Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a delicious Thai street food that brings a rich flavor experience to your table. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauces, and fresh vegetables ensures that each bite is packed with umami goodness.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Drunken Noodles
• Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 2: Prepare Rice Noodles
• Step 3: Prepare Vegetables
• Step 4: Mix Sauce Ingredients
• Step 5: Cook Chicken
• Step 6: Sauté Aromatics
• Step 7: Stir-Fry Bok Choy
• Step 8: Combine Everything
• Step 9: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Drunken noodles
• Pair with Fresh Vegetables
• Add a Protein Boost
• Garnish for Flavor
• Serve with a Drink
• How to Perfect Drunken noodles
• Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Drunken noodles
• Reheating Drunken noodles
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Drunken noodles?
• Can I use other proteins for Drunken noodles?
• How spicy are Drunken noodles?
• Can I make Drunken noodles ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 20 minutes and cook time of 15 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering taste that will satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: This dish comes together in one skillet or wok, making cleanup simple and hassle-free.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the number of Thai red chili peppers according to your spice preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best drunken noodles, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will help you achieve the perfect stir-fry consistency and flavor.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides even heat distribution, essential for high-temperature cooking that creates the signature smoky flavor.
• Cooking spoon or spatula: Ideal for tossing ingredients quickly without damaging them while ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

• 250 grams medium wide rice noodles (dried)
• 250 grams chicken thighs or chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 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
• 1 Green Onion (White and green parts separate)
• 3 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1.5 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fish sauce (ref note 2)
• 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

Cut chicken thighs or breast 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 preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Rice Noodles

Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions. To prevent overcooking, add hot water until fully submerged. Cover and let soak for 15–20 minutes, then drain.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

Clean and cut baby bok choy. Clean and pluck Holy basil leaves. Slice onion, separating the white from the green parts of the green onion.

Step 4: Mix Sauce Ingredients

In a bowl, combine all sauce ingredients including soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of ground white pepper.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Heat a large wok or skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil. When hot, add marinated chicken. Sear for 2 minutes on high heat without disturbing it. Flip and sear again for another minute until almost cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and keep covered.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

Clean skillet if necessary. Heat remaining oil in it, then sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds. Add sliced white part of green onion, minced garlic, and chopped red chili. Sauté for another 30 seconds to one minute.

Step 7: Stir-Fry Bok Choy

Add bok choy to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds over medium-high heat. Then add drained rice noodles, cooked chicken with its juices, Thai basil, and green onion.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Pour the prepared sauce around the edges of the pan. Toss everything over high heat until noodles are well coated with sauce. Stir-fry for about two minutes while scraping the bottom to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Serve the drunken noodles hot with additional sliced green onion on top as garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Drunken noodles

Drunken noodles are a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving them correctly enhances their delightful taste and makes for a stunning presentation.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber slices: Crisp and refreshing, they balance the heat of the noodles.
• Thai salad: A mix of herbs, lettuce, and lime dressing adds brightness.

Add a Protein Boost

• Grilled shrimp: Offers a smoky flavor that complements the noodles’ umami.
• Tofu cubes: For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu adds texture and protein.

Garnish for Flavor

• Lime wedges: Squeeze fresh lime over the dish for extra zest.
• Chopped peanuts: They add crunch and richness to each bite.

Serve with a Drink

• Thai iced tea: Sweet and creamy, it pairs perfectly with the spicy notes of drunken noodles.
• Beer: A cold beer can enhance the flavors and make for a great casual meal.

How to Perfect Drunken noodles

To achieve restaurant-quality drunken noodles at home, keep these tips in mind for an exceptional dish.

• Use high heat: Cooking on high heat gives the noodles that signature smoky flavor.
• Soak, don’t boil: Soaking rice noodles prevents them from becoming mushy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if necessary to maintain even cooking.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the number of chili peppers based on your heat preference.
• Fresh herbs matter: Use fresh Thai basil for an authentic aroma and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken noodles

Complementing your drunken noodles with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Spring rolls: Light and crispy, these are perfect for dipping in sweet-and-sour sauce.
2. Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comforting flavors alongside your meal.
3. Tom Yum soup: This spicy and sour soup adds a delicious kick before or after your main course.
4. Papaya salad (Som Tum): Refreshingly crunchy, this salad balances well with the richness of drunken noodles.
5. Steamed dumplings: Juicy dumplings offer a delightful texture contrast to your dish.
6. Fried rice: Simple fried rice is an easy side that complements any Asian meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Drunken noodles can be quick and enjoyable, but a few common mistakes can hinder the final dish.

• Using Overcooked Noodles: Overcooked rice noodles can turn mushy. To avoid this, soak them in hot water just until they are pliable but still firm.
• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken leads to bland flavors. Always marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to enhance taste.
• Not Stir-Frying on High Heat: Cooking on low heat won’t give that signature smoky flavor. Ensure your wok or skillet is hot enough before adding ingredients.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or dried herbs instead of fresh basil diminishes the dish’s flavor. Always use fresh Thai basil for an authentic taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the pan’s temperature. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking and proper browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Drunken noodles in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Drunken noodles

• Place cooled Drunken noodles in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Drunken noodles

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the noodles on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe container and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Heat over medium heat, stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Drunken noodles.

What are Drunken noodles?

Drunken noodles, known as Pad Kee Mao, is a flavorful Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles and various proteins.

Can I use other proteins for Drunken noodles?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu based on your preference.

How spicy are Drunken noodles?

The spice level depends on how many Thai chili peppers you use. Adjust according to your taste by reducing or omitting them.

Can I make Drunken noodles ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time and combine them just before serving for optimal flavor.

Final Thoughts

Drunken noodles are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and preferences. Feel free to customize them with your favorite proteins or vegetables. Try making this vibrant dish today!