Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are a delightful Thai street food that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines fresh ingredients with a savory sauce, creating a meal that is both quick and delicious. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a lively gathering, drunken noodles are sure to impress with their umami flavor profile and vibrant colors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total cook time of just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible umami taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different twist on this classic dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup is guaranteed since everything cooks in one wok or skillet!
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the number of Thai red chili peppers to suit your spice preference.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking much easier. For this recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen equipment that helps achieve the best results.

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 high-heat cooking, allowing you to create those signature smoky flavors in your drunken noodles.
• Cooking spatula: Essential for tossing and mixing ingredients thoroughly while stir-frying.

Ingredients

Drunken Noodles (aka Pad Kee Mao) is a popular Thai street food that’s high enough on the umami meter. It comes together fast, making it ideal for a weeknight meal.

For the Noodles

• 250 grams medium wide rice noodles (dried)

For the Protein

• 250 grams chicken thighs or chicken breast

For Marination

• 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: 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 while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Noodles

1. Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. To avoid overcooking, add hot water until fully submerged, cover, and let soak for 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Clean and Cut 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 Ingredients

Combine soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, white pepper, and chicken stock in a bowl. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

1. Clean the skillet if needed; heat remaining oil.
2. Sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and sliced chili peppers; sauté another 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Bok Choy

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

Step 8: Combine Everything

1. Add drained rice noodles and cooked chicken along with any juices back into the pan.
2. Pour sauce around edges of pan; toss everything over high heat until noodles are well coated with sauce—about 2 minutes.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot with additional green onions on top as garnish!

Enjoy your homemade drunken noodles!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing that complements the dish beautifully.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Thai Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side salad that balances the spiciness of drunken noodles.
• Papaya Salad: This tangy salad offers a crunchy texture and pairs well with the noodles.

Topped with Protein

• Fried Egg: A fried egg on top adds richness and makes it more filling.
• Shrimp or Tofu: For added protein, include sautéed shrimp or crispy tofu cubes.

With Extra Sauces

• Chili Sauce: Provide chili sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick.
• Peanut Sauce: A drizzle of peanut sauce can add a unique flavor twist.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

Achieving restaurant-quality drunken noodles at home is easy with these tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that smoky flavor characteristic of street food.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Ensure noodles remain slightly chewy by soaking rather than boiling them.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh vegetables and herbs for vibrant flavors and textures.
• Marinate Chicken Well: Allow your chicken to marinate adequately to infuse it with flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

Pairing your drunken noodles with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make a delightful starter.
2. Tom Yum Soup: This spicy and sour soup adds a warming touch before the main course.
3. Fried Rice: A simple fried rice can be a filling companion without overwhelming flavors.
4. Sesame Green Beans: These add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs nicely.
5. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with savory meat or veggies provide a satisfying bite.
6. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat balances the savory flavors of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Drunken Noodles, even seasoned cooks can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using non-Thai basil: Regular basil lacks the unique flavor of Thai basil. Always use Thai basil for an authentic taste.
• Overcooking the noodles: Soaking dried noodles too long can lead to mushiness. Follow the package instructions carefully to achieve the perfect texture.
• Not marinating the chicken: Skipping the marinade can result in bland chicken. Allow your chicken to marinate with soy sauce for better flavor.
• Ignoring high heat cooking: Cooking on low heat won’t give you that signature smoky taste. Stir-fry on high heat for a couple of minutes for best results.
• Skipping the sauce mixing: Failing to mix your sauce ingredients thoroughly may lead to uneven flavor distribution. Mix all sauce ingredients well before adding them to the pan.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Drunken Noodles in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Drunken noodles

• Portion out and place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Drunken noodles can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Drunken noodles

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken stock and toss noodles until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Drunken Noodles that might help you out.

Can I make Drunken Noodles vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables while keeping the sauce ingredients unchanged.

What is the key ingredient in Drunken Noodles?

The key ingredient is Thai basil, which gives this dish its distinct flavor profile.

How spicy are Drunken Noodles?

The spice level depends on how many red chili peppers you use. For milder noodles, reduce the number of chilies or remove their seeds.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes! While medium wide rice noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with other noodle types like flat rice or even egg noodles if desired.

What pairs well with Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles pair wonderfully with a side of spring rolls or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them a fantastic choice for any dinner table. Their quick preparation time makes them perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite proteins or veggies!