How to Make Prawn Noodles (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Prawn Noodles, known locally as Hae Mee, is a beloved staple of Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture. This iconic dish features springy yellow noodles immersed in a deeply flavorful prawn and pork broth, topped with fresh prawns, lean pork slices, and crisp vegetables. You'll find Singaporean Prawn Noodles enjoyed everywhere from bustling kopitiams to trendy food courts, a testament to its universal appeal and cultural significance. Singaporean Prawn Noodles represents the perfect fusion of local flavors, with roots in early Hokkien and Teochew immigrant communities. The broth is the soul of the dish—rich yet clear, fragrant with prawn shells, and carefully balanced with aromatic shallots and garlic. This healthy, home-cooked version uses less oil and leaner cuts of meat, making it a nutritious lunch option without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a protein-packed meal, Prawn Noodles is a satisfying, wholesome choice that celebrates Singapore’s multicultural culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Clean and peel the prawns
Clean and peel the prawns, reserving shells and heads for the broth. Slice pork loin thinly and set aside.
Step 2 · Heat 1 tsp oil in a large pot
Heat 1 tsp oil in a large pot. Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add prawn shells and heads, stir-fry until orange.
Step 3 · Pour in 1
Pour in 1.2L water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the broth, discard solids, and return clear broth to the pot.
Step 4 · Add pork slices to the broth and simmer for 3-4 minutes until just ...
Add pork slices to the broth and simmer for 3-4 minutes until just cooked. Season with fish sauce, light soy sauce, and white pepper.
Step 5 · Blanch yellow noodles
Blanch yellow noodles, bee hoon (if using), bean sprouts, and spinach/kangkong in boiling water for 1-2 minutes each. Drain well.
Step 6 · Assemble noodles
Assemble noodles, greens, and bean sprouts in serving bowls. Top with cooked pork and prawns. Ladle hot broth over.
Step 7 · Garnish with spring onions and chili slices if desired
Garnish with spring onions and chili slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Why this recipe is healthy
This healthy Prawn Noodles recipe is lower in fat but rich in protein and vitamins, making it suitable for calorie-conscious eaters. By using lean pork and reducing oil, you get all the umami flavor of traditional Hae Mee with fewer calories. Ample greens and bean sprouts add vitamins and fiber, supporting digestion and fullness. It’s a balanced, nourishing dish for lunch or post-workout recovery.
A note on tradition
Prawn Noodles is a quintessential Singaporean dish popular at hawker centres and kopitiams, especially in regions like Geylang and the East. It’s enjoyed from morning till lunch, often as a hearty start to the day. The dish traces its roots to Hokkien and Teochew communities, evolving into a uniquely Singaporean comfort food celebrated for its robust flavors and communal eating experience.