Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are a delightful Thai street food that packs a punch of flavor. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With its savory sauce and tender chicken, Drunken noodles are sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Drunken noodles come together in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights.
• Flavor Explosion: Each bite is filled with umami goodness from the blend of sauces and spices.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or protein to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan simplifies cleanup and enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having everything prepared will streamline your cooking experience and help you achieve perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Ladle or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: A wide surface area allows for even cooking and stir-frying, crucial for achieving that smoky flavor.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for prepping ingredients quickly and safely, ensuring uniform cuts for even cooking.

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 Cooking

• 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 2-3 Thai red chili peppers

For the 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 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 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.
3. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 3: Prep Vegetables

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

Step 4: Mix Sauce Ingredients

Combine all ingredients for the sauce in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

1. Heat a large wok or skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat.
2. Once hot, add marinated chicken in a single layer; sear for 2 minutes without stirring.
3. Flip chicken pieces and sear for another minute until cooked almost through. Remove from pan; cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Aromatics

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

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

1. Stir-fry bok choy for about 30 seconds on medium-high heat.
2. Add drained rice noodles, cooked chicken with juices, holy basil, and green onions into the pan.
3. Pour sauce around edges of pan.

Step 8: Final Tossing

Toss everything over high heat until noodles are well-coated with sauce; stir-fry for about 2 minutes while scraping bottom of pan to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Serve immediately with extra green onions on top for garnish. Enjoy your flavorful Drunken noodles!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you prefer them spiced up or paired with complementary flavors, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enjoy.

Add Extra Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Top your drunken noodles with grilled chicken slices for added protein and flavor.
• Shrimp: Sauté some shrimp and mix them in for a seafood twist that pairs beautifully with the dish.

Incorporate Fresh Vegetables

• Bean Sprouts: Add a handful of crunchy bean sprouts on top just before serving for extra texture.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots can provide a sweet crunch that balances the savory flavors of the dish.

Garnish Creatively

• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing citrus kick.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh basil or cilantro on top for an aromatic finish.

Create a Themed Meal

• Serve with Thai Spring Rolls: Pair your drunken noodles with crispy spring rolls for an authentic Thai meal experience.
• Include Coconut Rice: Offer coconut rice as a side to complement the rich flavors of the noodles.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

Perfecting drunken noodles is all about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will give your drunken noodles vibrant flavors and aromas.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Make sure your rice noodles are cooked al dente; they should have a slight bite to them even after stir-frying.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat to achieve that signature smoky flavor and prevent sticking.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the number of Thai chili peppers based on your spice tolerance for a personalized touch.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish during cooking to adjust seasonings and ensure perfect flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

Pairing side dishes with drunken noodles can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Thai Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls filled with vegetables make a perfect appetizer.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds a cool contrast to the spiciness of the noodles.
3. Mango Salad: Sweet mango combined with lime juice and chilies creates a tangy side that complements the main dish.
4. Steamed Edamame: Simple steamed edamame sprinkled with salt makes for a healthy, protein-packed side.
5. Vegetable Tempura: Crispy tempura vegetables offer crunch and flavor, enhancing your meal’s variety.
6. Sesame Spinach Salad: A light sesame spinach salad can provide a fresh taste while balancing richer dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Drunken Noodles, it’s easy to encounter some pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold chicken preparation: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always let the chicken soak in soy sauce for at least 15-20 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Bold overcooking noodles: Soaking rice noodles too long can turn them mushy. Follow package instructions closely, checking for doneness as you soak.
• Bold insufficient heat: Cooking on low heat prevents that desirable charred flavor. Always use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that street food quality.
• Bold neglecting fresh ingredients: Skipping fresh basil or bok choy reduces the dish’s freshness and aroma. Always use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best results.
• Bold ignoring sauce balance: A poorly balanced sauce can ruin your dish. Taste and adjust the sauce ingredients to ensure it complements your noodles perfectly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.

Freezing Drunken Noodles

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Drunken Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often until evenly warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, stirring frequently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Drunken Noodles that can help you perfect this dish.

What are Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a flavorful Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and protein like chicken or beef.

Can I customize my Drunken Noodles?

Absolutely! You can add different proteins such as beef or turkey and mix in various vegetables based on your preference.

How do I make vegetarian Drunken Noodles?

To make vegetarian Drunken Noodles, simply replace chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Why are they called Drunken Noodles?

The name Drunken Noodles is thought to suggest that this dish is perfect for soaking up alcohol; however, it is delightful even without any alcoholic ingredients!

Can I use other sauces in my Drunken Noodles?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for unique flavors while still keeping the essence of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles is an incredibly versatile dish that combines rich flavors with fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and can easily be customized with your choice of protein or vegetables. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Thai street food right at home!