Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a delightful Thai street food dish that’s packed with umami flavors. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. The rich combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Flavorful Experience: The unique blend of sauces and fresh basil gives drunken noodles an unmistakable taste that delights.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the chicken for beef or turkey based on your preference.
• Vibrant Colors: The bright colors from the veggies make this dish visually appealing, enhancing your dining experience.
• Healthy Options: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this meal is a nutritious choice for any dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. A few essential pieces of equipment will make all the difference in preparing perfect drunken noodles.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying at high heat, allowing for even cooking and achieving that authentic smoky flavor.
• Cooking spatula: Helps in tossing ingredients quickly and efficiently without damaging them during the cooking process.

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

• 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 according to package instructions.
2. To prevent overcooking, add hot water until fully submerged, cover, and let soak for 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

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

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

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

Step 5: Cook Chicken

1. Heat a large wok or skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat.
2. Add marinated chicken and sear without disturbing for 2 minutes.
3. Flip chicken and sear for another minute until almost cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from pan and set aside covered.

Step 6: Sauté Vegetables

1. Clean skillet if necessary; heat remaining oil.
2. Sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds until soft.
3. Add white part of green onion, minced garlic, and red chili; sauté another 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Noodles

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

Step 8: Combine Everything

1. Toss everything on high heat until noodles are coated well with sauce (about 2 minutes).
2. Scrape bottom of pan to prevent sticking; achieve slight char on noodles for street-style flavor.

Step 9: Serve

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

With these simple steps, you’ll create a delicious plate of drunken noodles that’s sure to impress your family or guests! Enjoy your flavorful journey through Thai cuisine!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will complement the flavors of this delicious dish.

Fresh Herbs

• Thai Basil: Garnish your plate with fresh Thai basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
• Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness that balances the spice.

Lime Wedges

• Citrus Zing: Serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the noodles brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Chili Oil

• Spicy Drizzle: Offer chili oil as a condiment for those who enjoy an extra heat level. This allows guests to customize their spice preference.

Crispy Shallots

• Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crispy shallots on top for added texture and an oniony flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Side Salad

• Refreshing Greens: Pair with a simple cucumber and carrot salad dressed in rice vinegar. The crunchiness provides a nice contrast to the noodles.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

Achieving perfect drunken noodles is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure you master this recipe.

• Bold Cooking Temperature: Always cook on high heat to achieve that signature smoky flavor synonymous with street-style drunken noodles.
• Perfect Noodle Soaking: Soak the rice noodles just until al dente, as they will continue cooking in the wok.
• Quick Stir-Frying: Toss your ingredients quickly and efficiently in the pan to keep them from sticking while ensuring even cooking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs like Thai basil for maximum flavor impact.
• Sauce Balance: Adjust the sauce components according to taste; feel free to tweak soy sauce or sugar levels for personal preference.
• Let It Rest: Allowing cooked chicken to rest after searing retains its moisture, making it more tender when mixed back into the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

Pairing side dishes with drunken noodles can elevate your meal experience. Here’s a list of excellent options that complement this flavorful dish.

1. Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp make a great appetizer.
2. Thai Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, peanuts, and a sweet vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the noodles.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables stir-fried in garlic enhances your meal’s nutrition and flavor profile.
4. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt adds protein and is perfect for snacking alongside your main dish.
5. Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum): This tangy salad made from green papaya, tomatoes, and peanuts adds crunch and acidity.
6. Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried, vegetable dumplings provide a fun bite-sized option full of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Drunken Noodles, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland meat. Always allow it to rest in soy sauce for at least 15 minutes.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Overcooked noodles become mushy. Follow the package instructions and soak them just until tender.
• Ignoring High Heat: Cooking on low heat prevents the noodles from achieving that desirable smoky flavor. Always use high heat when stir-frying.
• Using Fresh Basil Instead of Holy Basil: Substituting regular basil will alter the flavor profile. Make sure to use holy basil for authenticity.
• Neglecting Sauce Consistency: A watery sauce will lead to a soggy noodle dish. Ensure your sauce ingredients are well balanced for optimal thickness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Drunken Noodles

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portion sizes work best for easy reheating later.

Reheating Drunken Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and reheat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Drunken Noodles that may help you perfect this dish.

What are Drunken Noodles?

Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish known for its bold flavors and aromatic herbs.

Can I make Drunken Noodles vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables and adjust the sauces accordingly for a vegetarian version.

How spicy are Drunken Noodles?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of Thai red chili peppers used. Adjust according to your preference by using fewer peppers or omitting them altogether.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fish sauce?

You can replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and lime juice for similar umami flavors.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to satisfy cravings. Give it a try!