Singapore Hokkien Mee is a mouthwatering stir-fried noodle dish that captures the essence of hawker-style cooking. It blends yellow noodles and thick rice vermicelli with a rich, homemade prawn stock, fresh prawns, tender squid, and succulent pork belly. The noodles soak up the flavorful broth until they reach a silky, savory perfection, with each bite bursting with umami. Served with spicy sambal and a wedge of lime, this dish offers a beautiful contrast of heat, tang, and richness, making it both comforting and exciting.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• yellow noodles

• thick rice vermicelli

• prawns

• squid (sliced)

• pork belly (sliced)

• green chives

• chicken stock (for prawn broth)

• eggs

• garlic, chopped

• fish sauce

• white pepper

• sesame oil

Directions

• Fry prawn heads until fragrant to extract deep flavor.

• Simmer prawn heads in chicken stock to create a rich, aromatic broth.

• Poach pork belly in the prawn stock, then slice thinly once cooled.

• In a heated wok, stir-fry garlic until golden, add eggs, and scramble until just set.

• Add yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, tossing to combine and lightly sear.

• Gradually pour in prawn stock, allowing the noodles to absorb the broth.

• Season with fish sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil.

• Stir in prawns, squid, and chives, cooking briefly to keep seafood tender.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~555 kcal per serving

• Total Fat: ~18 g

• Saturated Fat: ~6 g

• Cholesterol: ~338 mg

• Sodium: ~753 mg

• Carbohydrates: ~64 g

• Dietary Fiber: ~3.1 g

• Sugars: ~1.6 g

• Protein: ~32 g

• Vitamin D: ~0.9 µg

• Calcium: ~88 mg

• Iron: ~2.2 mg

• Potassium: ~694 mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this Singapore Hokkien Mee truly exceptional is the homemade prawn broth. By sautéing prawn heads first, the dish develops an intense aroma and flavor that penetrates every bite of the noodles. Unlike quick one-pan noodle dishes, this recipe layers its flavors—first in the broth, then in the stir-fry—resulting in depth and complexity. The combination of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli delivers a perfect balance of chewiness and softness, creating a satisfying mouthfeel. The pork belly brings a luxurious richness, while the prawns and squid provide a sweet, briny freshness. The final touch of sambal and lime adds a bold contrast that keeps each mouthful exciting. This is a dish that delivers hawker-style authenticity in a home kitchen, rewarding both the cook and the lucky ones who get to eat it.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

This dish offers a blend of indulgence and nourishment. Prawns are rich in lean protein, low in calories, and packed with essential vitamins like B12 and minerals such as selenium and zinc. Squid adds another dimension of protein, along with omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and heart health. Pork belly, while higher in fat, contributes flavor and satiety—making this a hearty, satisfying meal. Garlic brings antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while chives add vitamin C, vitamin K, and subtle herbal freshness. The prawn broth is not just delicious but efficient, using shells and heads that might otherwise be discarded to create a nutrient-rich stock. The mix of noodles offers carbohydrates for sustained energy, perfect for busy days or after long hours at school or work. Taken together, the ingredients create a meal that is as nourishing as it is flavorful.

Cooking Tips

The success of this dish lies in preparation and timing. Always start with a well-made prawn broth—frying the heads before simmering releases natural oils that deepen flavor. Keep your broth at a gentle simmer to avoid bitterness. When cooking the noodles, add the stock in batches so they absorb the liquid gradually, developing that characteristic saucy coating. For the best texture, cook seafood last and briefly—prawns turn opaque in under two minutes, and squid only needs a quick toss to remain tender. Maintain a high heat for that elusive “wok hei” or smoky aroma, but avoid overcooking the noodles. Taste frequently during cooking; fish sauce levels can vary in saltiness, so adjust carefully. If you like extra heat, mix sambal into the noodles during cooking rather than just serving it on the side. For a richer flavor, use pork belly with the skin on, as it adds texture and helps render flavorful fat into the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Singapore Hokkien Mee immediately while it’s still piping hot. Arrange it on a large platter, topped with a side of sambal and a wedge of lime for every serving. The sambal provides a spicy kick, while the lime adds acidity to cut through the richness. For a complete hawker-style meal, pair it with stir-fried greens like kailan with oyster sauce or a light cucumber salad for freshness. In a casual setting, this dish works well as a centerpiece for sharing—just keep extra broth warm in case anyone wants their noodles more saucy. For busy students and families, this recipe can be adapted into a quick weeknight dinner by preparing the broth in advance and storing it in the fridge for up to three days or freezing for longer. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of stock to keep them from drying out. As a back-to-school or college dinner, this dish offers both comfort and energy, fueling long study sessions while satisfying a craving for something bold and flavorful.

Conclusion

Singapore Hokkien Mee is more than just a stir-fried noodle dish—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. The prawn broth serves as the backbone, giving the dish its unmistakable depth, while the combination of noodles ensures every bite is pleasingly varied. The seafood brings sweetness, the pork belly adds richness, and the sambal-lime pairing delivers a final punch of flavor. This is a recipe that rewards attention to detail, yet it’s forgiving enough for home cooks of all levels. By following a few key tips—like preparing the broth in advance, cooking seafood briefly, and balancing flavors—you can bring a taste of Singapore’s hawker stalls right to your own table. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or yourself after a long day, this dish delivers the perfect balance of comfort and excitement. It’s a satisfying, wholesome, and memorable meal that belongs in your kitchen rotation, ready to impress on any occasion.