This vibrant Singapore vermicelli stir-fry bursts with succulent prawns, crisp vegetables, and fragrant rice noodles tossed in a flavourful curry chilli sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect dairy-free, speedy weeknight meal full of texture and warmth.
Preparation time
less than 30 mins
less than 30 mins
Cooking time
10 to 30 mins
10 to 30 mins
Serves
Serves 4
Serves 4
Dietary
Dairy-free
Dairy-free
By Xiengni Zhou and Jolene Yu
From Saturday Kitchen
This recipe scores Nutri-Score B for its high protein from prawns and balanced vegetables, with moderate fat from vegetable oil and a light sauce.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 150g/5½oz vermicelli noodles
- 200g/7oz raw prawns
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for seasoning
- 2 free-range eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- ¼ medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 spring onions, cut into 4 pieces, whites and greens separated, whites halved lengthways
- ¼ red pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ green pepper, thinly sliced
- 150g/5½oz beansprouts
For the sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp MSG
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp curry chilli oil
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp curry powder
To serve
- 1 red chilli, sliced
- Curry chilli oil, to taste
Customise
- Prawns: Replace with chicken strips or tofu for variety.
- Vegetables: Add shredded carrot or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Noodles: Use rice noodles or thin spaghetti as alternatives.
- Spices: Adjust curry chilli oil or powder for preferred heat level.
Method
- Soften the noodles (2 mins): Place vermicelli noodles in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 2 minutes until softened. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
- Season the prawns: Toss raw prawns with salt, white pepper, and sesame oil to infuse flavour.
- Prepare the sauce: Combine salt, MSG, caster sugar, white pepper, sesame oil, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, curry chilli oil, oyster sauce, and curry powder in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
- Season the wok: Heat the wok over medium-high heat. Add a ladle of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface, then pour away the excess to season the pan.
- Cook the prawns (2–3 mins): Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok, then stir-fry the prawns for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Scramble the eggs and stir-fry aromatics (45 secs): Add the remaining vegetable oil, crack in the eggs and scramble briefly for 15 seconds. Add garlic, onion, and the white parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and prawns (1 min): Return cooked prawns to the wok. Stir in peppers and green parts of spring onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds to combine flavours.
- Combine noodles, beansprouts, and sauce (1–2 mins): Add softened vermicelli noodles and beansprouts to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Divide the noodles into bowls and garnish with fresh red chilli slices and a drizzle of curry chilli oil to taste.
Suggested Wine Pairing
- Echo Falls Pinot Grigio: A crisp white with citrus and green apple notes that refreshes the palate and balances the mild curry spices.
- Marks & Spencer Sauvignon Blanc: Vibrant acidity and fresh herbaceous flavours complement the prawns and vegetables beautifully.
- Tesco Finest Riesling: Light and off-dry with floral and stone fruit aromas, perfect for enhancing the sweet and spicy elements of the dish.
What can you serve with this
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Provides a fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
- Lightly Pickled Cucumber: Adds a crisp, tangy contrast to the warm spices.
- Stir-fried Greens: Such as bok choy or gai lan, offering fresh texture and colour.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Add crunchy texture and complement the noodle stir-fry.
- Mango Chutney: Sweet and spicy, adding complexity and a cooling effect.
FAQs for Singapore Vermicelli
- What is Singapore vermicelli? It is a spicy stir-fried rice vermicelli noodle dish featuring prawns, vegetables, and curry flavours.
- Can I substitute prawns in the recipe? Yes, chicken or tofu work well as alternatives.
- Is Singapore vermicelli spicy? The dish has a mild to moderate spice level, which can be adjusted to taste.
- What noodles are best for Singapore vermicelli? Thin rice vermicelli noodles are traditional and ideal for this recipe.
- Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets? Yes, it contains no dairy products and is suitable for dairy-free diets.
Nutri-score Health Check
The Singapore vermicelli recipe scores a Nutri-Score of B, indicating a nutritious and balanced meal with high-quality protein from prawns and a variety of fresh vegetables.
Positive Factors
- Prawns provide lean protein and essential nutrients.
- Vegetables contribute fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
- Moderate use of vegetable oil helps keep fat and calorie content in check.
Negative Factors
- Use of MSG may concern some, though it is generally recognised as safe in moderate amounts.
- Dark soy sauce can add sodium, so adjust accordingly if salt intake is a concern.
The score is automatically generated for guidance and reflects the recipe as presented.
