The Perfect Singapore Noodles Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Whipping up delectable singapore noodles brings an exciting culinary adventure right to your kitchen.

Fragrant spices and vibrant ingredients dance together in this classic dish.

Curry powder infuses each strand with remarkable depth and complexity.

Succulent shrimp and tender vegetables create a delightful harmony of flavors.

Authentic yet approachable, this recipe promises to transport you to bustling street markets.

Quick and simple preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality goodness without leaving home.

One bite promises to make this your new favorite weeknight meal.

Why Singapore Noodles Are Bursting with Flavor

  • Burst with Flavor: Curry powder and diverse proteins create an explosion of taste that transforms an ordinary meal into a spectacular dining experience.
  • Master Quick Cooking: This stir-fry technique allows you to prepare a restaurant-quality dish in minutes, perfect for busy home cooks wanting restaurant-style results without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, and add your favorite vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring every meal feels personalized and exciting.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward steps mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, making this recipe a go-to for weeknight dinners or spontaneous cooking adventures.

Must-Have Ingredients for Singapore Mei Fun

Main Proteins:
  • Shrimp: Delicate seafood that adds a sweet and tender texture to the Singapore noodles.
  • Char Siu: Traditional Chinese barbecued pork that brings a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
Noodles:
  • Rice Vermicelli: Thin, delicate rice noodles that provide a light and silky base for the stir-fry.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers, Carrots, Green Onions: Fresh vegetables that contribute crunch, color, and nutritional value to the dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Curry Powder: Fragrant ingredients that create a warm and complex flavor profile.
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Rice Wine, Sesame Oil: Sauces that add depth, umami, and a glossy finish to the noodles.
Spices and Finishing Touches:
  • White Pepper, Salt: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste and balance of the dish.

How to Cook Singapore Noodles with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Rice Noodles

Grab your rice vermicelli and soak them in warm water. Let the noodles relax and soften for about 10 minutes. Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them completely and set aside.

Step 2: Slice and Chop Ingredients

Get your cutting board ready for some culinary action. Prepare your ingredients with precision:
  • Shrimp (sliced)
  • Char siu (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Onions (chopped)
  • Bell peppers (sliced)
  • Carrots (julienned)
  • Green onions (finely chopped)

Step 3: Fire Up the Wok

Crank up the heat on your wok or large skillet. Pour in vegetable oil and wait until it’s sizzling hot and almost smoking.

Step 4: Sear the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp into the blazing hot wok. Stir-fry them quickly for 1-2 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color and curl slightly. Rescue them from the heat and set aside.

Step 5: Awaken the Garlic

In the same wok, drop in minced garlic. Let it dance around for about 30 seconds, releasing its magical aroma.

Step 6: Vegetable Medley

Add your chopped vegetables to the wok:
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Carrots

Stir-fry with gusto for 2-3 minutes until they’re crisp-tender and full of vibrant color.

Step 7: Spice It Up

Sprinkle curry powder over the vegetables. Keep stirring to prevent any burning and ensure the spice coats everything evenly.

Step 8: Noodle Integration

Gently fold in the char siu and drained rice noodles. Toss them carefully to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 9: Sauce Magic

Drizzle in your flavor boosters:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Rice wine
  • Sesame oil

Use tongs to mix everything thoroughly and create a flavor explosion.

Step 10: Final Fusion

Bring back the shrimp to the wok. Sprinkle white pepper and salt to elevate the taste. Give everything a final toss for about 2 minutes.

Step 11: Serve and Garnish

Scatter freshly chopped green onions over the top. Serve immediately while the noodles are piping hot and bursting with flavor.

Smart Tips for Bold, Bright Singapore Noodles

  • Drain Noodles Completely: Pat rice vermicelli dry with paper towels to prevent watery, soggy noodles that can dilute the robust flavors.
  • Control Wok Heat: Maintain high heat for authentic wok hei flavor, ensuring quick cooking and preventing ingredients from becoming mushy.
  • Layer Proteins Strategically: Cook shrimp first to preserve their delicate texture, then add char siu later to prevent overcooking and maintain its tender quality.
  • Master Curry Powder Distribution: Sprinkle curry powder evenly and stir quickly to prevent burning, creating a consistent golden color and aromatic spice profile.
  • Quick Tossing Technique: Use long tongs to gently lift and fold ingredients, ensuring even sauce coating and preventing noodle breakage.

Fresh Twists for Singapore Noodle Night

  • Seafood Spicy Noodles: Replace shrimp with a mix of scallops and crab meat, adding extra chili flakes for a fiery kick.
  • Vegetarian Singapore Noodles: Swap proteins with tofu and tempeh, using extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for heartier texture.
  • Thai-Inspired Noodle Bowl: Add coconut milk, lemongrass, and swap curry powder for red curry paste, creating a Southeast Asian fusion profile.
  • Gluten-Free Noodle Feast: Use rice noodles, tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.

Perfect Pairings for Singapore Noodles

  • Crisp Beer Pairing: Light lager or pale ale cuts through the spicy curry notes, refreshing your palate with its cold, effervescent character.
  • Zesty White Wine Match: Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness balances the dish's curry heat and complements the shrimp's delicate flavor.
  • Cool Beverage Harmony: Chilled jasmine tea offers a subtle floral backdrop that enhances the noodles' complex spice profile without overwhelming the meal.
  • Citrus Cocktail Complement: Gin-based cocktail with lime or lemongrass adds bright, tangy notes that dance alongside the Singapore noodles' vibrant seasoning.

Storage Tips for Singapore Noodles You Can Trust

  • Transfer leftover Singapore noodles into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pack cooled noodles in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks, with the understanding that texture might slightly change upon reheating.
  • Warm noodles in a hot wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a splash of water or additional oil to prevent sticking. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until heated thoroughly and noodles regain their original texture.

FAQs on Singapore Noodles Made Simple

  • What is the key spice that gives Singapore Noodles its distinctive flavor?

Curry powder is the essential spice that provides the signature yellow color and unique aromatic taste to this dish, creating its characteristic flavor profile.

  • Why is high heat important when cooking Singapore Noodles?

High heat ensures quick cooking that prevents noodles from becoming soggy, helps vegetables maintain their crisp texture, and allows ingredients to develop a slight char and intense flavor without losing their individual characteristics.

  • Can I substitute the proteins in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap shrimp and char siu with chicken, tofu, or beef while maintaining the core technique and flavor of the dish. Just ensure proteins are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

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Singapore Noodles Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Singapore noodles bring sizzling wok-tossed magic right to your kitchen, blending fragrant curry powder with tender shrimp and crisp vegetables. Delightful layers of flavor and texture promise a quick, satisfying meal that whisks you straight to Southeast Asian street food excitement.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 340 g (12 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 225 g (8 oz) char siu or barbecue pork, sliced

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 340 g (12 oz) thin rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Seasonings and Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice wine
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Soak rice vermicelli in warm water for 10 minutes until softened, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Prep all proteins and vegetables by slicing shrimp, cutting char siu, and chopping onions, bell peppers, carrots, and green onions into uniform pieces.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering and nearly smoking.
  4. Quickly stir-fry shrimp for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and slightly curled, then remove and set aside.
  5. In the same wok, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aromatic oils.
  6. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and carrots, stir-frying vigorously for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  7. Sprinkle curry powder over the vegetables, stirring continuously to prevent burning and evenly distribute the spice.
  8. Incorporate char siu and drained rice noodles into the wok, tossing gently to combine and prevent sticking.
  9. Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil over the noodles, using tongs to mix thoroughly.
  10. Return shrimp to the wok, season with white pepper and salt, and toss everything together for an additional 2 minutes.
  11. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Soak noodles precisely in warm water to achieve the ideal soft yet firm texture without becoming mushy or waterlogged.
  • Ensure high heat when stir-frying to create signature wok hei flavor and prevent ingredients from steaming instead of developing a golden-brown caramelization.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to maintain rapid cooking rhythm and prevent overcooking delicate proteins like shrimp during the quick stir-frying process.
  • Customize protein options by substituting shrimp with chicken, tofu, or additional char siu for dietary preferences or protein variations while maintaining the dish’s authentic flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Singaporean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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