Do you like Asian spicy food? What about a nice and quick Singapore-style noodles dish ready in a flash after coming back from work exhausted? These noodles have got nothing to do with Singapore by the way – they are a Cantonese dish but wjo really cares, they are so, so delish!
Well, if the answer is yes to all of the above, you have landed on the right page!
Here is a super nice and fairly quick to put together family stir fry dish that will put a smile on all faces around the table.
I’m not sure whether where you are Singapore- style noodles is a popular dish, but here in the UK it is and probably one of the most ordered takeaway Chinese dish.
As with almost all noodle dishes what you come up with add ons in terms of proteins and veggies is entirely up to you and it is very much a matter of taste and availability.
The most popular vegetables and protein used in a takeaway Singapore- style noodle recipe tend to be:
- Red pepper/capsicum or the bell pepper
- Chinese cabbage
- Beansprouts
- Mange touts
- Carrots
- Mushrooms (if you fancy)
- Shrimps (prawns)
- Chicken
- Pork
- Beef – less usual or quite unusual (will need to be the right cut of meat, shredded and cooked fairly quick so it remains tender).
I did make this dish in the past with beef quite a few times and even with duck.
All I can say it’s that it was delicious. Unusual, some may say, I know, but who says it’s wrong? Not the most traditional, yes but definitely worth a try especially when it tastes so good!
My message here is simple, use whatever you most like and fully enjoy it! Make it your own.
It’s all about freestyle cooking here, a bit of imagination and creativity and wow! You smashed it!
As veggies, I did use sugar snap peas, broccoli, kale, tat soi, or pak choi in the past, some might sound and look “unconventional” ingredients, but the dish was yumm every time, so again, no right or wrong here, use whatever veggies you decide to use, you like or have in hand. My fridge is generally the ‘dictator’ of my dish to come on the table.
As you know, I have two kiddos so every time I make a dish like this or even a pasta dish where sometimes veggies are not “ the right way” to go, I’m still throwing in as many vegetables as I possible can.
I’m lucky they do eat all veggies, they’re not too fussed so why not? This is how they learn that every dish should be packed with colours and texture, just by throwing it at them constantly.
Nutritious is definitely delicious.
Ever since my kids were super young I kept on telling them they need to “eat the rainbow everyday”. I have to be consistent and to deliver this every time.
Takeaway vs Homemade….?
Which one do you honestly prefer?
Well, question but no question about it really. What do you reckon I’m going to say here?! Yes, of course it’s homemade. Homemade by far, for me.
My argument here (I always have one especially if you ask my husband ;-)) is that instead of ordering a takeaway try and make it at home and here’s why:
1) it’s delicious (even more delicious than the restaurant one);
2) it is very quick indeed to make;
3) you know exactly what you’re putting in, NO artificial colouring, NO flavour enhances, none of this nonsense;
4) it is indeed very easy and a super satisfying meal to make;
5) you can always choose a healthier option for the vermicelli or noodles such as brown rice ones or wholemeal;
6) you can eat it piping hot, super fresh, sizzling fresh, straight from the pan.
7) of course not the least you can use to make it free from by using the rice vermicelli instead of noodles.
Convinced yet? Yes, I’m sure!
The beauty with this dish, like with much of my cooking, is that you can use whatever vegetables you like or have in hand, make it your own, with or without animal protein, very spicy or less spicy, with loads of noodles or less noodles so you can play with the ingredients exactly as you may wish.
Freestyle cooking in action.
Bring on the deep pan or a wok and let the cooking begin. Before you even realised this simple yet delicious Singapore-style noodle stir fry dish, it will be ready already.
The only secret for success here is that all ingredients should be prepared and ready to be used.
Singapore-style noodles stir fried with shrimps and vegetables
Ingredients
- 250 g vermicelli dry weight
- 250 g prawns raw and devained
- 200 g pork raw and cut into shreds
- 4-5 spring onions scallions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1-2 tbsp curry powder I used a blend
- 3 eggs slightly beaten
- 1 carrot shaved or julienned
- 1 red bell pepper capsicum
- 1-2 handfuls cabbage Chinese or spring greens
- 1-2 red chillies
- 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated on small grater
- 1 handful of sugar snaps (peas) to garnish * (optional)
- 1 pinch red chilli flakes dry approx 1/2 tsp
- 5-6 tbsp fresh coriander to garnish
- 1/2 Lemon its juice to drizzle- optional
Sauce:
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce or 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp chilli sauce
- 1/2 tsp Worcester sauce optional
- 1 clove garlic finely grated or chopped
- 1/2 tsp ginger freshly grated
Instructions
- Start by making all the preparations ahead as this dish cooks in less than 10 minutes. Chop, shred, cut, grate all the veggies, everything you need and place all on plate(s) as you wish. Also soak the vermicelli in hot water. Keep an eye on them so that they won’t over cook and take out when ready. Set aside till needed later.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the sauces with some of the garlic and ginger.
- Shred the pork, place in a separate bowl/deep plate and marinade it into 1/2 the sauce.
- Take out a deep pan or wok, add half of the sesame oil (1 tbsp) and fry the pork with the curry powder. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes tossing occasionally.
- Add a pinch freshly ground pepper and the vegetables (spring onion, shredded or shaved carrot, red pepper and cabbage both cut julienne. Pour in the remainder of the sauce.
- Cook for a further 2 minutes tossing occasionally. Take this out, tip on to a plate and set aside for a little while.
- Using the same pan (might need a little wiping/cleaning) add the 2nd tablespoon of sesame oil, the shrimps and cook for 1 minute tossing them once or so until they change into a nice pink colour. Add the other finely chopped or grated garlic or grated and the grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute tossing a couple of times. Fire should be medium-high.
- Break the two eggs in the same pan with the prawns (or separately if you wish) and cook them, just don’t stir too much allowing them to cook and get nicely scrambled. Add 1 crushed dry red chilli but this is optional for extra heat for those that can handle quite spicy.
- Merge everything, pork and the vegetables and the vermicelli with the shrimps/prawns and egg and cook for a further minute or two to make sure the dish is nice and hot when served.
- Garnish with coriander, sugar snaps (if choose to use) and serve with a nice generous drizzle of lemon juice and of course some red chilly to add a nice kick if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Cooking the vermicelli…. I usually do this by boiling the kettle and leave it to settle for a couple of minutes and then pour the water over the vermicelli and cover with a plate.
Allow them to soak for about five minutes. Check them to make sure they are cooked as you like, I prefer them al dente and truthfully, it is the only way I would eat any pasta/noodle dish.
I would not forgive myself making some overly cooked mushy vermicelli.
If you pour the water on straight away as it stops boiling it might cook them even quicker so I always recommend you try them and see when they have reached the cooking point that you desire, then rinse them with cold water and set aside.
The amount of vermicelli or noodles to use …. Again this is something that you can decide whether you want them to be loaded with vermicelli or less noodles and more vegetables and protein just like I did.
Kids do love plenty of noodles on their plate and I have to give it to them – I do agree with them, there is something vermicelli. They are by far one of my faves. I usually use the wholegrain ones as they taste super nice.
What curry powder to use ….
I have used a blend of Chinese curry powder, Sri Lankan curry powder or Thai curry powder. This is because I cann never behave when it comes to blending things, new combinations to see what I like. This combination did stand out.
Again there is no right or wrong depending on which curry powder you like most and feel comfortable with using.
I am very adventurous when it comes to curry powders and the levels of heat but not everybody is.
Fancy this vegetarian or vegan….
It cannot get any easier, just leave out the meat or the seafood and replace with vegetarian options such as tofu or plenty of vegetables.
Sugar snaps …. I love them raw for extra texture but feel free to cook them if you like or leave out completely.
Can vermicelli noodles be frozen ?….
yes, they can but will need to be way undercooked so they do not get mushy. I pesonally would never bother freezing them for two reasons:
1. they cook super fast
2. they will never taste the same as freshly cooked.
Seriously, this dish is super fast to make as you could gather so I would never bother with freezing. Besides, I am a true advocate for freshness, freshly cooked food, the fabulous taste of freshness….nothing like it.
Now, you need to tell me if you have made this dish, how was it and need to see some pictures please!
Sreci says
I love rice but my daughter hates rice. She wants noodles and pasta. So I have to make different type of noodles and pasta. This is perfect. Thanks for your recipe.
Ramona says
Thank you Sreci, I am so glad you like the recipe 😉 I am sure your daughter would love it.
Jacqueline Debono says
These noodles look and sound so tasty! I love that they are packed with so many delicious and healthy ingredients! Definitely better than takeaway! Going to pin for later!
Ramona says
Thank you Jacqui, I’m so glad you like the recipe. Packed with deliciousness indeed. Thank you ??. Have a wonderful weekend ??
Susan says
We LOVE spicy! This looks like an awesome dinner to make during the week. Crunchy shrimp and colorful veggies… YUM!
Ramona says
Thank you so much Susan, we are definitely addicted to chilly and spice. Best!?
Beth Neels says
This looks so delicious, Ramona! I love any dish with shrimp, but especially if it is spicy! Thanks for sharing!
Ramona says
Thank you Beth! Yes, spicy is my addiction ha ha.
Adrianne says
Noodles are one of my all time favourite foods and this looks fantastic!! I love that you have used vermicelli noodles, the shrimp looks yum too!!
Ramona says
Thank you so much Adrianne – it really is a beautiful and tasty recipe indeed. We love noodles too 😉
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
I love this sort of dish for speed and the ingredients are delicious! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ramona says
Thank you Amanda, it’s a life saviour for us sometimes. I juggle with the protein between chicken, pork or seafood mainly but have had it with beef too. Delish! ?
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
A way better option than take-out! This dish is so full of color and flavor! I know that my husband and I would love to enjoy this during one of our movie date nights.
Ramona says
I agree with you totally, it is how I feel too. Thank you so much 🙂