Indulge in the vibrant and aromatic world of drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao. This Thai dish combines flat rice noodles with an array of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a kick of spice, all tossed in a savory sauce. Ideal for those who crave a comforting yet exciting meal, drunken noodles can be customized with your choice of protein and are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 12 oz flat rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup Thai basil leaves
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– Optional: 8 oz chicken, beef, or tofu
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 plate): Calories: 550, Protein: 25g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 80g, Fiber: 2g. This nutritional information is based on a serving size of one plate.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Soak the flat rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until softened.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain the noodles and add them to the wok.
6. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, mixing well.
7. Add the chili sauce for heat, adjusting to your taste preference.
8. Stir in the Thai basil leaves and cook until wilted.
9. If using, add your choice of protein (chicken, beef, or tofu) and cook through.
10. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or chili if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute flat rice noodles with any other noodle type, like egg noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Additionally, feel free to replace the protein with shrimp, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian dish.
Serving and Pairings
Drunken noodles pair wonderfully with a side of fresh spring rolls or a light cucumber salad. They can also be complemented with a cold Thai beer or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover drunken noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. While freezing is possible, the noodles may lose their texture upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the noodles can make them mushy; soak, don’t boil.
- Using too much sauce can overwhelm the dish; start with less.
- Not heating the wok sufficiently can lead to uneven cooking.
- Forgetting the basil will lose the authentic flavor.
- Skipping the chili sauce may result in a bland dish.
Helpful Tips
- Prep all ingredients before cooking for a smooth process.
- Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of chili sauce.
- Consider adding vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
FAQs
What are drunken noodles?
Drunken noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, are a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein, all tossed in a flavorful sauce.
Can I make drunken noodles vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and use tofu or additional vegetables. The sauce can remain the same for a delicious vegetarian option.
What sauces are used in drunken noodles?
Common sauces include soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and chili sauce. These create a balance of savory and spicy flavors.
How spicy are drunken noodles?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on the amount of chili sauce used. Start with a small amount and increase it to taste.
Can I use other noodles?
Yes! You can substitute flat rice noodles with other types like egg noodles or even spiralized vegetables for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Drunken noodles are a delightful and versatile dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine to your table. With a variety of ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy customizing it to suit your taste!
Drunken Noodles
Ingredients
- 12 oz flat rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Optional: 8 oz chicken beef, or tofu
Instructions
- Soak the flat rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until softened.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and add them to the wok.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, mixing well.
- Add the chili sauce for heat, adjusting to taste.
- Stir in the Thai basil leaves and cook until wilted.
- If using, add your choice of protein and cook through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or chili if desired.
Nutrition
