Fried Mee Siam Vermicelli with Crispy Shrimp Delight
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by rodrigorecipez
There’s a certain joy that comes from creating a vibrant, satisfying meal that marries flavor with simplicity. Today, I’m thrilled to share my take on Fried Mee Siam (Vermicelli) with Crispy Shrimp a dish that embodies everything I love about cooking at home. The moment you bite into those crunchy, golden shrimp layered atop soft, fragrant noodles, you’ll discover a burst of flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia.
Quite frankly, the chaos of daily life can leave us all reaching for takeout, but this recipe flips the script. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a wok, you’ll whip up a culinary masterpiece that doesn’t take hours to prepare. The sweet touch of tamarind blends with the savory depths of fish sauce, creating a sauce so irresistible that you ll want to drench everything in it!
Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner for family or impressing your friends at a gathering, this dish is sure to wow. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for an exciting journey into flavor with this easy, home-cooked delight!
Why will you love Fried Mee Siam?
Simplicity at its Core: This recipe turns a handful of accessible ingredients into a stunning dish with minimal fuss.
Bursting with Flavor: The fusion of tamarind, fish sauce, and spices creates a truly unforgettable taste that supports your culinary creativity.
Versatile Meal: It s perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining friends, or even meal prep for the busy week ahead!
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crispy shrimp and succulent noodles makes it a hit with everyone friends, family, and even picky eaters!
Quick and Easy: In just under an hour, you can enjoy a homemade meal that rivals anything from a restaurant. You’ll even want to explore more delightful dishes like my Crispy Fried Shallots to elevate your cooking game!
Fried Mee Siam (Vermicelli) Ingredients
For the Prawns
200g school prawns They add that irresistible crunch to the dish!
Vegetable oil Essential for frying the prawns to a golden perfection.
For the Broth
2 cups chicken/beef stock Provides a rich and savory base for your noodles.
1/2 tbsp chicken stock powder Boosts the flavor of the broth effortlessly.
2 tbsp fish sauce Adds depth and umami, essential for authentic Fried Mee Siam.
3-4 tbsp sugar Balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
1-2 tbsp dried tamarind pulp Mixed with water to introduce a tangy richness.
1/4 tsp pepper Provides a gentle heat to the broth.
For the Noodles
500g Wai Wai brand vermicelli noodles Soaked to achieve the perfect texture.
5 cloves garlic Adds aromatic goodness when sautéed.
3 large onions Perfect for creating a sweet, caramelized base.
20 dried chillies Soaked to spice things up according to your taste.
1/2 cup dried prawns These accentuate the shrimp flavor beautifully.
For the Garnish
2 tbsp Yeo’s salted soy beans Imparts a deliciously savory kick.
1 packet bean sprouts (about 200g / 7oz) Fresh crunch that adds texture to the dish.
1 bunch garlic chives (about 150g / 5oz) Brightens the dish with color and flavor.
4 eggs Fried into a thin omelette and shredded for a lovely topping.
2-3 limes or lemon wedges A squeeze of citrus elevates the dish!
Crispy fried shallots Adds that irresistible crunch on top.
Coriander leaves A fresh garnish to enhance flavors.
Crispy fried shrimp The cherry on top for a delightful presentation!
How to Make Fried Mee Siam (Vermicelli)
Prepare the shrimp: Pat dry the school prawns with a paper towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. Heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a wok, then deep-fry the prawns for about 5 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on kitchen paper, leaving the oil in the wok.
Cook the broth: In the same oil, sauté the blended ingredients for 4-5 minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken or beef stock, chicken stock powder, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and tamarind liquid to the wok. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Combine the noodles: Add the soaked vermicelli noodles to the wok and mix thoroughly to coat them in that delicious broth. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the noodles are perfectly dry.
Add the fresh ingredients: Toss in the bean sprouts and garlic chives, mixing them into the noodles for a delightful crunch and freshness.
Serve with garnishes: Transfer the noodles to a serving plate, topping them with the crispy fried shallots, shredded omelette, crispy fried shrimp, and a sprinkle of coriander leaves. Don t forget to squeeze some lime or lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor before serving!
Optional: Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for those who love a zesty kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Fried Mee Siam (Vermicelli) with Crispy Shrimp?
Imagine the delightful harmony of flavors as you complement this vibrant dish with tasty sides and drinks.
Crispy Spring Rolls: Crunchy on the outside and filled with fresh vegetables, they provide a contrasting texture to the soft noodles.
Thai Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad balances the rich flavors of the noodles, elevating your meal with zesty notes and crunch.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a nutritious element to your meal while its mild flavor and crisp texture complement the bold vermicelli beautifully.
Chili Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of spicy dipping sauce on the side offers a chance for heat lovers to enhance their meal even further.
Mango Sticky Rice: A classic dessert that introduces tropical sweetness with creamy coconut, creating a delightful end to your spicy feast.
Soursop Juice: This tropical drink’s tartness perfectly counters the savory notes of the Fried Mee Siam while refreshing your palate.
Pineapple Fried Rice: An excellent pairing that brings a different yet harmonious flavor profile, adding sweetness and fruitiness to your table.
Green Curry Soup: A warm bowl of this aromatic soup melds well with the noodles, enhancing the Southeast Asian theme of your dinner.
How to Store and Freeze Fried Mee Siam
Fridge: Store leftover Fried Mee Siam in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to revive the noodles.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the noodles without the crispy shrimp for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Crispy Shrimp Storage: Keep the crispy shrimp in a separate container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crunch. Reheat in an oven for the best texture.
Reheating Tips: When reheating the entire dish, add a bit more broth if needed to keep the noodles moist. Enjoy your Fried Mee Siam just as vibrant as when it was first made!
Fried Mee Siam Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own, adding flavors and textures that excite your taste buds!
Vegetarian Delight: Substitute prawns with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free option, absorbing all those rich flavors beautifully.
Seafood Twist: Use a mix of seafood like squid or scallops instead of prawns to create your own seafood medley, adding a delightful oceanic flavor.
Gluten-Free Options: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to enjoy this dish while keeping it gluten-free and just as tasty!
Extra Crunch: Mix in some roasted peanuts or cashews before serving to provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft noodles.
Spicy Kick: Add fresh chopped bird’s eye chilies for an extra heat boost that will elevate the flavor profile of your dish.
Coconut Creaminess: Drizzle coconut milk over the finished dish for a creamy richness that melds perfectly with the tangy tamarind and savory notes.
Zesty Variation: Incorporate grated fresh ginger or lemongrass into the broth for added freshness, transporting your taste buds to Southeast Asia with every bite.
Herb Boost: Swap coriander leaves for fresh mint or Thai basil to give your dish a fresh herbal twist that adds brightness and complexity.
Dive into these variations and explore your creativity while enjoying the comforting essence of Fried Mee Siam!
Make Ahead Options
These Fried Mee Siam (Vermicelli) with Crispy Shrimp are ideal for meal prep! You can prep the shrimp and fry them up to 24 hours ahead, ensuring they’re crispy and ready to top your noodles. Additionally, the noodle mixture can be combined and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance to maintain freshness. Simply reheat the broth mixture in a wok and add the soaked noodles, ensuring to mix until hot and well-coated. Before serving, quickly toss in the bean sprouts and garlic chives for that fresh crunch, then crown your dish with the crispy fried shrimp and garnishes. This way, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for Fried Mee Siam
Prawns Perfection: Ensure your school prawns are patted dry before frying; this helps achieve maximum crispiness without excess oil.
Avoid Overcooking: Be cautious not to over-cook the vermicelli noodles. They should absorb the broth evenly while remaining slightly chewy for the perfect texture.
Customize Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, adjust the number of dried chillies according to your preference. Always taste as you go!
Freshness Counts: Use fresh ingredients like bean sprouts and garlic chives to enhance flavor. It’s the little things that elevate your Fried Mee Siam experience!
Garnish Galore: Don’t skimp on garnishes like crispy fried shallots and fresh coriander. They add textures and flavors that truly make this dish shine!
Lime Love: A squeeze of lime or lemon right before serving brightens the dish and balances the richness don t skip this step!
Fried Mee Siam (Vermicelli) with Crispy Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What type of prawns should I use for Fried Mee Siam?
Absolutely! School prawns are perfect for this dish due to their small size and crisp texture when fried. You can use other small shrimp varieties too, but make sure they are fresh and preferably with heads for deeper flavor.
How should I store leftover Fried Mee Siam?
Store your leftover Fried Mee Siam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to help revive the noodles and keep them moist.
Can I freeze Fried Mee Siam?
Yes, you can! To freeze Fried Mee Siam, I recommend separating the crispy shrimp and noodles. Store the noodles and broth in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the shrimp crispy and the noodles fresh!
How can I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
Great question! To avoid mushy noodles, make sure to soak the vermicelli just until softened about 5 minutes and not too long. Additionally, when you mix them with the broth, stir gently and keep an eye on the cooking time. Aim for just 2-3 minutes of tossing until the liquid is absorbed, leaving them slightly chewy in texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very much so! If anyone in your household has shellfish allergies, it’s crucial to substitute the prawns with an alternative protein like tofu or chicken. Also, make sure to check the fish sauce and soy beans for any gluten content if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.
What should I do if my broth is too salty?
If your broth ends up too salty, don t worry! You can dilute it by adding a bit more stock or water based on the desired taste. Cooking a little longer with extra vegetables can also balance the flavors. Just adjust it as you go; remember, cooking is an art, not a science!