Drunken noodles

Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a delightful Thai street food that bursts with flavor and umami. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes, and offers a unique blend of spices and textures. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, Drunken Noodles is sure to impress at any gathering or casual dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be made in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meals.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and fresh herbs creates a rich and savory flavor profile.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap the chicken for beef or turkey or add more vegetables to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one wok or skillet.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Great leftovers make this dish perfect for meal prep; simply reheat for lunch or dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make Drunken Noodles successfully, you’ll need the right tools in your kitchen. These items will help you achieve the best results while cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: A wok allows for high-heat cooking, essential for achieving the perfect char on your noodles.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for chicken and vegetables, promoting even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for marinating chicken and mixing ingredients together efficiently.

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 Chicken

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

For the Stir-Fry

• 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 green onion (white and green parts separate)

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

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Noodles

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

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

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

Step 4: Mix Sauce Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, white pepper, and chicken stock or water.

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 without disturbing for 2 minutes.
3. Flip chicken pieces; sear again for an additional minute until almost cooked through.
4. Remove from pan and keep covered; it will cook further in residual heat.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

1. Clean the skillet/wok if needed; heat remaining oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add white part of green onion, minced garlic, and red chili (if using). Sauté another minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry All Ingredients Together

1. Stir-fry bok choy for about 30 seconds while keeping heat on medium-high.
2. Add drained rice noodles along with cooked chicken and its juices.
3. Pour sauce around edges of pan; toss everything together over high heat until noodles are well coated with sauce.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot with more green onions sprinkled on top for extra flavor!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Drunken Noodles!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are a versatile dish that can be served in various styles to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil and Cilantro: Top your drunken noodles with fresh basil and cilantro for an aromatic touch.
• Mint Leaves: Add mint leaves for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.

Accompanied by Lime Wedges

• Zesty Kick: Serve lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their dish, adding freshness and acidity.

As a One-Pan Meal

• Complete Dinner: Present drunken noodles as a complete meal by mixing in a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, making it colorful and nutritious.

With Extra Chili Flakes

• For Heat Lovers: Offer chili flakes on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

Perfecting drunken noodles requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to make your dish stand out.

• Bold Flavors: Use high-quality sauces like oyster sauce and fish sauce for deep umami flavor.
• High Heat Cooking: Always stir-fry on high heat to achieve that iconic smoky taste and slightly charred noodles.
• Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate fresh vegetables and herbs for vibrant flavors and textures.
• Proper Noodle Preparation: Soak the rice noodles just until al dente to avoid mushiness when stir-frying.
• Timely Serving: Serve immediately after cooking while still hot for the best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

Pairing side dishes with drunken noodles can enhance your meal further. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds crunch and refreshment to balance the rich flavors of drunken noodles.
2. Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls offer a delightful contrast in texture, making them a perfect appetizer.
3. Thai Mango Salad: This tangy salad brings sweetness and acidity, complementing the savory notes of the main dish.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color without overpowering the main flavors.
5. Grilled Chicken Skewers: These skewers provide additional protein and can be seasoned with similar spices for cohesion in flavor.
6. Tom Yum Soup: A small bowl of this spicy soup can warm up your palate before diving into the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Drunken Noodles, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to fantastic.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasonings. Properly balancing sauces is key to achieving the rich flavor of Drunken Noodles. Taste and adjust as needed.
• Bold overcooking noodles: Ensure you don’t overcook the rice noodles. Follow package instructions closely. Soaking them in hot water is a great method to keep them al dente.
• Bold overcrowding the pan: Avoid adding too many ingredients at once which can cause steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
• Bold ignoring high heat: High heat is crucial for achieving that signature smoky flavor. Don’t be afraid to crank up the heat during stir-frying.
• Bold neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like Thai basil are essential for authentic flavor. Add them at the end of cooking for maximum aroma and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Drunken Noodles

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• For best results, portion into individual servings before freezing.

Reheating Drunken Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir-fry until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Drunken Noodles and their answers.

What are Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles are a flavorful Thai stir-fried noodle dish typically made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and protein such as chicken or shrimp.

Can I make vegetarian Drunken Noodles?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or additional vegetables while maintaining the same delicious sauce.

How spicy are Drunken Noodles?

The spice level can vary based on the number of Thai red chili peppers used. Adjust according to your preference by adding more or less.

Can I prepare Drunken Noodles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Just store them separately until you’re ready to cook for best results.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles offer a delightful blend of flavors that can be customized based on your preferences. Whether you choose chicken, tofu, or an array of colorful veggies, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Try it out today!