How many calories in a plate of Singapore noodles?

Singapore noodles are a popular dish that combines thin rice noodles, curry powder, vegetables, and proteins like shrimp, chicken or pork. But with all those ingredients, how many calories are actually in a plate of Singapore noodles?

The number of calories in Singapore noodles can vary greatly depending on the specific ingredients used in the dish. Factors like the type of noodles, proteins, vegetables, sauces and cooking methods all impact the calorie count. Additionally, restaurant preparations tend to be higher in calories than homemade versions.

In general, a plate of Singapore noodles contains 500-800 calories. Homemade versions are on the lower end around 500 calories, while restaurant plates can go up to 800 calories or more if loaded with high-calorie meats, oils and sauces.

By choosing lean proteins, loading up on veggies and limiting high-fat sauces, you can make healthier versions at home. And being mindful of portions is key when dining out.

Calories in Noodles

The base of Singapore noodles is made from thin rice noodles called vermicelli. A typical serving is around 200 grams of vermicelli noodles.

200 grams of cooked rice vermicelli noodles contains about 300 calories.

Rice noodles are mostly carbohydrates with a small amount of fat and protein. They have a light, mild flavor that takes on the taste of other ingredients.

Other types of noodles can also be used like egg noodles, mung bean noodles or cellophane noodles. The calorie counts will vary slightly but are generally close to rice vermicelli.

Calories per 100g of Different Noodles

Noodle Type	Calories
Rice vermicelli	150
Egg noodles	140
Cellophane noodles	130
Mung bean noodles	110

So the noodles alone are contributing around 300 calories to the dish. Next we’ll look at the common proteins added.

Calories in Proteins

Singapore noodles can be made with different types of protein. Common options include:

• Shrimp
• Chicken
• Pork
• Tofu

A serving of protein is generally around 100 grams or 4 ounces. Here’s how the calories stack up:

Protein	Calories (100g)
Shrimp	90
Chicken breast	110
Pork tenderloin	140
Firm tofu	75

Shrimp and tofu are the lowest calorie options, while chicken and pork are a bit higher. So your protein can contribute 75-140 calories depending on the type used.

Calories in Vegetables

Singapore noodles have a variety of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, onions and peppers.

Vegetables provide important nutrients and fiber, while being low in calories.

A mixed vegetable medley of 1 cup chopped veggies contains around 25 calories.

So the vegetable component adds more nutrients without spiking calories. Use a combo of stir-fry veggies like:

• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Bean sprouts
• Broccoli

Aim for at least 1-2 cups of vegetables in your Singapore noodles to provide bulk and nutrients without excess calories.

Calories in Sauces

The flavor in Singapore noodles comes from its spicy curry sauce. Traditional versions use curry powder, chili peppers and salt.

The sauces can also include coconut milk, peanut sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce and more.

Here are the calories for 3 tablespoons of common Singapore noodle sauces:

Sauce	Calories
Curry powder	15
Coconut milk	60
Peanut sauce	90
Oyster sauce	40

The curry powder doesn’t add many calories. But coconut milk and peanut sauce pack more calories from fat.

To make a lighter curry sauce:

• Use 1 tablespoon oil when sautéing aromatics
• Flavor with curry powder, garlic and chili peppers
• Add a splash of coconut milk instead of full-fat

This limits the high-calorie ingredients, while still giving lots of flavor.

Total Calories in Homemade Singapore Noodles

Putting it all together, here are the average calories for a homemade plate of Singapore noodles:

Ingredient	Calories
Rice vermicelli noodles (200g)	300
Shrimp (100g)	90
Mixed vegetables (1 cup)	25
Curry powder sauce (3 Tbsp)	15
Oil for cooking	120
Total	550

A homemade plate of Singapore noodles with vermicelli, shrimp, veggies and a curry sauce comes out to around 550 calories.

This is for a moderate serving with 200g noodles and 100g protein. Add more protein or noodles and the calories will also increase.

Calories in Restaurant Singapore Noodles

Ordering Singapore noodles at a restaurant often bumps up the calorie count. Restaurant versions can range from 600-800+ calories per plate.

Here are some reasons restaurant Singapore noodles may be higher in calories:

• Larger portions of noodles and protein
• Higher-calorie proteins like pork or chicken
• More oil used for frying
• Rich coconut milk-based sauces
• Extras like eggs or full-fat coconut milk

For example, a plate with 300g noodles, 150g pork, 2 eggs and a creamy curry sauce could have over 800 calories.

To lower the calories when dining out:

• Opt for shrimp or tofu instead of pork/chicken
• Ask for sauce on the side and use sparingly
• Choose steamed noodles instead of fried
• Request less oil and no eggs
• Take half home for leftovers

This limits excess calories from large portions and high-fat cooking methods.

Low-Calorie Singapore Noodle Options

Here are some tips to lighten up Singapore noodles and cut down the calories:

Noodle Alternatives

Swap the noodles for spiralized veggies:

• Zucchini noodles
• Carrot noodles
• Squash noodles

Or try shirataki noodles, which are very low carb and calories.

Lean Proteins

Choose lean sources of protein:

• Shrimp
• Scallops
• Tofu
• Edamame
• Egg whites

Bulk Up On Veggies

Maximize non-starchy vegetables:

• Broccoli
• Peppers
• Snap peas
• Cabbage
• Bean sprouts
• Carrots

Lighten Sauces

Make skinny sauces by:

• Using broth instead of coconut milk
• Flavored with curry powder and spices instead of pastes
• Splash of lime rather than oyster sauce
• Cocoa powder for richness without the calories

Healthy Cooking Methods

Opt for lighter cooking techniques:

• Steaming
• Stir-frying with 1 tsp oil
• Pan-frying instead of deep frying

With smart substitutions and healthy prep methods, you can enjoy Singapore noodles at home while still minding your calories!

Conclusion

Singapore noodles can range widely in calories depending on ingredients and cooking methods. Restaurant plates tend to have 600-800+ calories, while homemade is around 500 calories.

To lighten up this dish:

• Use lean proteins like shrimp
• Load up on low-cal veggies
• Make skinny sauces with broths and spices
• Stick to stir-frying instead of deep frying

With mindful ingredients and preparation, you can reduce the calories in Singapore noodles while still enjoying the iconic flavors. Aim for 500 calories or less per serving to keep this dish light.