Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a beloved Thai street food dish that perfectly balances flavor and speed. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight meal or any occasion when you crave something delicious and satisfying. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and wide rice noodles coated in a savory sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a delightful umami experience.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand for added versatility.
• Healthy Option: Loaded with vegetables like bok choy and basil, this dish offers a nutritious twist on traditional stir-fries.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet or wok.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Drunken Noodles efficiently, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cooking spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking ingredients evenly while allowing for easy tossing.
• Cooking spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and flipping ingredients without damaging them.

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 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

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

Cut chicken against the grain into thin strips. Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to the chicken, mix well, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Soak the Noodles

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

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

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

Step 4: Mix Sauce Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients for the sauce thoroughly until combined.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large wok or skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Once hot, add marinated chicken strips. Sear without disturbing for about 2 minutes. Flip and sear for another minute until nearly cooked through. Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Cook Aromatics

Clean the skillet if needed. Add remaining oil to heat, then sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds. Add minced garlic and sliced red chili (if using), continuing to sauté for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Bok Choy

Add baby bok choy to the skillet; stir-fry on medium-high heat for approximately 30 seconds until slightly wilted.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Add drained rice noodles, cooked chicken (with juices), Thai basil, and green onion into the skillet. Pour sauce around edges of pan.

Step 9: Toss & Serve

Toss everything over high heat until well-coated with sauce. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, scraping bottom of pan to prevent sticking. Serve hot with additional green onion on top.

Enjoy your homemade Drunken Noodles!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

Serve your Drunken Noodles hot for the best flavor and texture. This dish pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its deliciousness. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Thai Basil: Add a handful of fresh Thai basil on top to enhance the aromatic flavors.
• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some sliced green onions for added crunch and freshness.

Accompany with Extra Sauce

• Soy Sauce: Serve with a small bowl of soy sauce for those who prefer a saltier taste.
• Chili Paste: Offer chili paste on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.

Pair with Refreshing Beverages

• Iced Tea: A cold glass of unsweetened iced tea complements the flavors perfectly.
• Coconut Water: This hydrating drink adds a tropical touch to your meal.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

To ensure your Drunken Noodles are flavorful and have the perfect texture, consider these tips.

• Bold Marinade: Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes if time allows.
• High Heat Cooking: Always cook on high heat. This creates that signature smoky flavor found in street-style dishes.
• Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Soak the noodles instead of boiling them to prevent mushiness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the dish’s overall taste and aroma.
• Experiment with Proteins: Try substituting chicken with beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

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

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables, these rolls add a delightful crunch.
2. Thai Salad: A refreshing salad with lime dressing complements the richness of the noodles.
3. Vegetable Tempura: Lightly battered veggies provide a crispy contrast to the tender noodles.
4. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful vegetables stir-fried in garlic makes a healthy side.
5. Cucumber Salad: This cool, tangy salad balances out the spicy flavors of the noodles.
6. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat offers a wonderful finish to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Drunken Noodles, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring noodle instructions: Always follow the package instructions for soaking or cooking rice noodles. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and ruin the dish.
• Not marinating chicken: Skipping the marination step can lead to bland chicken. Even a short marination with soy sauce enhances flavor significantly.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Choosing poor-quality oils or sauces can affect the overall taste of your Drunken Noodles. Invest in good sauces and fresh vegetables for a delicious meal.
• Cooking at low heat: Cooking on low heat may prevent the noodles from getting that desirable smoky flavor. Use high heat when stir-frying for the best results.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Omitting fresh basil or other herbs will diminish the dish’s aroma and flavor. Always include fresh herbs for an authentic Thai taste.

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.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Drunken noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Drunken Noodles?

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

Can I make Drunken Noodles vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables while using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How spicy are Drunken Noodles?

The spice level can vary based on personal preference; adjust the amount of Thai chili peppers to your liking when preparing this dish.

What should I serve with Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles are perfect on their own but pair well with spring rolls or a light salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that satisfy any craving. This versatile dish allows for plenty of customization, whether you prefer different proteins or extra vegetables. Be adventurous and try your own variations!