This Ho Fun Noodles recipe, sometimes called ho fan or chow fun, is quick to prepare and comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s a simple, adaptable weeknight dinner that uses wide flat rice noodles and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
What are Ho Fun Noodles?
Ho Fun (also written ho fan) is a Chinese stir-fry made with wide, flat rice noodles. Common in Cantonese cuisine and originating in southern China and Hong Kong, the dish typically features these wide rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables, a savory sauce, and sometimes a protein such as beef or chicken. In this vegetarian version, shiitake mushrooms provide a rich, meaty texture and umami flavor.
Why you’ll love this Ho Fun Noodle recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes: A fast, fuss-free stir-fry that makes a great weeknight dinner.
- Diet-friendly: Vegetarian and easily made vegan and gluten-free by choosing the right sauces.
- Highly customizable: Swap or add vegetables and proteins to suit your preferences.
Types of flat rice noodles to use
You can use either fresh or dried wide rice noodles for this recipe:
- Fresh flat rice noodles: Found in the refrigerated section of many Asian grocery stores. These are soft and already cooked; add them directly to the stir-fry.
- Dried flat rice noodles: Sold in the dry goods aisle and require soaking or brief boiling before stir-frying. Follow package instructions and aim to undercook slightly so they finish cooking in the pan without becoming mushy.
Ho fun (ho fan) noodle ingredients
- Wide rice noodles: The defining element of ho fun; use wide, flat rice noodles rather than thin rice vermicelli.
- Green onions (scallions): Adds fresh aromatic flavor; slice thinly and reserve some for garnish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor.
- Shiitake mushrooms: Provide umami and a satisfying meaty texture in place of beef.
- Bok choy: Baby bok choy or other leafy greens such as Chinese broccoli work well.
- Bean sprouts (optional): Add crunch and freshness.
- Stir-fry sauce: A simple mix of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular oyster sauce if not vegetarian), and a touch of sesame oil.
How to make Ho Fun Noodles
Step 1
If using dried noodles, soak or briefly boil them according to package directions so they are slightly underdone (al dente). Fresh noodles can be used directly. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of avocado or vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green onions and minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, then add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook another 1–2 minutes.
Step 2
Add the chopped bok choy and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it begins to wilt and reduce in volume. Then add the cooked rice noodles and bean sprouts to the pan, gently tossing to combine with the vegetables.
Step 3
Pour the stir-fry sauce over the noodles and vegetables and toss on medium heat until everything is evenly coated and heated through. If the noodles begin to stick to the pan, add a small splash of water and continue tossing until they loosen and separate.
Step 4
Serve the noodles immediately, garnished with more sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Ho fun is best enjoyed hot, right out of the pan.
How to store and reheat flat rice noodles
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water to loosen the noodles, or reheat in the microwave until heated through.
Tips for making this recipe perfectly
- Undercook the noodles slightly: They should finish cooking in the wok without becoming soft or mushy.
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and mix the sauce before turning on the heat; stir-fries move quickly.
- Add protein if you like: Cook meat, tofu, or another protein after the aromatics and mushrooms, then continue with the vegetables and noodles.
Ho Fun Noodles FAQ
Chow mein uses thin egg noodles and a different sauce, while ho fun is made with wide flat rice noodles and typically a lighter, soy-based stir-fry sauce.
What is the difference between mei fun and ho fun?
Mei fun (rice vermicelli) are thin rice noodles; ho fun are wide flat rice noodles. Each has a different texture and suits different dishes.
Are ho fun noodles vegan?
This ho fun recipe is vegan when made with vegetarian oyster sauce and plant-based ingredients. If using regular oyster sauce or adding animal proteins, it would not be vegan.
Are ho fun noodles gluten-free?
The dish can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and confirm that all other sauces are gluten-free.
Try these noodle recipes next
- Yaki Udon
- Spicy Chili Noodles
- Mie Goreng (Indonesian Fried Noodles)
- 15-Minute Teriyaki Noodles
- Thai Drunken Noodles
If you try this Ho Fun Noodles recipe, please leave a comment to share how it turned out. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and proteins to make the dish your own.