Ho fun noodles with mushrooms

What are ho fun noodles?

Ho fun noodles, also known as ho fan or chow fun noodles are Asian wide flat rice noodles. They originated in Guangzhou city which is in the Guangdong province of South China.

Ho fun is the Cantonese name of these flat rice noodles, the Mandarin name is Shahe fen or he fen. Chow fun is its popular name in North America.

These chewy rice noodles are mainly used in stir fries and soup recipes from Cantonese cuisine.

Ho fun Vs Mei fun

Both ho fun and Mei fun are very popular Asian rice noodles. The difference is in their shape and texture.

Ho fun noodles are flat and wide rice noodles with a chewy texture. Whereas, Mein fun noodles which are also known as rice vermicelli or rice sticks are thin rice noodles. They are also less chewy.

Ingredients needed

To make this ho fun noodles recipe, you will need the ingredients shown below:

Ingredient notes and substitute suggestions

• Noodles:  For this recipe, use flat wide rice noodles that are called ho fun or chow fun noodles. In the market, you will find these noodles in dry as well as fresh forms. I have used dried noodles, you can use fresh rice noodles too.
• Onion: I have used red onion, you can use yellow onions too.
• Mushrooms: Button, crimini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms can be used in this recipe.
• Greens: I have used bok choy and spring onion but traditionally chives are used in ho fun noodles. You can use chives if you want. Spinach can also be added to these noodles.
• Mung bean sprouts: They add a crunchy texture to the dish which goes really well with the contrasting chewy texture of the flat rice noodles.
• Rice vinegar: You can also use regular white vinegar if you don't have rice vinegar.
• Brown sugar: Palm sugar or regular white sugar can also be used.
• Oyster mushroom sauce: I am a vegetarian, so I have used oyster mushroom sauce in this recipe. If you are not a vegetarian, you can use regular oyster sauce too. You can also use any other Asian stir-fry sauce of your choice.
• Vegetable oil: Canola or peanut oil can also be used to make this dish.
• Chili oil: It's a very popular Asian condiment that is used to add heat and flavor to a dish. You can easily find it in any Asian grocery store and can also make it at home in just 5 minutes. You can check my chili oil recipe if you have never made it before.

See the recipe card for quantities, nutritional information, and other ingredient-related details.

How to make ho fun noodles with mushrooms (step-by-step process)?

To make these Asian flat rice noodles with mushrooms, follow the simple steps shared below:

Step 1: Slice mushrooms and put the mushroom slices in a large bowl.

Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce and black pepper. Toss and keep aside while the other preparations are done.

Step 3: Put dark soy sauce, soy sauce, oyster mushroom sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sugar in a bowl. Mix and keep the sauce mixture aside.

Step 4: Cook rice noodles as per the package instructions. I used brown rice noodles and as per the instructions given on their package, I soaked the noodles in hot water for 10 minutes and then strained them.

Step 5: While the noodles are getting cooked, heat oil in a pan and add sliced onion. Saute for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Add ginger and garlic. Saute on high heat for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Add marinated mushrooms

Step 8: Saute on high heat for 3-4 minutes.

Step 9: Add roughly chopped bok choy and spring onion.

Step 10: Saute on medium-high heat for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 11: Push everything towards the edges of the pan to create some space in the middle. Add sauce mix.

Step 12: Cook on high heat for 1-2 minutes. Mix everything.

Step 13: Add bean sprouts.

Step 14: Add cooked ho fun noodles.

Steps 15 and 16: Gently toss on high heat for 2-3 minutes.  Garnish with chopped green onions.

Your delicious chewy and slurpy ho fun noodles are ready to be served!

How to serve?

Mushroom ho fun noodles are so full of flavors and textures that you don't need any side dish with them.

But, if you want to serve some side dishes with it, you can pair it up with a simple Asian-style salad like enoki mushroom salad or Thai cabbage salad.

You can also serve an Asian soup like this manchow soup with it.

Or, just serve spring rolls or an Asian stir-fried dish like broccoli in garlic sauce , chili garlic tofu, chilli baby corn, or baked cauliflower manchurian with these stir-fried noodles.

Storing, freezing, and reheating tips

To store, allow the noodles to reach room temperature and then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze them for 2 months.

To reheat, if the noodles are frozen, thaw them first. Then, either microwave for around 2 minutes in a microwave-safe container or stir fry on high heat in a large pan or wok on the stovetop.

After refrigerating chow fun noodles will become slightly dry so add a splash of water while reheating.

Recipe tips, tricks, and variation suggestions

• Traditionally chives are used in this recipe, not spring onions. You can use whichever you prefer or is available to you.
• Handle the rice noodles carefully and don't overcook them. They break very easily. They should stay chewy. I would suggest cooking it for 1-2 minutes lesser than what's suggested on the packet because it also gets cooked for a few minutes when you stir-fry them. And, if they are already completely cooked, they get overcooked while getting stir-fried and break easily.
• You may also add fresh vegetables like bell peppers, Chinese broccoli, green beans, or carrots. Fried or baked tofu cubes can be added too.
• I prefer adding an equal amount of noodles and vegetables to my stir-fried noodle dishes. Sometimes, I add even more vegetables than the noodles. You can add lesser if you don't like vegetables.
• Always stir fry on a high flame otherwise the vegetables won't remain crunchy.
• Also, use a large pan for stir-frying so that the ingredients can move easily and don't turn soggy.
• For more flavor, drizzle some toasted sesame oil on top, once the dish is ready.

More easy noodle recipes

If you enjoyed this dish and looking for more easy noodle recipes then don't miss to check out the following links:

1. Thai curry noodles
2. Vegetable chow mein
3. Cabbage ramen
4. Ramen with vegetables
5. Thai red curry ramen soup
6. Chili garlic noodles
7. Creamy vegetable soup with noodles
8. Mushroom noodles
9. Vegan kung pao noodles
10. Peanut butter noodles
11. Thai vermicelli noodle salad
12. Vegan khow suey
13. Tofu noodle soup
14. Vegan pad Thai