Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Thai street food. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of spices, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken, making it an ideal choice for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. The quick cooking process ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal in no time, bringing authentic Asian flavors right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and sauces creates a rich umami flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to substitute vegetables or proteins based on what you have at home.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, minimizing cleanup time while maximizing taste.
• Healthy Option: Packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, it’s a nutritious choice for the whole family.

Tools and Preparation

To make delicious drunken noodles, having the right tools is essential. Here are some items that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ensures even heat distribution and allows for high-temperature cooking essential for stir-frying.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes slicing chicken and vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for marinating chicken and mixing sauces without making a mess.

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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 teaspoons 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 about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

1. Boil water according to package instructions.
2. Submerge dried rice noodles in hot water until fully covered.
3. Cover and let soak for about 15-20 minutes before draining.

Step 3: Prepare the 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 mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the sauce including soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, ground 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 strips; sear for about 2 minutes without moving them.
3. Flip the chicken and sear for an additional minute until nearly cooked through.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

1. Remove chicken from pan; keep covered.
2. Clean pan if necessary; add remaining oil.
3. Sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds until starting to soften.
4. Add minced garlic and red chili peppers; sauté another minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Everything Together

1. Add baby bok choy; stir-fry for about another 30 seconds on medium-high heat.
2. Add drained noodles and cooked chicken along with its juices into the pan with Thai basil and green onion.
3. Pour sauce around edges of pan.

Step 8: Finish Cooking

1. Toss everything over high heat until well combined for about two minutes.
2. Scrape bottom of pan occasionally to prevent sticking; aim for slightly charred noodles.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot with additional green onion on top as garnish.

Enjoy this delightful dish that brings the essence of Thai cuisine right into your home!

How to Serve Drunken Noodles

Drunken noodles are best enjoyed fresh and hot, making them a vibrant centerpiece for any meal. Pair them with complementary flavors and textures to enhance the experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Thai Basil: Sprinkle extra holy basil on top for an aromatic touch.
• Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro to brighten the dish with freshness.

As a Full Meal

• Protein Addition: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
• Vegetable Medley: Pair with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful plate.

With Accompaniments

• Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over noodles for a zesty kick.
• Chili Sauce: Provide chili sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.

How to Perfect Drunken Noodles

Perfecting drunken noodles requires attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is full of flavor and texture.

• Bold Marinade: Marinate your chicken well with soy sauce to enhance its flavor.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat for that signature charred taste, mimicking street food style.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs to elevate the overall taste and nutrition.
• Sauce Timing: Pour the sauce around the edges of the pan rather than directly on the noodles for better distribution of flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken Noodles

Pairing side dishes with drunken noodles can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.

1. Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls filled with veggies or shrimp make a perfect starter.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers tossed in vinegar provides a crunchy contrast.
3. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt adds a healthy protein-rich option.
4. Tom Yum Soup: A spicy and sour soup that perfectly complements the richness of drunken noodles.
5. Thai Fried Rice: Another classic Thai dish that harmonizes well with the flavors of drunken noodles.
6. Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet dessert that offers a delightful finish after a savory meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Drunken Noodles experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring noodle soaking time: Not soaking the rice noodles adequately can lead to uneven cooking. Always soak them according to package instructions or until they are pliable.

• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Skipping the sauce preparation: Not mixing your sauce ingredients beforehand can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Always prep your sauce before you start cooking.

• Using low heat: Cooking on low heat may prevent achieving that signature smoky flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot enough for high-heat stir-frying.

• Not tossing the noodles properly: Failing to toss the noodles well can leave them sticky and clumped together. Keep everything moving in the pan for even coating and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Drunken noodles

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; ensure excess air is removed from bags.

Reheating Drunken noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Drunken Noodles:

What are Drunken Noodles?

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

Can I make Drunken Noodles vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of Drunken Noodles.

How spicy are Drunken Noodles?

The spiciness can vary based on your use of Thai chilies. You can adjust the number of chilies used or omit them entirely if you prefer milder flavors.

What can I serve with Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles are hearty on their own but pair well with fresh salads or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use other types of noodles?

While traditional recipes call for wide rice noodles, you can experiment with other noodle types like udon or egg noodles if desired.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles is a fantastic dish that combines bold flavors and quick preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables based on what you have at hand. Enjoy this delightful recipe!