Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s bursting with flavor but still quick and easy to whip up, then you’re going to love this Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of stir-fried rice vermicelli, succulent shrimp, and just the right touch of curry powder that makes your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you try making it at home, you’ll want it on repeat for weeknight dinners!
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced flavors: The subtle curry powder combined with soy sauce and Chinese wine create a savory and warm taste that’s perfectly balanced.
- Quick cooking time: Ready in about 25 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy evenings without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile ingredients: Easy to swap out proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand, while still delivering big flavor.
- Authentic textures: The rice vermicelli noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, ensuring no bland bites.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe is all about layering simple, flavorful ingredients that come together for a mouthwatering experience. Each element has a role—whether it’s the tender shrimp, the fragrant curry, or the chewy noodles—and knowing a little about why they work will help you nail the dish every time.
- Soy sauce: Choose all-purpose or light soy to give a salty, umami boost without overpowering the curry.
- Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine): Adds a subtle depth and slightly sweet aroma; if unavailable, dry sherry works well.
- Curry powder: This is the star spice—hot or mild, it gives that signature golden color and warming flavor.
- Sugar and white pepper: Balance the savory notes and give a gentle heat and complexity to the sauce.
- Rice vermicelli noodles: These thin noodles soak up the sauce perfectly; Wai Wai brand is my favorite for texture and resilience.
- Peanut oil: High smoke point and a slight nuttiness make it perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly without burning.
- Shrimp/prawns: Fresh or thawed, they bring a sweet seafood flavor; peeling and deveining them ensure a better texture and taste.
- Eggs: Cooked into a thin omelette and sliced, they add an extra layer of texture and mild richness.
- Onion, garlic, and ginger: The holy trinity for Asian cooking; these aromatics establish a flavorful base.
- Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork): Provides a smoky, slightly sweet meaty touch; easy to swap for other meats or go veggie.
- Red capsicum (bell pepper) and hot green pepper: Bring freshness, crunch, and optional heat depending on your spice tolerance.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how adaptable this Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve played around with different proteins and spice levels—so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Adding or subtracting heat, veggies, or protein can make it just right for your cravings or what’s in your fridge.
- Protein swap: Sometimes I switch out shrimp for diced chicken or even tofu when I want a plant-based version. Both work beautifully with curry flavors.
- Spice level: If you like it mild, leave out the hot green peppers or use a mild curry powder; if you want more kick, I’ve tossed in extra chili or a dash of chili oil.
- Veggie boost: Feel free to add shredded carrot, snap peas, or baby corn to amp up the crunch and nutrition.
- Gluten-free adjustment: Double-check your soy sauce and opt for tamari if necessary to keep it gluten-free.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
This is where the magic begins! I combine the soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, curry powder, sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl until smooth. It’s important to stir well so the curry powder dissolves nicely—this ensures you don’t get clumps of spice later. Setting this aside gives us quick access later when stir-frying.
Step 2: Soak the Rice Vermicelli
Place the dried rice vermicelli in a bowl of boiling water—follow your packet’s instructions, but usually around 3-5 minutes—until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside. I like to spread them out a bit so they don’t clump up, which makes tossing easier later on.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat one tablespoon of peanut oil over medium heat in your wok or frying pan. Toss in the peeled shrimp and cook them just until they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, which means they’re perfectly done—about 2 ½ to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside immediately to prevent overcooking and rubbery texture. This small step really transforms the final dish!
Step 4: Make a Thin Omelette
Using the same pan, add the beaten eggs, spreading them into a thin layer like a delicate omelette. Once set, roll it up carefully with your spatula and remove it from the heat. Slice it into thin strips. This simple egg addition adds a nice softness and extra protein for a lovely texture contrast.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Veggies
Add the remaining tablespoon of peanut oil to the pan and toss in your thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the kitchen smells amazing. Then, stir in the red capsicum and cook a minute more so it stays slightly crunchy and colorful.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Now comes the fun part! Add the drained noodles to the wok along with your pre-mixed sauce. Toss everything well so the noodles soak up the gorgeous curry sauce. Then add the sliced omelette, Char Siu pork, cooked shrimp, and chili slices if you’re using them. Stir fry everything quickly to combine and warm through—just a minute or two is enough.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh. This is my favorite moment—digging in that perfect mix of tender shrimp, chewy noodles, and aromatic curry!
Pro Tips for Making Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe
- Perfectly cooked shrimp: Watch for the “C” shape, not too tight or limp—this test keeps shrimp tender every time.
- Noodles that don’t clump: Rinse noodles under cold water after soaking and toss with a teaspoon of oil before cooking to keep them separate.
- High heat stir-frying: Using medium-high heat lets the sauce coat everything quickly, preserving fresh veggie crunch and preventing sogginess.
- Avoid overcooking eggs: Remove the thin omelette promptly to keep it tender, not rubbery, which helps the texture balance in the dish.
How to Serve Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my Singapore Noodles with a sprinkle of freshly chopped spring onions and a few cilantro leaves for freshness. If I’m feeling fancy, a wedge of lime on the side adds a bright zing that really wakes up the flavors. Sometimes, crushed peanuts add a lovely crunch as a finishing touch.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, a crunchy Asian cucumber salad or some steamed bok choy with garlic sauce pairs wonderfully. And if you want to keep it light, simple miso soup makes a comforting, easy side that doesn’t compete with the noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these Singapore Noodles in individual bamboo steamers, garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs, which makes the presentation as exciting as the flavors. It’s an easy way to impress guests without fuss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and sometimes I plan to!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually mellow and deepen after a few hours, but the noodles can stick together.
Freezing
I’ve rarely frozen this dish because the texture changes slightly, but if you must, cool completely and freeze in a well-sealed container for up to a month. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge to avoid mushiness.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles. This quick sauté helps revive the noodles and keeps everything from drying out. Microwave is fine in a pinch, but the texture won’t be as good.
FAQs
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Can I make Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the shrimp and Char Siu pork, and replace them with cubed firm tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce for flavor, and your curry powder will still give the dish a fantastic punch.
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What type of noodles should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for rice vermicelli noodles, which are thin and soak up sauces well. I recommend Wai Wai brand if you can find it, but any good quality rice vermicelli will do. Avoid thicker noodles, as they won’t absorb the sauce as nicely.
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Is curry powder necessary for Singapore Noodles?
Yes, curry powder is a key flavor component that gives the dish its distinct golden color and warm spice profile. You can use hot or mild depending on your heat preference, but omitting it would change the dish entirely.
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Can I prepare components ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce mixture, soak the noodles, and slice your veggies ahead of time to streamline cooking. Cooking the shrimp and eggs fresh right before tossing all together will give you the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s just so versatile, fast, and reliably delicious. It’s one of those recipes that impresses without stress, and it’s a crowd-pleaser whenever I make it. If you’re in the mood for a flavorful noodle dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough for guests, I can’t recommend giving this a try enough. Go ahead—grab those ingredients and bring a little Singapore street food magic right to your table!
Print
Singapore Noodles with Shrimp and Curry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Singaporean
Description
Singapore Noodles is a vibrant stir-fried rice vermicelli dish featuring shrimp, Chinese barbecue pork, and a flavorful curry-spiced sauce. This quick and easy meal combines tender noodles with aromatic garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying and colorful dinner inspired by Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 2 1/2 tsp curry powder (hot or ordinary)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
Stir Fry
- 100 g dried rice vermicelli noodles
- 2 tbsp peanut oil, separated
- 8-10 medium raw shrimp/prawns, shelled and deveined
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
- 250 g Chinese barbecue pork (Char Siu), thinly sliced
- 1 cup red capsicum/bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tsp thinly sliced hot green pepper, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, curry powder, sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl and mix well.
- Soak the Noodles: Place rice vermicelli noodles in a large bowl filled with boiling water. Soak according to package instructions until soft. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp peanut oil in a wok or heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 3 minutes or until just cooked through. Remove from wok and set aside.
- Make the Omelette: Pour the beaten eggs into the wok and spread to form a thin omelette. Once set, roll it up with a spatula, remove, and slice thinly while still rolled.
- Cook Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in the wok over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and onion; stir-fry for 2 minutes until onion softens. Add red capsicum and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine and Stir-fry: Add the noodles and prepared sauce to the wok. Toss gently to coat noodles with sauce. Then add sliced omelette, char siu pork, cooked shrimp, and green chili if using. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use all-purpose or light soy sauce for a balanced flavor; avoid dark soy sauce as it is too intense.
- Substitute Chinese cooking wine with dry sherry, cooking sake, or Mirin; use chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Choose any generic curry powder, preferably hot for spice; Keens or Clives of India are good options.
- Wai Wai brand rice vermicelli is recommended for texture and durability during tossing.
- If Char Siu is unavailable, substitute with diced chicken, bacon, ham, or more vegetables.
- To quickly make Char Siu, marinate pork chops in Char Siu marinade for 20 minutes, then pan-fry or bake until caramelized.
- Perfectly cooked shrimp form a “C” shape; avoid overcooking to prevent curling into an “O”.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
