Drunken Noodles

Get Ready for Drunken Noodles

Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a popular Thai dish known for its bold flavors and satisfying texture. This stir-fried noodle dish features tender rice noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce. Though it has the word "drunken" in its name, there’s no alcohol in this dish. The name comes from its strong flavors that are said to cure hangovers. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a get-together with friends, Drunken Noodles are easy to make and satisfying to eat.

The best part about this dish is its flexibility. You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make these delicious noodles at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Drunken Noodles at home is a rewarding experience. Here are a few reasons why you should consider whipping up this dish:

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare Drunken Noodles in under 30 minutes. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need a meal fast.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Sriracha creates a flavor that is rich and satisfying. You will love the savory and slightly spicy taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: This dish is packed with colorful veggies and can be made even healthier with added greens. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
• Customizable: Whether you want it vegetarian, with chicken, shrimp, or another protein, this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate different tastes.
• Impressive Dish: Serving homemade Drunken Noodles to family and friends will surely impress them. It looks colorful on the plate and smells wonderful too!

Now that you know why this recipe is a winner, let’s get into how to make it.

How to Make Drunken Noodles

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make Drunken Noodles:

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced bok choy or other greens
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Lime wedges for serving

Directions

Follow these steps to make Drunken Noodles:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the bell peppers and onions, sautéing until tender.
4. Stir in garlic and greens; cook until wilted.
5. Push the veggies to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the other side, scrambling them until cooked.
6. Add the noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and Sriracha; mix well to combine.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and serve with lime wedges.

Now that you know the ingredients and directions, let’s go over how to serve this delicious dish.

How to Serve Drunken Noodles

Serving Drunken Noodles is simple yet satisfying. Here are some tips to impress your guests or family:

• Garnish with Fresh Basil: Adding fresh basil not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely touch to your presentation.
• Serve with Lime Wedges: The tangy lime wedges amplify the flavors and allow everyone to customize their dish according to their taste preference.
• Plate with Style: Use large bowls or deep plates to serve the noodles, allowing for easy mixing of the ingredients. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for added texture.
• Make It a Meal: Pair this dish with a light cucumber salad or spring rolls for a complete Thai meal experience.

How to Store Drunken Noodles

Storing leftover Drunken Noodles is easy. Follow these steps to keep them fresh:

• Cooling: Allow the noodles to cool to room temperature.
• Container: Store them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate any fresh basil or lime wedges, as they can wilt or spoil quickly.
• Refrigeration: Place the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within a few days. Drunken Noodles can generally last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a pan over low heat or microwave them for a quick meal. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Drunken Noodles

Now that you know how to prepare and store Drunken Noodles, here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose the Right Noodles: Look for flat rice noodles which are essential for this dish. They give a chewy texture that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and get your sauce ready before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Make sure to follow the package instructions carefully. If you overcook them, they can become mushy. Slightly undercooking them, since they will cook a little more in the pan, is often a good strategy.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you love spicy food, feel free to add more Sriracha or even some chopped fresh chili when cooking. If you prefer it milder, skip the Sriracha altogether or use just a little.
• Add Protein: If you want to make this dish heartier, consider adding chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just cook them in the pan before adding the vegetables.

Variation

Drunken Noodles are highly versatile. Here are a few suggestions for variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Simply omit eggs or replace them with tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Protein Swap: You can use chicken, beef, shrimp, or even plant-based proteins like tempeh to suit your preferences.
• Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots based on what you have on hand. This will enhance the nutrition and color of your meal.
• Make It Vegan: To make it vegan, skip the eggs and use a vegan-friendly oyster sauce or beanpaste.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles, but keep in mind that traditional Drunken Noodles are made with flat rice noodles. If you use other types, like udon or egg noodles, the cooking time may vary.

2. How spicy are Drunken Noodles?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preferences. With Sriracha included, they can be on the spicy side, but you can always reduce the amount or omit it altogether.

3. Can I make Drunken Noodles in advance?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can make them in advance and store them in the fridge. Just remember to reheat them properly to maintain their texture.

With this recipe, you’re all set to create a delightful serving of Drunken Noodles right at home. Enjoy the bold flavors and the joy of cooking!

Drunken Noodles

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• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A popular Thai dish known for its bold flavors and satisfying texture, Drunken Noodles are stir-fried rice noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced bok choy or other greens
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the bell peppers and onions, sautéing until tender.
4. Stir in garlic and greens; cook until wilted.
5. Push the veggies to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the other side, scrambling them until cooked.
6. Add the noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and Sriracha; mix well to combine.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil and serve with lime wedges for added flavor. Pair with a light cucumber salad or spring rolls for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Drunken Noodles, Pad Kee Mao, Thai Cuisine, Stir-Fried Noodles, Quick Meal