My Singapore Noodles

These Singapore Noodles are to Singapore what Indian Butter Chicken is to India. It doesn’t exist in their countries! I lived in Singapore for five years and not once did I come across Singapore Noodles. What I had there that was as close to this delicious dish was called Fried Bee Hoon. Singapore Noodles are a takeaway staple in countries like Australia, Hong Kong, US, UK and Canada. Noodles stir-fried in a screaming hot pan with prawns, char siu pork, garlic, greens, sprouts and the ingredient that makes them so unique – curry powder. 

The traditional version has char-siu pork (BBQ pork), but my version only has prawns – because Pescatarian! I actually have a super delicious Vegan Singapore Noodle Recipe that I have been testing for a very special project to be unveiled later in the year, so stay tuned for that (So Exciting!). 

Non-Traditional Singapore Noodles And The Wok Clock

Singapore Noodles are dry vermicelli noodles packed with big flavours. A try example of fusion food – a mishmash of cultures and flavours for the ultimate takeaway treat. The thin vermicelli noodles are actually rice noodles which not only makes this dish gluten-free but also mind-numbingly easy to cook. Vermicelli noodles don’t really need to be cooked, they just need to be soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes and then drained. You could rinse them in cold water, but I never do and they are perfect for stir-frying.

Just like any other Asian stir-fry dish, you have to have your mise en place done. I follow the Wok Clock (a very useful technique by one of my favourite Asian chef – Jeremy Pang). You do your ingredient prep in separate little bowls and arrange them in a clockwise pattern, starting with your first ingredient at 12 o clock. 

For this recipe, I prepare the sauce, then the noodles and then arrange my wok clock as follows starting at 12 o clock and going in a clockwise fashion.

1. Oil 
2. Eggs 
3. Oil 
4. Onion and Garlic 
5. Snow Peas, Capsicum and Prawn
6. Noodles
7. Sauce
8. Spring Onions and Sprouts

Stir-Frying 101

1. I like to use a carbon steel wok. It is thin and hence conducts heat beautifully, creating that lovely char that is so coveted in Asian stir-fries.
2. I cook on induction, but the wok does get screaming hot. Stir-fry on your highest heat. You want your ingredients to be dry and not produce any moisture. If your heat is not high enough, your ingredients will sweat, stew and become mushy. 
3. Always have your prep done in advance as once you start stir-frying, everything moves very quickly.
4. If you are using fresh prawns – good job! If you are using frozen prawns (like I usually do!), make sure you thaw then first and squeeze out the moisture. I am too lazy and always working last minute so never really have the luxury of thawing. This is what I do. I boil water, put frozen prawns in a bowl. Pour boiling water over, stir the prawns for a few seconds and then drain the water out. The prawns are now thawed. I then squeeze out all the liquid I can by pressing down on them and draining them. This will help keep your stir-fry dry and texturally perfect.

If you make these Singapore Noodles, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments and ratings below. Share you noodle shots with me on Instagram by tagging @cookrepublic #cookrepublic. Enjoy!

MY SINGAPORE NOODLES

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• Author: Sneh
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4
• Category: Stir-Fry, Dinner, Mains
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the sauce

• 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons medium hot curry powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Pinch of salt

 

For the noodles

• 250g dried Vermicelli Noodles
• 4 eggs, whisked
• 3 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 brown onion, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ large red capsicum, thinly sliced
• 12 snow peas, thinly sliced
• 300g, raw peeled prawns
• ½ cup spring onion/scallion, sliced (green only)
• ½ cup fresh bean sprouts
• Red chilli slices, chopped chives, lime wedges – to serve

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce by mixing all ingredients for it in a small bowl.
2. Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles by placing in a large bowl and covering completely with boiling water. Allow to soften for 5-6 minutes, then drain completely and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok on high heat. Add the eggs and swirl the wok around to create a thin omelette shape. Using a wooden turner/spatula, break up the egg after a few seconds and remove it to a bowl when it is just cooked.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok on high. Add onion and garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes till the onion starts to soften. Add capsicum, snow peas and prawns. Stir-fry on high for a minute or two until veggies are glossy and starting to char and prawns are dry.
5. Add the noodles, sauce, spring onion and bean sprouts. Continue stir-frying on high while tossing and mixing with large tongs or wooden/steel turner until all the noodles are coated with the sauce and heated through (approximately 2-3 minutes).
6. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped chives and chilli slices. Serve hot with lime wedges.

Notes

If you cannot have alcohol, skip the Shaoxing wine. Instead, add the same quantity of vegetable broth and an extra teaspoon of sugar.

This recipe uses a “medium” curry powder by Bolst’s. It is not at all spicy in the quantity used. If you would like the noodles to be spicy, add 1/2 t 1 teaspoon of red chilli flakes or hot sauce to the noodles and mix.

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