Drunken Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and aromatic elements. The combination of tender chicken, chewy wide rice noodles, fresh Thai basil, and fiery bird’s eye chilies creates a meal that’s both satisfying and exhilarating. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• Wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
• Boneless chicken, thinly sliced
• Neutral cooking oil
• Shallots, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Bird’s eye chilies, chopped
• Dark soy sauce
• Fish sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Brown sugar
• Thai basil leaves
• Green onions, chopped
• Bok choy or other preferred vegetables (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak them in hot water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together dark soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it’s about 90% cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same wok, add more oil if needed. Sauté the shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies until fragrant.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared noodles to the wok, followed by the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.
6. Add Vegetables and Chicken: Stir in the bok choy (or other vegetables), cooked chicken, green onions, and Thai basil leaves. Stir-fry for an additional minute until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Serve: Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 2 to 3 people.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Cooking Time: Around 10 minutes.
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu for a different protein source.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace fish and oyster sauces with vegetarian alternatives and use tofu as the protein.
• Noodle Choices: If wide rice noodles are unavailable, linguini noodles can serve as a substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover drunken noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the noodles and warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

What are drunken noodles?

Drunken noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish known for its spicy and savory flavors, typically made with wide rice noodles, protein, vegetables, and fresh basil.

Why are they called drunken noodles?

The name “drunken noodles” is believed to originate from the dish’s popularity as a late-night meal among those who have been drinking, though the exact origin is unclear.

Is there alcohol in drunken noodles?

No, despite the name, there is no alcohol in the traditional preparation of drunken noodles.

How spicy are drunken noodles?

Drunken noodles are typically quite spicy due to the use of bird’s eye chilies, but the heat level can be adjusted to taste.

Can I make drunken noodles vegetarian?

Yes, by substituting the fish and oyster sauces with vegetarian alternatives and using tofu or additional vegetables as the protein source.

What type of basil is used in drunken noodles?

Thai basil or holy basil is traditionally used, providing a distinct flavor to the dish.

Can I use other types of noodles?

While wide rice noodles are traditional, alternatives like linguini can be used if rice noodles are unavailable.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water over medium heat until warmed through.

What vegetables can I add to drunken noodles?

Common additions include bok choy, Chinese broccoli, baby corn, and bell peppers, but feel free to add your favorites.

What protein options work well in drunken noodles?

Chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu are all excellent choices for this dish.

Conclusion

Drunken noodles are a flavorful and versatile dish that brings the taste of Thai street food to your home kitchen. With its combination of spicy chilies, aromatic basil, and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal

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