Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are a delightful Thai street food that bursts with flavor and can be prepared in no time. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With its savory sauce and aromatic herbs, drunken noodles will surely impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and marinated chicken creates a rich umami flavor that is hard to resist.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand, allowing for endless variations.
• Satisfying Meal: With a hearty serving of rice noodles and protein, this dish is filling yet light.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed since everything cooks in one skillet or wok.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Pot for boiling water
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying as it allows high heat cooking, which gives the noodles their signature charred flavor.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe space for cutting ingredients efficiently while minimizing mess.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.

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 and Herbs

• 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 the 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: Prepare the Noodles

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

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables

1. Clean and cut baby bok choy into manageable pieces.
2. Clean and pluck holy basil leaves from their stems.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

Combine all ingredients for the sauce in a bowl and set aside.

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 stirring for 2 minutes.
3. Flip chicken and sear for another minute until almost cooked through. Remove from pan but keep warm.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

1. Clean skillet if there are bits stuck to it; add remaining oil.
2. Sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds.
3. Add minced garlic and red chili peppers; sauté for another 30 seconds to one minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add baby bok choy to sautéed aromatics; cook for about 30 seconds over medium-high heat.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Add drained rice noodles, cooked chicken along with its juices, holy basil, and green onion to the pan. Pour sauce around edges of pan.

Step 9: Toss to Combine

Toss everything over high heat until noodles are well coated with sauce; stir-fry for about two minutes until slightly charred.

Step 10: Serve Hot

Serve your delicious drunken noodles hot with more green onion on top!

Enjoy this scrumptious dish as an easy yet impressive meal!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

To enjoy your Drunken Noodles to the fullest, consider these serving suggestions that enhance the dish’s vibrant flavors. Pairing it thoughtfully can elevate your meal experience.

Fresh Lime Wedges

• Serve with wedges of fresh lime to squeeze over the noodles for a burst of acidity that brightens the dish.

Chopped Peanuts

• Scatter chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor, creating a delightful texture contrast.

Extra Thai Basil

• Garnish with additional Thai basil leaves to enhance the aromatic qualities and add a fresh touch.

Sliced Green Onions

• Top with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and subtle onion flavor that complements the dish nicely.

Cucumber Salad

• Offer a side of refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar for a cool contrast to the heat of the noodles.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

Perfecting your Drunken Noodles requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Opt for recent produce when possible.
• Control the Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures your noodles get that signature stir-fried char. Keep stirring quickly to avoid burning while achieving that smokiness.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Soak dried rice noodles just until tender. Overcooked noodles can become mushy, losing their ideal texture.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of Thai chili peppers or omit them altogether without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize Sauces: Feel free to adjust soy sauce or fish sauce levels based on your taste preference for saltiness or umami richness.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

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

1. Thai Spring Rolls: Light and crispy rolls filled with vegetables and served with dipping sauce, perfect for a crunchy appetizer.
2. Vegetable Tempura: Lightly battered and fried vegetables offer a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the noodles.
3. Mango Salad: A refreshing salad made from green mangoes tossed with herbs and lime dressing adds brightness to your meal.
4. Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut-infused rice balances out the savory flavors of Drunken Noodles, offering a tropical touch.
5. Stir-Fried Greens: Quick sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach provide additional nutrients alongside your noodle dish.
6. Tom Yum Soup: This spicy and sour soup can serve as an exciting starter, preparing your palate for the flavorful main course.
7. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and can be seasoned in various ways to match or contrast the noodle flavors.
8. Sesame Cucumber Salad: A light salad drizzled with sesame oil enhances the overall experience with its nutty essence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Drunken noodles can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can impact the final dish.

• Overcooking the noodles: Noodles should be cooked al dente. Soak them until just tender and avoid boiling them for too long to ensure they maintain their texture.
• Using the wrong oil: Using oils with low smoke points can lead to soggy noodles. Choose vegetable or canola oil for high heat cooking.
• Not seasoning enough: Skipping on sauces or seasonings can make your dish bland. Ensure you mix your sauce ingredients thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Crowding the pan: If you add too many ingredients at once, the noodles may steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect stir-fry.
• Skipping the high heat: A key element of achieving street-style Drunken noodles is cooking over high heat. This gives your dish a smoky flavor and charred edges that enhance taste.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh basil elevates the dish’s flavor profile. Don’t forget to add it at the end to maintain its aroma and freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Temperature: Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) to ensure freshness.

Freezing Drunken noodles

• Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Containers: Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Drunken noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot. Use a microwave-safe cover to retain moisture.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Drunken noodles.

What are Drunken noodles?

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

Can I customize my Drunken noodles?

Absolutely! You can add any protein like chicken, beef, or even tofu and choose your favorite vegetables according to your preferences.

What should I serve with Drunken noodles?

These delicious noodles pair well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or light salads. They can also stand alone as a hearty meal.

How spicy are Drunken noodles?

The spiciness level can vary based on how many Thai chili peppers you use. Adjust accordingly for your taste!

Are Drunken noodles healthy?

When made with fresh ingredients and controlled portions, Drunken noodles can be part of a balanced diet. They provide carbohydrates from the rice noodles and nutrients from vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Drunken noodles are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing customization based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying them on a weeknight or serving them at gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and explore different proteins and veggies for endless variations!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Drunken Noodles

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the bold flavors of Drunken Noodles, a classic Thai street food dish that combines wide rice noodles with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250 grams medium wide rice noodles (dried)
• 250 grams chicken thighs or chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 2–3 Thai red chili peppers
• 4–5 baby bok choy
• 1 cup holy basil
• 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

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Instructions

1. Marinate sliced chicken with soy sauce for 15-20 minutes.
2. Cook rice noodles per package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. Prepare baby bok choy and holy basil.
4. Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.
5. Heat oil in a wok; sear marinated chicken until cooked through; remove from pan.
6. Sauté onion, garlic, and chili peppers in the same pan.
7. Add bok choy and stir-fry briefly.
8. Combine noodles, chicken, basil, and sauce; stir-fry until well mixed and slightly charred.
9. Serve hot with garnishes like green onions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg