Singapore Noodles Recipe with Authentic Mei Fun and Bold Flavors

Name: Singapore Noodles
Prep time: PT-493522H20M26S
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Singaporean
Ingredients: – 5 ounces rice vermicelli noodles; – 12 large frozen shrimp (peeled, deveined, butterflied); – 4 ounces Chinese BBQ pork or substitutes like Virginia ham or Chinese sausage; – 9 ounces shredded napa cabbage (about 3 cups); – 1 medium carrot (approximately 2.5 ounces or 70 grams); – ½ of a red onion (about 2.5 ounces or 70 grams, thinly sliced); – a bunch of julienned scallions; – 2 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); – 2 beaten eggs; – 2 cloves chopped garlic; – 3 dried red chili peppers; – 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry cooking sherry; – 2 tablespoons curry powder; – 1 teaspoon salt; – ¼ teaspoon sugar; – 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; – 2-4 tablespoons chicken stock or water; – ½ teaspoon sesame oil; – 1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce (can substitute gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version)

By:

Magnolia Belle

Published:

January 6, 2026

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Singapore Noodles

Singapore Noodles stand out as a quick and tasty option for anyone craving a flavorful stir-fry, blending rice vermicelli noodles with shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a touch of curry seasoning. This recipe is simple to whip up in just about 35 minutes total, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without much fuss. You’ll appreciate how it packs in nutrients like protein from shrimp and fiber from veggies, helping you feel good about your meal.

One of the best parts is its flexibility, allowing you to tweak ingredients for different diets, such as swapping for gluten-free options or going vegan. For food enthusiasts and busy parents alike, this dish delivers bold flavors that excite the taste buds without overwhelming the kitchen. Whether you’re a student looking for a quick fix or a working professional prepping ahead, Singapore Noodles bring a fun twist to your table with health benefits of shrimp that add a nutritious boost.

This recipe highlights lean protein and fresh produce, offering vitamins and antioxidants that support daily wellness while keeping the meal light and fulfilling. The aromatic spices create a distinctive taste that feels special yet easy to enjoy at home. It’s perfect for gatherings or solo dinners, proving that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Jump to:

Essential Ingredients for Singapore Noodles

To create this authentic Singapore Noodles recipe, gather all the ingredients ahead of time for smooth cooking. This dish relies on a mix of proteins, veggies, and seasonings that come together in a flavorful stir-fry. Below is a complete list of everything you need, with exact measurements to ensure your version turns out just right.

5 ounces rice vermicelli noodles
12 large frozen shrimp (peeled, deveined, butterflied)
4 ounces Chinese BBQ pork or substitutes like Virginia ham or Chinese sausage
9 ounces shredded napa cabbage (about 3 cups)
1 medium carrot (approximately 2.5 ounces or 70 grams)
½ of a red onion (about 2.5 ounces or 70 grams, thinly sliced)
A bunch of julienned scallions
2 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
2 beaten eggs
2 cloves chopped garlic
3 dried red chili peppers
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry cooking sherry
2 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Optionally, 2-4 tablespoons chicken stock or water
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce (can substitute gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version)

These ingredients combine to make a dish with about 402 calories per serving, including 38 grams of carbohydrates, 16 grams of protein, and 21 grams of fat. Remember, preparing them in advance helps keep the cooking process straightforward and fun.

How to Prepare the Perfect Singapore Noodles: Step-by-Step Guide

Start with the noodles by rehydrating 5 ounces of rice vermicelli in cold water overnight or soaking in hot water for at least 30 minutes until they soften. Once ready, drain them and trim to 8-10 inch lengths for easier stir-frying. This step is key for getting the right texture without clumping.

First, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a hot wok, then scramble the 2 beaten eggs and set them aside.
Next, in the same wok, pour in the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil and cook 2 cloves of chopped garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the 12 large frozen shrimp (peeled, deveined, butterflied), 4 ounces of Chinese BBQ pork, and 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.
Toss in 3 dried red chili peppers, 9 ounces of shredded napa cabbage, and 1 medium carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes until the veggies start to soften.
Stir in the rehydrated rice vermicelli noodles, then add 2 tablespoons of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper. If the noodles seem dry, splash in 2-4 tablespoons of chicken stock or water to keep things moist.
Finish by mixing in ½ teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 ½ teaspoons of soy sauce, the scrambled eggs, the julienned scallions, and ½ of a red onion, then stir-fry briefly for about 1 minute to blend all the flavors.

This whole process takes around 25 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, totaling about 35 minutes. For a similar noodle experience, check out our guide to vegetable lo mein, which pairs well with Singapore Noodles for variety in your meals. Use kitchen shears to cut noodles if needed, ensuring everything stir-fries smoothly without tangling.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Singapore Noodles

One of the great things about Singapore Noodles is how easy it is to adapt for different needs. You can swap proteins like using firm tofu instead of shrimp to make it vegan, or choose gluten-free soy sauce for those avoiding gluten. These changes keep the dish tasty while fitting your preferences.

For protein and main components, try swapping shrimp with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan for plant-based options, or use cooked fish for a pescatarian twist. If you want a lighter version, add more vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas. Vegetable modifications might include replacing the carrot with yellow squash, and for seasoning, reduce oil or use low-sodium soy sauce.

These tweaks help maintain the curry’s bold flavors while making the recipe work for diets like gluten-free or low-calorie. It’s a flexible dish that lets you experiment based on what’s in your kitchen or your health goals.

Special Dietary Options Table

Diet Type	Substitution
Vegan	Replace shrimp with firm tofu and use vegetable stock
Gluten-Free	Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce
Low-Calorie	Increase veggies and reduce oil

As noted, options like nutritional benefits of eggs can enhance your understanding of how these swaps affect the meal’s nutrition.

Mastering Singapore Noodles: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try some advanced techniques to elevate your Singapore Noodles game. For instance, dry-frying the vermicelli noodles briefly before soaking can give them a better bite, and using high heat during stir-frying keeps veggies crisp. Experimenting with flavors, like adding chili paste for extra heat, can make each batch feel new.

Flavor variations include swapping regular curry powder for Madras or Thai blends to change things up. Presentation is key too, so serve your noodles in bowls with sesame seeds and cilantro for a nice look. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the ingredients separately and combine them quickly before eating.

For more ideas, explore spring roll in a bowl, which complements these noodles with fresh, crunchy elements. Remember, the goal is to have fun and adjust based on what you enjoy most.

How to Store Singapore Noodles: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Singapore Noodles fresh and tasty for later. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to lock in flavors. Freezing works well too, just place portions in a sealed bag and use within 1-2 months.

When reheating, warm them gently in a wok with a bit of water or oil to avoid drying out. For meal prep, divide into individual servings right after cooking to make weekdays easier. This approach ensures you get consistent texture and taste every time.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore Noodles

What are the main ingredients in Singapore Noodles?

Singapore Noodles typically include thin vermicelli rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese BBQ pork or ham, shredded napa cabbage, julienned carrots, onions, and scallions. The dish is seasoned with curry powder, garlic, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine or dry sherry. Eggs are scrambled separately and mixed in at the end. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and colorful stir-fry with a mild curry taste.

Where did Singapore Noodles originate if it’s not from Singapore?

Despite its name, Singapore Noodles were actually created by Cantonese chefs in Hong Kong. The dish incorporates curry powder, introduced by British colonists, blending Cantonese cooking techniques with South Asian spices. It became popular in Chinese takeout menus worldwide but is not a traditional dish from Singapore itself.

How can I make Singapore Noodles gluten-free?

To prepare gluten-free Singapore Noodles, replace the traditional soy sauce with a gluten-free soy or tamari sauce. Use dry cooking sherry instead of Shaoxing wine, which may contain gluten, or omit the alcohol entirely. Ensure that any processed meats like Chinese BBQ pork do not contain gluten additives. This substitution maintains the dish’s flavor without gluten-containing ingredients.

What is the best way to prepare rice noodles for Singapore Noodles?

Use thin vermicelli rice noodles, not mung bean vermicelli. Soak the noodles in cold water overnight for a softer texture, or soak them in hot water for around 30 minutes for a firmer bite. Alternatively, you can boil them for about one minute as per package instructions. Drain well before stir-frying to prevent clumping and achieve the ideal texture.

Can I customize the vegetables in Singapore Noodles, and which ones work best?

Yes, you can customize vegetables for Singapore Noodles, but traditional recipes use shredded napa cabbage, julienned carrots, scallions, and sliced red onion for authentic texture and flavor. Additional vegetables like celery, bean sprouts, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added for variety. However, keeping the core vegetables helps maintain the classic restaurant-style taste.