Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that captures the essence of street food culture. This dish tantalizes your taste buds with its mix of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering. The quick cooking time and the ability to customize the ingredients make drunken noodles an appealing option for many occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total cooking time of just 35 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful and Savory: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and spices creates a rich umami flavor that will leave you craving more.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite vegetables and proteins to tailor this dish to your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive celebration, drunken noodles are sure to impress.
• Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables like bok choy and basil, this dish offers nutrients along with great taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools and equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or skillet: Essential for high-heat cooking, allowing you to achieve that perfect char on the noodles.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for marinating chicken and mixing sauces without mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting vegetables and protein into thin strips for even cooking.

Ingredients

To create delicious drunken noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Noodles and Protein

• 250 grams medium wide rice noodles (dried)
• 250 grams chicken thighs or chicken breast

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1.5 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• Pinch ground white pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 2-3 Thai red chili peppers
• 4-5 baby bok choy
• 1 cup holy basil
• 1/4 cup chicken stock or water

How to Make Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Marinate 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Noodles

1. Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions; soak them in hot water until softened for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 3: Prep Your Vegetables

1. Clean and cut baby bok choy into bite-sized pieces.
2. Clean and pluck holy basil leaves from stems.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients together until well combined.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add marinated chicken and sear for 2 minutes without disturbing it.
3. Flip the chicken and sear for another minute until nearly cooked through.
4. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

1. Clean the skillet/wok if necessary; add remaining oil.
2. Sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds before adding minced garlic and red chili peppers; cook for another minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Bok Choy

1. Add bok choy to the skillet; stir-fry for about 30 seconds on medium-high heat.

Step 8: Combine Everything

1. Add drained rice noodles, cooked chicken with juices, Thai basil, and green onions to the wok.
2. Pour sauce around edges of the pan; toss everything over high heat until well coated.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot with additional green onion on top!

Enjoy your homemade drunken noodles!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add some flair, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Thai Basil: Add a few fresh leaves on top for an aromatic finish.
• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide additional texture and richness.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• Fresh Lime: Squeeze lime juice over the noodles just before eating for a zesty kick.

Complement with Extra Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Veggies: Serve alongside extra stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for added nutrition.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

To make your drunken noodles truly stand out, follow these key tips that ensure great flavor and texture.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh ingredients like garlic and chili peppers for an authentic taste.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat to achieve that smoky flavor characteristic of street food.
• Proper Noodle Soaking: Soak the rice noodles just enough to soften them without overcooking.
• Marinate Chicken Well: Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors deeply.
• Balance Sauces: Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce based on your taste preference for saltiness and umami.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

Complement your drunken noodles with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp make a perfect starter.
2. Thai Salad: A refreshing mixed salad with lime dressing provides a light contrast.
3. Tom Yum Soup: This spicy soup adds a flavorful kick to your meal.
4. Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad offers a cool, crunchy side option.
5. Fried Tofu: Crispy tofu bites are a great vegetarian addition packed with protein.
6. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant jasmine rice serves as an excellent base alongside the noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Drunken Noodles can be a breeze, but avoiding common mistakes will elevate your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the noodles: Noodles should be al dente. Soak them just until soft, as they will continue to cook in the stir-fry.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality sauces make a significant difference. Invest in good soy sauce and fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor.
• Not pre-marinating the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances its flavor. Even a brief marination can make a noticeable difference.
• Skipping high heat: Cooking on low heat may prevent that signature smoky flavor. Use high heat when stir-frying for that street-food vibe.
• Neglecting the sauce balance: Too much or too little sauce can ruin the dish. Adjust it according to your taste but aim for a balanced flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the noodles cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Drunken Noodles

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to leave some space in the container, as the noodles may expand.

Reheating Drunken Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals at medium power, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Drunken Noodles:

What are Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a spicy stir-fried noodle dish typically made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and protein.

Can I use other proteins in Drunken Noodles?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or turkey based on your preference.

How spicy are Drunken Noodles?

The level of spiciness can vary. You can adjust the number of Thai red chili peppers used based on your taste.

What can I serve with Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles pair well with fresh salads or spring rolls for a complete meal experience.

How do I customize my Drunken Noodles?

Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas and adjust sauces according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles is an incredibly versatile dish that captures the essence of Thai street food. With its rich flavors and quick preparation time, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins!