Surinamese Fai Fai (Stir-fried Noodles with Vegetables and Shrimp)
Fai Fai is a popular noodle dish in Suriname, influenced by Chinese cuisine. It features thin wheat noodles stir-fried with a medley of fresh vegetables, succulent shrimp, and a savory sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Thin wheat noodles (fai fai)
- 200 g Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 medium Carrots(julienned)
- 1/2 medium Bell pepper(thinly sliced)
- 1/2 medium Onion(thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Cornstarch(mixed with water to form a slurry)
- 2 stalks Green onions(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the thin wheat noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and 2 tbsp water to make the sauce. Set aside.
- 3
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp from the wok and set aside.
- 4
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 1 minute until slightly softened.
- 5
Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 6
Add the broccoli florets and julienned carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- 7
Add the sliced bell pepper and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
- 8
Return the cooked noodles and shrimp to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients.
- 9
Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- 10
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start stir-frying, as the cooking process is very fast.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the wok; cook in batches if necessary.
- ✓Adjust the vegetables based on what you have available.
🔄 Variations
- Add other proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu.
- Include other vegetables such as snow peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts.