Thursday 12 January 2012

Singapore-style noodles

Singapore-style noodles has got to be one of my favourite dishes when eating out at Chinese restaurant or when ordering Chinese take-out (yes, I order take-out sometime. Give me a break...). I don't know if this dish is actually originated from Singapore even though it's called Singapore-style. I've been there several times and never came across it there to be honest.

But never mind, I don't really care what it's called as long as it tastes delicious. I particularly love the addition of curry powder here which also gives the distinctive golden colour to the translucent vermicelli noodles. Some recipes call for ground turmeric, but I definitely prefer curry powder for the flavour.

Like many other stir-fry dishes, I suppose there is also no fixed rule what's in Singapore-style noodles. You can use any vegetables and proteins you like or have in the fridge. This is no doubt quick cooking, though you do need to prepare all the ingredients beforehand. But if I tell you, I bought the vegetables already cleaned, chopped and ready to cook in a bag called 'stir-fry mix', would you think less of me?

There is no exact recipe here because as I said, you can add anything you like but the general idea is: on a very hot wok, add a bit of oil. Groundnut or vegetable oil is fine, but I like to use the garlic infused oil for extra flavour. Then stir fry freshly grated ginger with finely diced fresh red chilli. I then add some chopped bacon, diced chicken breast (or prawns would be lovely too), salt and black pepper and the curry powder, and because I want a lot of flavour, I add a bit of garam masala. Cook for a couple of minutes. I then add the content of my lazy veg bag which includes thinly sliced onions, beansprouts, cabbage, red peppers and carrots. Stir-fry for another minute or so before adding the rice noodles, soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stirring well to combine. If you want to add some beaten eggs at this stage, you may do so if you want to. Season with toasted sesame oil and taste if it needs more seasoning. I like to serve my Singapore-style noodles with some finely chopped fresh coriander. But if you're not a fan of coriander, perhaps some finely sliced spring onions, or simply just eat it as it is.


I admit the photo is not the best... I was starving and it was not the time to fiddle around. However, believe me, it was delicious.

13 comments:

  1. So it looks kind of like what would be called bee hoon here (though I'm certainly no expert, there are SO MANY types of noodle dish that my mind boggles! Shu Han would know.). Who cares what it's called though, it looks delicious and I think I'm going to have to walk down the road for some bee hoon right now!

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  2. Michael-this is my kind of noodles that I love in the stir-fry...quick, full of robust spices, with the addition of the veggies, and chicken and shrimp. Love it!!!

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  3. This is my favourite dishes, every time I went to my uncle restaurant I will order this delicious food. Thanks for sharing Michael ^^.

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  4. this sounds delicious as well, I would love a plate myself, no fiddling around either

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  5. Michael, no prob with the photo. Just get to the table and inhale this wondrous stuff.

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  6. oh YES Michael, these look like winners to me!... I too ADORE Singapore Noodles... they really are great nice and firey!... i'll be over for a plate... or two... or three... or four... soon!

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  7. Ah, Singapore noodles - good dish and I definitely don't hold the lazy veg against you. I still cook these at home with anything to hand but I don't often order them in takeaways or restaurants because there was a time around 20 or so years ago when they'd turn up on the menu of every pub and cheap café. I'd often order them thinking that they were bound to be edible. I was often wrong. Your Singapore noodles are not like those, of course - I'd order yours.

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  8. The noodle stir-fry looks very appetizing.Yes, more fresh coriander please.

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  9. I love meals like this! Achievable, delicious and quick! What's not to like?

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  10. What a delicious stir-fry...love these flavors! I hope you are having a lovely new year Michael :)

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  12. To me, there is nothing better than a meal like this. Stir frys are so versatile and I've never met one I did not like!

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  13. That looks really good... Yum!

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