Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a delightful Thai street food dish that combines savory flavors with a touch of heat. This quick-cooking recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can easily be tailored to suit your taste. With its vibrant colors and rich umami notes, drunken noodles are sure to impress at any dinner table or casual gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the protein or veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Vibrant Colors: The mix of fresh ingredients not only tastes great but looks fantastic on the plate.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves four, making it ideal for family meals or entertaining friends.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious drunken noodles, having the right tools is essential. Below are some key items you’ll need to make this recipe a breeze.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cooking spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for high-heat cooking, allowing you to achieve that restaurant-quality sear and smoky flavor.
• Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon helps in tossing the noodles without breaking them apart during cooking.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for properly slicing proteins and vegetables for even cooking.

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Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 250 grams medium wide rice noodles (dried)

For the Chicken

• 250 grams chicken thighs or chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

For Cooking

• 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 2-3 Thai red chili peppers

For Vegetables and Herbs

• 4-5 baby bok choy
• 1 cup holy basil

For the Sauce

• 3 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1.5 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• Pinch ground white pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken stock or water

How to Make Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut chicken against the grain into thin strips.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to the chicken, mix well, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Soak the Rice Noodles

1. Prepare rice noodles as per package instructions. Preferably add hot water until fully submerged, cover, and let soak for 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the soaked noodles and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

1. Clean and cut baby bok choy.
2. Clean and pluck holy basil leaves.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients required for the sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large wok or skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat.
2. Once hot, add marinated chicken, searing it for 2 minutes without disturbing it.
3. Flip chicken and sear for another minute until almost cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from pan, keeping it covered to finish cooking in residual heat.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

1. If needed, clean the skillet/wok from any stuck bits.
2. Heat remaining oil; sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds.
3. Add minced garlic and sliced red chili; sauté another minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. Add bok choy to the skillet; stir-fry for about 30 seconds over medium-high heat.
2. Add drained rice noodles with cooked chicken juices along with Thai basil and green onion.

Step 8: Combine Everything

1. Pour sauce around edges of pan; toss everything over high heat until well coated with sauce.
2. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until slightly charred while scraping bottom of pan to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Serve Hot

1. Serve immediately topped with more green onion as desired.

Enjoy your homemade drunken noodles!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you prefer a simple presentation or something more elaborate, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Fresh Herbs and Lime

• Basil Leaves: Add a handful of fresh holy basil on top for an aromatic finish.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the noodles for a zesty kick.

Garnishes

• Sliced Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the dish for added flavor and crunch.
• Chili Flakes: Offer chili flakes on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.

Accompanying Sauces

• Chili Sauce: A small bowl of chili sauce can complement the dish well.
• Soy Sauce: Provide soy sauce for those who want an additional salty touch.

Serving Temperature

• Serve Hot: Ensure the drunken noodles are served immediately while hot to enjoy their best flavors.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

Perfecting drunken noodles requires attention to detail and technique. Here are tips to help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

• Bold Chicken Marinade: Marinate chicken strips with soy sauce for at least 15-20 minutes to infuse flavor.
• High Heat Cooking: Use high heat when stir-frying to create that signature smoky flavor characteristic of street food.
• Proper Noodle Soaking: Soak rice noodles just until tender; avoid overcooking them to maintain their texture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Sauce Balance: Adjust the balance of sauces (soy, oyster, fish) according to personal taste preferences for sweetness or saltiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

Pairing side dishes with drunken noodles can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some ideal options to consider:

1. Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls filled with vegetables provide a refreshing contrast.
2. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and sugar complements the spiciness of drunken noodles.
3. Thai Mango Salad: This sweet and tangy salad adds a burst of flavor and freshness alongside your main dish.
4. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame offers a protein-rich, healthy snack that pairs well with Asian cuisine.
5. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken add a delightful texture contrast to the meal.
6. Sesame Spinach Salad: A simple salad featuring lightly dressed spinach with sesame seeds brings a nutty flavor profile.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a warm, hearty side that balances out the dish’s flavors.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies add crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Drunken Noodles. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not marinating the chicken properly – Skipping the marination step can lead to bland chicken. Make sure to let the chicken rest in soy sauce for at least 15-20 minutes for better flavor.
• Overcooking the noodles – If you cook the noodles too long, they may become mushy. Soak them until just tender, as they will continue cooking when stir-fried.
• Ignoring high heat – Cooking on low heat may prevent you from achieving that signature street-style smokiness. Always use high heat while stir-frying for optimal results.
• Forgetting to scrape the pan – Not scraping the bottom of the pan can cause noodles to stick and burn. Make sure to toss thoroughly and scrape any stuck bits for a perfect dish.
• Using stale ingredients – Fresh ingredients enhance flavor significantly. Ensure your veggies and herbs are fresh for the best taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Drunken Noodles

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best used within 1-2 months for ideal quality.

Reheating Drunken noodles

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil; heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Drunken Noodles, check out these frequently asked questions.

What are Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a flavorful Thai noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and protein such as chicken or beef.

Can I customize Drunken Noodles?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas or swap out proteins based on your preference.

Are Drunken Noodles spicy?

The level of spice varies depending on how many Thai chili peppers you add. You can adjust it according to your taste!

How do I make Drunken Noodles vegetarian?

You can substitute chicken with tofu or additional vegetables and replace oyster sauce with a plant-based alternative.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles is an exciting dish that’s both quick and versatile. This recipe allows you to customize flavors and ingredients according to your preferences. Don’t hesitate to try it out—your family will love this delicious meal!