Singapore-style noodles

Creating a flavorful and quick meal can be a rewarding experience, especially when it involves a mix of crunchy vegetables and marinated meats. This particular recipe, ready in just 30 minutes and serving four, combines lean chicken and pork with a medley of spices and fresh produce, resulting in a dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• Onions: Use one roughly chopped and one finely sliced.
• Garlic: Four cloves.
• Red Chilli: Deseeded.
• Fresh Root Ginger: 2.5cm piece, peeled and roughly chopped.
• Spices: Four tablespoons of medium curry powder, one tablespoon of ground turmeric, and one tablespoon of Chinese five-spice powder.
• Thai Fish Sauce (Nam Pla): One tablespoon.
• Lean Pork Loin: 200g, visible fat removed, cut into thin strips.
• Chicken Breasts: Two skinless and boneless, cut into thin strips.
• Dried Noodles: 250g.
• Carrots: Cut into batons.
• Red Peppers: Two, deseeded and sliced.
• Sugar Snap Peas: 150g.
• Soy Sauce: Three tablespoons.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Two tablespoons.

Note: When using spice or seasoning blends, be mindful of added ingredients like sugar, oil, or starch. To maintain a healthy diet, count ½ Syn per level teaspoon or 1½ Syns per level tablespoon.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

• Place the roughly chopped onion in a food processor along with the garlic, red chilli, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, five-spice powder, and fish sauce. Blend these ingredients until they form a fine paste. If you don’t have a food processor, a stick blender and a bowl can be used to achieve the same result.

1. Marinate the Meat:

• Take a bowl and put the thinly sliced pork and chicken in it. Add one-third of the prepared spice paste to the bowl and stir until the meat is well coated. Allow the meat to marinate for at least five minutes. This step infuses the meat with rich flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

1. Cook the Noodles:

• Follow the package instructions to cook the noodles. Once cooked, drain them well and rinse under cold running water. Drain again to ensure they do not stick together.

1. Cook the Meat:

• Spray a non-stick frying pan or wok with low-calorie cooking spray and place it over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and pork to the pan, cooking for about five minutes. If the mixture begins to stick, add a splash of water. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.

1. Cook the Vegetables and Remaining Spice Paste:

• Reduce the heat to medium and spray the frying pan or wok with a little more low-calorie cooking spray. Add the remaining spice paste to the pan and cook for about two minutes. Then, add the carrots, red peppers, sugar snap peas, and the finely sliced onion. Pour in 400ml of boiling water and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened.

1. Combine All Ingredients:

• Return the cooked pork and chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and stir until everything is thoroughly combined and heated through. Finish the dish by adding the soy sauce and rice wine vinegar, mixing well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Nutritional Benefits:

This dish is not only packed with flavors but also offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The lean pork and chicken provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The variety of vegetables contributes to your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting overall health and digestion. The use of spices not only enhances the taste but also brings potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties from turmeric and metabolism-boosting effects from chilli.

Tips for a Healthier Meal:

• Choose Low-Sodium Options: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
• Increase Vegetable Content: Feel free to add more vegetables or substitute with your favorites to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
• Mind the Spice: Adjust the amount of chilli and curry powder according to your heat preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the quantity.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken and pork with tofu or a variety of mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Different Noodles: Try using whole grain or soba noodles for a different texture and added nutritional benefits.
• Alternative Proteins: Shrimp or beef strips can be used instead of chicken and pork for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal. However, it pairs well with a light side salad or a simple broth-based soup. For a bit of crunch, garnish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also be added for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, hearty meal that is sure to please the whole family. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy the blend of spices and the satisfying mix of textures in every bite!