein and vegetables. Make it vegetarian with just bean sprouts and julienned carrots or serve with pork, carrots and shiitake mushrooms.

Is Yi Mein healthy? Yi Mein noodles are made from wheat flour and eggs, which provide carbohydrates and protein. The inclusion of vegetables in Yi Mein can make the dish healthier by adding vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Because you make the sauce from scratch, you control the quality and quantity of ingredients. Moderation and balance are key.

What does YI Mein symbolize? Yi Mein is a delicious dish symbolizes long life, prosperity, and good fortune. They are a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings and Lunar New Year, in Chinese culture. The symbolism of long, uncut noodles is associated with a wish for a long and prosperous life.

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Lastly, if you make my Yi Mein recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.