If you have ever craved a vibrant, flavorful dish that bursts with just the right balance of spice, sweetness, and savory goodness, then this Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender chicken, crisp vegetables, perfectly cooked vermicelli, and a rich curry sauce that ties everything together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends with a colorful plate of comfort, this recipe is as satisfying as it is straightforward to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe on your table is all about fresh, essential ingredients that come together with simplicity yet deliver a spectacular taste. Each element brings its own texture, color, and aroma, making your cooking experience lively and rewarding.
- Rice vermicelli (1/2 lb): The soft, delicate noodles absorb all the flavors and provide a light base for the dish.
- Skinless boneless chicken thighs (1/2 lb, thinly sliced): Juicy and tender, chicken thighs stay moist and soak in the curry spices beautifully.
- Large eggs (3, beaten): Adds richness and a silky texture, creating little pockets of creaminess.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Small onion (1, chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Snap peas (1 cup, or snow peas): Crisp, fresh, and green, they add a wonderful crunch and a pop of healthiness.
- Baby corn (1 cup, canned and drained): Mildly sweet, with tender crunch, perfect for layering texture.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses every bite with its fragrant and slightly spicy essence.
- Shaoxing wine (2 tbsp): Lends a slight sweetness and complexity, or substitute with dry sherry/chicken broth.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Choose a neutral-flavored oil to sauté ingredients without overpowering the curry.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a sweet, tangy depth and helps create a sticky, flavorful sauce.
- Regular soy sauce (1 tbsp + 1/4 cup): Brings umami and saltiness that balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1/2 tsp): Helps thicken the noodle sauce slightly for a luscious coating.
- Curry powder (2 tsp, yellow kind): The star spice blend that delivers warmth, color, and exciting flavor notes.
- White granulated sugar (1 tsp): Rounds out the dish with a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Vermicelli
Start by soaking your dried vermicelli in hot boiling water for just 1 to 2 minutes. This quick soak loosens and softens the noodles without overcooking them, ensuring they maintain a delicate texture. Once softened, strain and rinse them immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. Shake off any excess water before setting aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
While your noodles soak, get the chicken ready by marinating the thinly sliced thighs with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, curry powder, sugar, and cornstarch. This simple marinade not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it slightly, setting the stage for juicy, flavor-packed bites throughout your dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodle Sauce
Next, combine the remaining soy sauce, curry powder, sugar, and a touch of Shaoxing wine in a small bowl. This sauce will bring everything together later, coating the noodles and veggies with a rich, vibrant curry flavor that stays perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Eggs
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and fry it until it’s about 75 percent cooked through—this keeps it tender. Then push the chicken to one side and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently and when cooked, mix everything together before pushing it all to the pan’s side to make room for the vegetables.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Throw in the chopped onions, minced garlic, red bell pepper, snap peas, and baby corn. Stir fry these fresh veggies until they soften slightly, releasing their aroma and color. Pour in the Shaoxing wine and cook for a moment until the alcohol evaporates, leaving a subtle depth that elevates the entire dish.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Finally, add the drained vermicelli noodles and pour over the prepared curry sauce. Toss everything well to ensure the noodles are coated evenly and infused with all the aromatic ingredients. Once combined and heated through, your Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe is ready to serve—grab your chopsticks and dig in!
How to Serve Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a fresh pop of flavor, top your curry noodles with chopped scallions, fresh cilantro leaves, or a handful of toasted sesame seeds. A wedge of lime on the side can also brighten the dish with a zesty tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar or a simple steamed vegetable medley. For a heartier meal, a bowl of hot miso soup or a plate of crispy spring rolls can round out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at a dinner party or family gathering? Serve the noodles in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a soft-boiled egg or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat. Alternatively, wrap the noodles and curry filling inside fresh lettuce leaves for a fun and interactive way to enjoy this classic flavor explosion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb more sauce over time, so giving them a quick toss with a splash of water or broth before reheating will help refresh the dish.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh because the texture of the vermicelli can change after freezing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mix separately for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked noodles and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out. Stir frequently to heat evenly and preserve the noodles’ texture and flavors as close to freshly made as possible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rice vermicelli is traditional and absorbs the curry flavors beautifully, you can use thin egg noodles or even rice stick noodles. Just adjust soaking and cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe offers a mild, warm spice from curry powder without being overpowering. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and replace Shaoxing wine with vegetable broth. Ensure your hoisin and soy sauces are vegetarian-friendly to keep the flavors rich and balanced.
What is the best curry powder to use?
Yellow curry powder with a mild and slightly sweet profile works best to recreate the authentic Singapore noodle flavor. Avoid overly hot or garam masala-style blends unless you want to customize the heat and complexity.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Soaking the noodles just briefly in hot water and rinsing them with cold water is key. When mixing with other ingredients, tossing gently ensures the noodles don’t break or clump, leaving each strand deliciously separate.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe is one of those recipes that immediately becomes a favorite once you taste the vibrant layers of flavor and the satisfying textures. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends. I hope you have as much fun making it as you do devouring it—happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
This Quick & Easy Singapore Curry Noodles recipe is a vibrant and flavorful stir-fried dish combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and thin rice vermicelli noodles tossed in a fragrant yellow curry sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, making it an ideal weekday meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 1/2 lb rice vermicelli (dried kind)
Protein
- 1/2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (thinly sliced)
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup snap peas (or snow peas, ends removed)
- 1 cup baby corn (canned kind, drained)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Marinade & Sauce
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry wine / chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1/4 cup regular soy sauce
- 2 tsp yellow curry powder
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar (or cane sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Place the dried rice vermicelli noodles in a large bowl and soak them in hot boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes until they become limp and slightly softened. Immediately strain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Shake out any excess water and set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: In a separate large bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken thighs with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1/2 tsp cornstarch. Mix well to coat and let it marinate briefly while preparing the sauce.
- Make the noodle sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tsp yellow curry powder, and 1 tsp white granulated sugar until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken and eggs: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s about 75% cooked through. Push the chicken to one side of the pan, pour in the beaten eggs on the other side, and scramble them until just set. Mix the scrambled eggs and chicken together.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, snap peas, and baby corn to the pan. Stir-fry all the ingredients until the vegetables soften slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the Shaoxing wine to deglaze the pan and allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the soaked noodles and prepared curry sauce to the pan. Toss everything together thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the ingredients are well incorporated. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Transfer the Singapore Curry Noodles to serving plates or a large serving dish. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use thin rice vermicelli for best texture; avoid over-soaking to prevent mushy noodles.
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or chicken broth if unavailable.
- Adjust curry powder quantity to your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu and omit eggs.
- Drain canned baby corn well to avoid excess liquid in the stir-fry.
- Serve with a wedge of lime or chopped fresh cilantro for extra freshness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Singaporean