Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a delightful Thai street food that’s bursting with flavor and umami goodness. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs makes it a standout choice that you can whip up in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 40 minutes.
• Flavorful Experience: The blend of soy sauce, garlic, and Thai basil creates a rich taste that will excite your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: This dish requires minimal cleanup as everything cooks in one pan or wok.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Drunken noodles reheat well, making them an excellent option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cooking spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying at high heat, allowing the ingredients to cook quickly while retaining their flavors.
• Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon helps in tossing and mixing the noodles thoroughly without breaking them apart.

Ingredients

For the Noodles and Chicken

• 250 grams medium wide rice noodles (dried)
• 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 the Vegetables

• 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 you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Soak the Noodles

1. Prepare rice noodles as per package instructions.
2. To avoid overcooking, add hot water to cover noodles completely, cover them, and let soak for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prep Vegetables

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

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Mix all sauce ingredients together in a bowl.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large wok or skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat.
2. Add marinated chicken; sear for about 2 minutes without disturbing.
3. Flip and sear again for another minute until almost fully cooked; remove from pan and cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

1. Clean skillet if needed; add remaining oil.
2. Sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds.
3. Add minced garlic and red chili; sauté for another minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. Stir-fry bok choy on medium-high heat for about 30 seconds.
2. Add drained rice noodles, cooked chicken with juices, Thai basil, and green onion.
3. Pour sauce around edges of pan.

Step 8: Toss Everything Together

1. Toss over high heat until noodles are coated with sauce (about two minutes).
2. Scrape bottom of pan occasionally to prevent sticking; aim for slightly charred noodles.

Step 9: Serve

1. Serve hot topped with additional green onion if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Drunken Noodles! Perfectly suited for any dinner table!

How to Serve Drunken Noodles

Serving Drunken Noodles can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish that will impress your guests or family.

With Fresh Herbs

• Thai Basil: Sprinkle extra fresh Thai basil on top for a fragrant finish.
• Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Accompanying Sauces

• Chili Sauce: Serve with a side of chili sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
• Soy Sauce: Provide soy sauce on the side for added umami flavor.

Garnishes

• Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges to squeeze over the noodles for brightness.
• Chopped Peanuts: Toasted peanuts can add crunch and a nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Drunken Noodles

Perfecting Drunken Noodles involves attention to detail in both preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Flavors: Ensure your sauce is well-balanced with enough seasoning; taste it before adding it to the noodles.
• High Heat Cooking: Use high heat while stir-frying to achieve that signature smoky flavor found in street food.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Soak rice noodles just until they are al dente; they will continue cooking when stir-fried.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavors and textures in your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken Noodles

Pairing side dishes with Drunken Noodles can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls filled with vegetables make a perfect appetizer.
2. Thai Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, carrots, and a tangy dressing complements the rich noodles.
3. Cucumber Salad: This cool salad adds crunch and balances the heat from the noodles.
4. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken can be a delightful addition.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal veggies add a smoky note that pairs well with the dish.
6. Fruit Platter: A mix of tropical fruits provides a sweet contrast after the savory main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Drunken Noodles, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not soaking the noodles properly: Failing to soak the rice noodles correctly can lead to overcooked or undercooked noodles. Always follow the package instructions and soak them in hot water until just tender.

• Skipping the marinating step: Neglecting to marinate the chicken means missing out on deeper flavors. Take the time to mix in soy sauce with the chicken and let it rest before cooking.

• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the pan temperature, resulting in steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary, keeping things moving for that perfect charred flavor.

• Ignoring sauce balance: Not measuring the sauce ingredients can throw off the flavor balance. Use precise measurements for soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to achieve a well-rounded taste.

• Using low heat during cooking: Cooking at too low a temperature prevents achieving that essential smoky flavor. Always cook on high heat when stir-frying for optimal results.

• Forgetting about fresh herbs: Leaving out Thai basil or other fresh herbs means losing out on freshness and aroma. Add these at the end of cooking for maximum impact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Drunken noodles

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Drunken noodles

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or stock, and stir-fry until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Drunken Noodles:

What are Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, are a flavorful Thai noodle dish made with wide rice noodles stir-fried with chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce.

Can I use different proteins for Drunken Noodles?

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

Is there a vegetarian version of Drunken Noodles?

Absolutely! To make vegetarian Drunken Noodles, replace meat with tofu or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How do I make Drunken Noodles spicy?

To increase spiciness, add more Thai red chili peppers or include chili flakes when preparing your dish.

Can I customize the vegetables used in Drunken Noodles?

Yes! Feel free to swap bok choy with other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli based on what’s available or your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles is a delicious Thai dish that features bold flavors and delightful textures. Its quick preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it by trying different proteins or adding seasonal vegetables!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Drunken Noodles

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Enjoy flavorful Drunken Noodles made quickly at home! This Thai favorite is perfect for weeknight dinners—give it a try tonight!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250 grams medium wide rice noodles (dried)
• 250 grams chicken thighs or chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 4–5 baby bok choy
• 1 cup holy basil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 2–3 Thai red chili peppers
• 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

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Instructions

1. 1. Cut chicken into thin strips and marinate with 1 teaspoon soy sauce for 15-20 minutes.
2. 2. Soak rice noodles in hot water for about 15-20 minutes until tender; drain.
3. 3. Clean and chop bok choy and basil leaves.
4. 4. Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.
5. 5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or skillet over high heat; cook marinated chicken until almost fully cooked, then remove.
6. 6. Sauté sliced onions, minced garlic, and chili in remaining oil before adding bok choy; cook briefly.
7. 7. Add noodles, cooked chicken, basil, and sauce; toss until combined and heated through.
8. 8. Serve hot with optional garnishes like green onion.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg