Curried Singapore Noodles was my standard order at a restaurant in Washington’s Chinatown – until it wasn’t. That kitchen’s particular proportions of curried sauce, rice noodles, vegetables, egg and shrimp was the only way I wanted the dish to taste. Once that place closed and a few other Chinese restaurants failed to live up to the standard, I struck it off my list.
It appears that cookbook author Susie Middleton has cracked the flavor code in this vegan version I can now make at home. The recipe comes from her new Simple Green Suppers, whose title signifies vegetarian. I didn’t miss the absence of egg or shrimp and loved the prominence of ginger and garlic.
The sauce and seasoning ingredients were already in my pantry. I did have to carve into a heavy head of green cabbage, but because that’s a vegetable with a shelf life of several weeks, I know I’ll use it up for a slaw, a quick skillet salad or grill. And I’ll be making these noodles again.
Curried Singapore Noodles With Stir-Fried VeggiesServings: 4 to 6
Serve with a starter bowl of warm miso soup.Ingredients:2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (may substitute tamari)1 tablespoon mirin1 packed tablespoon dark brown sugar1 tablespoon water4 ounces vermicelli rice noodlesOne 1-inch piece fresh ginger root1/4 head green cabbage (13 or 14 ounces)1/2 large red bell pepper1/2 medium red onion3 or 4 ounces fresh snow peas2 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oilKosher salt2 teaspoons Asian chile garlic paste2 teaspoons curry powder, preferably MadrasMethod:Bring a deep saucepan of water to a boil over high heat.
Meanwhile, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar and water in a bowl.
Add the noodles to the pot; remove from the heat and let sit for 3 minutes while you peel and grate the ginger.
Drain the noodles. Use your clean hands to tear or separate them into 5 or 6 clumps.
Cut the cabbage into very thin slices. Seed the bell pepper, then cut the flesh into thin strips. Cut the red onion into very thin slices. String the snow peas, as needed, and cut in half on the diagonal.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the cabbage, red bell pepper, red onion and snow peas (to taste). Season lightly with salt and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned yet still somewhat crisp.
Add the ginger, chile-garlic paste and curry powder; stir-fry for 30 seconds or so, until fragrant and the veggies are evenly coated.
Reduce the heat to medium-low; add the cooked rice noodles and stir-fry until well incorporated. The noodles should pick up some of the curry color.
Add the soy sauce mixture and stir-fry for a few seconds. Taste, and add a bit more salt, as needed.
Divide among individual plates or wide bowls. Serve warm.
Nutrition: Per serving (based on 6): 160 calories, 3 g protein, 25 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 3 g dietary fiber, 6 g sugar
Source: Adapted from Simple Green Suppers: A Fresh Strategy for One-Dish Vegetarian Meals, by Susie Middleton (Roost Books, 2017).
