Introduction
Singapore Noodles is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, savory bacon, and fresh vegetables all tossed with vermicelli noodles. The signature curry sauce adds a unique twist that makes this meal a true standout. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this recipe serves three people and is both satisfying and bursting with flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Noodles:
100 g (3.5 oz) dried vermicelli noodles (not glass noodles)
Singapore Noodles Sauce:
3 tbsp light soy sauce or all-purpose soy sauce (not dark soy)
3 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
3 tsp curry powder
1 tsp white sugar
1/2 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
Chicken:
150 g (5 oz) skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into 5 mm (1/5 inch) strips
1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
1/2 tsp curry powder
Stir-Fry Add-ins:
2 tbsp plain oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut)
2 eggs, whisked
100 g (3 oz) streaky bacon, chopped into small pieces
1/2 brown onion, finely sliced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 red capsicum (bell pepper), deseeded and finely sliced
1 heaped cup bean sprouts
1 heaped cup baby spinach
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 3 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl or jug, mix together the soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, curry powder, white sugar, and white pepper.
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp curry powder until evenly coated.
Prepare the Noodles
Soak the vermicelli noodles in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, or according to package instructions, until tender. Drain and set aside.
Make Egg Ribbons
Heat a small amount of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the whisked eggs, swirling to cover the base of the pan. Cook until the surface sets, about 30 seconds. Slide the omelette onto a cutting board, let it cool slightly, then roll it up and slice into thin strips.
Stir-Fry
Heat the remaining oil in the same pan over high heat. Add the bacon and cook for 1 minute. Add the sliced onion and cook until it starts to wilt and the bacon is light golden, about 2 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until the surface is seared. Add the minced garlic and sliced capsicum; cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Combine Noodles and Vegetables
Add the baby spinach, bean sprouts, drained noodles, and prepared sauce to the pan. Toss well for about 1.5 minutes until the sauce evenly coats the noodles.
Finish and Serve
Gently toss through the egg ribbons to distribute them evenly. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can replace it with dry sherry or chicken broth.
Storage
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Adjusting Spice Levels
For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or diced chili peppers during the stir-fry.
Cook techniques
Soaking Noodles
Soak the vermicelli noodles in boiling water for 3–5 minutes or according to package instructions until they become tender. Drain and set aside for use in the stir-fry.
Making the Sauce
In a small bowl or jug, combine soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, curry powder, white sugar, and white pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended.
Seasoning Chicken
Toss the cut chicken thighs with salt and curry powder in a bowl until the pieces are evenly coated to enhance flavor before cooking.
Creating Egg Ribbons
Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Pour whisked eggs into the pan, allowing them to cover the base. Cook until set, then roll and slice into thin strips.
Stir-Frying
In the same pan, heat more oil over high heat. Start by cooking chopped bacon, then add onions, seasoned chicken, garlic, and capsicum in succession, cooking until everything is fully cooked and aromatic.
Combining Ingredients
After stir-frying, add baby spinach, bean sprouts, drained noodles, and the prepared sauce into the pan. Toss all ingredients for about 1.5 minutes to ensure even coating with the sauce.
Incorporating Egg Ribbons
Finally, gently mix in the sliced egg ribbons to the stir-fry to distribute them evenly before serving.
FAQ
Can I use other types of noodles?
While this recipe specifically calls for vermicelli noodles, you may substitute with other types of noodles, keeping in mind the cooking time may vary.
Is it necessary to use Shaoxing wine?
Shaoxing wine adds depth of flavor, but if unavailable, you can use a dry sherry or simply omit it, adjusting the other seasonings to taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken and bacon with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or water instead of Shaoxing wine for a vegetarian version.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To increase the spice level, consider adding more curry powder, or for a kick, include fresh chili or chili sauce in the stir-fry.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Cooked noodles and stir-fry can be stored in the fridge but may lose texture upon reheating.
Conclusion
This Singapore Noodles recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures, thanks to the vibrant ingredients and rich sauce. The combination of chicken, bacon, and vegetables wrapped around tender vermicelli noodles create a satisfying dish that is quick to prepare and perfect for any meal. Enjoy the burst of curry seasoning and the freshness from the vegetables for a delightful dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Variations
Consider adding additional vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
Protein Alternatives
Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to create a seafood or vegetarian version of the dish.
Spicy Version
Incorporate sliced chili peppers or a dash of sambal oelek to introduce heat and spice to your Singapore noodles.
Coconut Cream Addition
Stir in a splash of coconut cream into the sauce for a creamy texture and tropical flavor profile.
Noodle Options
Experiment with different noodle types such as rice noodles or egg noodles to give a unique twist to the traditional dish.
Herb Garnish
Finish your dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness and flavor.
