If you’ve ever craved something vibrant, flavorful, and downright comforting, then this Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to. I love this dish because it’s packed with just the right amount of curry spice, tender chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly chewy rice noodles—all coming together in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re a curry fanatic or just looking for an easy weeknight meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want big flavors without the wait.
- Rich Curry Flavor: The yellow curry powder adds warmth and a subtle kick that brings the whole dish alive.
- Balanced and Fresh: Crunchy veggies combined with tender chicken and silky noodles give you a satisfying mix of textures.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: Everyone in my family goes crazy for this, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe so terrific is how these simple ingredients come together effortlessly. You’ll find that the combination of rice vermicelli noodles and the vibrant veggies marry perfectly with the chicken and curry seasonings. When shopping, look for fresh produce and quality curry powder for the best results.
- Rice vermicelli: Choose dried rice vermicelli; they soak up the sauce without getting mushy.
- Chicken thighs: Skinless and boneless are best, and thinly slicing them helps them cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Eggs: Adds richness and texture when softly scrambled into the dish.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and color to lighten the curry’s warmth.
- Onion: Adds a savory base flavor; small and chopped fine is ideal.
- Snap peas: I like these for crunch; snow peas work just as well.
- Baby corn: Canned works perfectly here—just be sure to drain well.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that fragrant punch that curry dishes crave.
- Shaoxing wine: This is a classic stir-fry addition; if you don’t have it, dry sherry or chicken broth works fine, too.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil for frying so you don’t mask the curry flavors.
- Hoisin sauce: This adds a subtle sweet umami layer.
- Soy sauce: Both regular soy sauce for the marinade and extra in the noodle sauce provide depth and saltiness.
- Cornstarch: Just a touch helps thicken the sauce nicely.
- Curry powder: Yellow curry powder is essential here for that trademark flavor and color.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity and spice with gentle sweetness.
Variations
I’ve found this Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe so adaptable—it’s fun to tweak it depending on mood or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to experiment, making the dish your own.
- Protein swap: I’ve swapped chicken thighs for shrimp or tofu with equally delicious results—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetable variations: Use bok choy, bell peppers of other colors, or even mushrooms to keep it fresh and seasonal.
- Heat it up: Add chili flakes or fresh sliced red chili if you like an extra kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more veggies plus a splash of vegetable broth for a hearty meatless version.
How to Make Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles Like a Pro
Start by soaking your rice vermicelli in boiling hot water for just 1-2 minutes. I can’t stress enough to keep the soak brief—this prevents them from getting mushy later. Once softened but still a bit firm, drain and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. If you don’t shake off the extra water, your noodles can turn soggy when you stir-fry, so give them a good shake.
Step 2: Marinate That Chicken
While your noodles soften, toss your thinly sliced chicken thighs with soy sauce, cornstarch, hoisin sauce, curry powder, and sugar. This marinade is the magic behind juicy, flavorful bites. I like to set it aside while prepping the veggies—it gives the chicken time to soak up all those spices without you having to wait forever.
Step 3: Stir-Fry in Layers for Maximum Flavor
Heat up your vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken first and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s around 75% done—you want it just shy of fully cooked so it stays tender. Then, push the chicken to the side and pour in your beaten eggs, scrambling them gently. This layering lets the eggs cook evenly without overcooking the chicken.
Once eggs and chicken are ready, add the garlic, onion, red bell pepper, snap peas, and baby corn. Stir fry everything until the veggies soften slightly but still have a bit of crunch—about 3 minutes. Pour in the Shaoxing wine and let it bubble away to cook off the alcohol; this step adds a subtle depth you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 4: Bring It All Together with the Sauce
Finally, toss those noodles back into the pan along with the sauce mixture. Stir well to coat every strand and ingredient evenly. This is where the curry powder and sauces meld beautifully with the chicken and veggies, creating the signature flavor of this dish. Heat everything through for another minute or two, then you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe
- Don’t Over-Soak Noodles: Too much soaking and your vermicelli becomes mushy; stick to 1-2 minutes max for that perfect chew.
- Marinate Early: The longer the chicken soaks in the curry marinade, the better the flavor—but even 10 minutes helps a lot.
- Layer Your Stir-Fry: Cooking ingredients in stages keeps each texture distinct—don’t dump everything in at once.
- Use Fresh Curry Powder: Spices lose their punch over time; fresh curry powder gives this dish its true character.
How to Serve Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top—it adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the curry richness. Sometimes a squeeze of lime juice is just perfect for balancing flavors with that little extra zing.
Side Dishes
My favorite side with this is a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar to cool down the palate. Steamed dumplings or a light Asian slaw also work beautifully if you’re serving company.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe in individual coconut shells or rustic bowls to amp up the exotic vibe. Adding edible flowers or thinly sliced red chilies on top makes it extra Instagram-worthy and impressive to guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before storing to avoid soggy noodles later. I always give it a quick toss before refrigerating.
Freezing
While I haven’t personally frozen this dish with perfect success, you can freeze the chicken and veggie mix separately without noodles. Rice vermicelli can get mushy after freezing, so it’s best to cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the noodles. This method revives the texture better than the microwave, which can sometimes dry out the dish.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rice vermicelli is traditional and absorbs the curry flavors beautifully, you can substitute with thin egg noodles or even glass noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the soaking and cooking time accordingly to avoid over-softening.
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How spicy is this Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe?
This recipe uses mild yellow curry powder, which generally has a gentle warmth rather than heat. If you want it spicier, you can add fresh chilies, chili flakes, or a dash of chili oil. For milder palates, just reduce the curry powder slightly.
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Is Shaoxing wine necessary?
Shaoxing wine adds a lovely depth and authentic touch to stir-fries, but if you don’t have it, dry sherry or even chicken broth will do. It helps cook off strong flavors and brings a subtle richness.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and eggs and increase the veggies or add tofu for protein. Use vegetable broth in place of Shaoxing wine and make sure hoisin and soy sauces are vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe feels like a little celebration in a bowl every time I make it. The cozy, fragrant curry powder combined with fresh veggies and tender chicken gives me all the comforting vibes. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as quick, satisfying, and tasty as I do—it’s a fantastic way to add some exotic flair without complicated ingredients or steps. Trust me, once you get this down, it might just become one of your favorite easy weeknight meals too!
Print
Easy Singapore Curry Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Singaporean
Description
Quick and easy Singapore Curry Noodles featuring chewy rice vermicelli stir-fried with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a fragrant curry sauce. This vibrant dish is ready in just 30 minutes, offering restaurant-quality flavors at home, perfect for a satisfying main meal.
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, strained)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Marinade and 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 curry powder (yellow kind)
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar (or cane sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: In a large bowl, soak the rice vermicelli noodles in hot boiling water for 1-2 minutes until they become loosened, limp, and slightly softened. Immediately strain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Shake out any remaining water.
- Marinate the chicken: In another large bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine. Mix well and set aside while preparing other ingredients.
- Make the noodle sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 teaspoons curry powder, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken and eggs: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until about 75% cooked through. Push the chicken to one side of the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble them gently. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the chicken and push to the side.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, red bell pepper, snap peas, and baby corn to the pan. Stir-fry until the vegetables soften but retain some crunch. Pour in 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine and allow the alcohol to evaporate, enhancing the flavor.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the drained vermicelli noodles to the pan along with the prepared noodle sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly until noodles and ingredients are well incorporated and heated through. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- The rice vermicelli noodles cook quickly so avoid over-soaking to prevent mushiness.
- Shaoxing wine adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with dry sherry or chicken broth if unavailable.
- Use thinly sliced chicken thighs for juicier, tender results.
- Adjust the amount of curry powder to your preferred spice level.
- This dish can be made vegetarian by substituting tofu for chicken and using vegetable broth instead of Shaoxing wine.
- Best served hot immediately after cooking for optimal texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1131 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg