The Ultimate Drunken Noodles Recipe: Flavorful Thai Stir-Fry with Chicken, Shrimp, or Tofu

Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is one of the most beloved Thai stir-fry dishes that packs a punch of flavors. Known for its savory, spicy, and slightly sweet profile, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion treat. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and can be prepared in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re a fan of chicken, shrimp, or prefer a veggie-packed version, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for something flavorful and comforting. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the ingredients, techniques, and all the tips you need to make the best Drunken Noodles right at home.

What are Drunken Noodles?

Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, originated in Thailand and are a staple in Thai cuisine. The name drunken noodles comes from the theory that this dish is so flavorful that it pairs perfectly with a cold beer, making it a popular choice for late-night eats. Despite the name, the dish doesn’t actually contain any alcohol. However, its spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors are truly intoxicating.

The key ingredients in Drunken Noodles include wide rice noodles, a choice of protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, fresh vegetables, Thai basil, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and dark soy sauce. These ingredients come together in a stir-fry that is incredibly aromatic and packed with layers of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or want to impress your guests with your cooking skills, Drunken Noodles is a dish that delivers on both taste and authenticity.

The Essential Ingredients for Drunken Noodles

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients for this dish.

1. Wide Rice Noodles

The star of the show, the rice noodles are key to achieving the perfect texture. They should be wide, chewy, and able to absorb the savory sauce. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores or online.

2. Vegetable Oil

Used for cooking the protein and vegetables, vegetable oil ensures everything gets sautéed and stir-fried perfectly without sticking to the pan.

3. Chicken or Shrimp

While chicken breast is commonly used in Drunken Noodles, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Shrimp adds a slightly sweet, delicate flavor that complements the bold spices in the dish.

4. Garlic and Thai Chili

Garlic and Thai chili provide the aromatic base for the dish. Garlic gives off an irresistible fragrance while the chili adds that desired heat. Adjust the amount of chili based on how spicy you like your food.

5. Vegetables: Red Bell Pepper, Onion, Snap Peas

Red bell pepper adds a sweet, crunchy element while onions bring a bit of caramelized flavor to the mix. Snap peas (or baby corn) contribute a fresh, crisp texture, making the stir-fry more exciting and colorful.

6. Thai Basil

The Thai basil leaves are a quintessential part of Drunken Noodles. Their peppery, aromatic flavor adds depth to the dish, balancing the heat and savory notes from the sauce.

The Drunken Noodles Sauce

The sauce is what makes Drunken Noodles stand out. It’s savory with a touch of sweetness, a little tang, and just the right amount of saltiness. Here are the components:

• Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, providing a salty umami flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds richness and complexity, enhancing the savory element.
• Fish Sauce: Brings that distinct Thai flavor, with a little funk and saltiness.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds color and depth to the dish, creating that beautiful dark hue.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a bit of sweetness to round out the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: A hint of acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce and make the flavors pop.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Drunken Noodles

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making your very own Drunken Noodles.

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Begin by cooking your wide rice noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to follow the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking. Once done, drain and set the noodles aside.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

In a large wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add your choice of chicken or shrimp, and cook until fully cooked through. If using chicken, slice it thinly for faster cooking. Once the protein is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add more oil if necessary, and sauté the minced garlic and Thai chili (optional for extra spice) for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with flavors that will coat the noodles later on.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Next, toss in your red bell pepper, onion, and snap peas (or baby corn). Stir-fry the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes, just enough for them to become slightly tender but still maintain some crunch. This step ensures the vegetables are perfectly cooked and add texture to the dish.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the vegetables are done, return your cooked protein to the pan. Add the cooked rice noodles, and then pour in the prepared sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Toss everything together for about 2-3 minutes, making sure the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and heated through.

Step 6: Finish with Basil

Turn off the heat and stir in the Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will cause the basil to wilt slightly, releasing its aromatic oils and making the dish smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Drunken Noodles to serving bowls, garnish with additional basil or chili if desired, and serve immediately. You can also pair it with a cold beer for the ultimate Thai-inspired meal.

Drunken Noodles: Customizing Your Dish

While the traditional Drunken Noodles recipe calls for chicken or shrimp, you can easily make it your own by switching up the protein or adding more vegetables. Here are some customization ideas:

• Vegetarian Drunken Noodles: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and baby corn. For protein, try adding tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy Drunken Noodles: If you love heat, you can increase the number of Thai chilies or add some chili paste to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Drunken Noodles: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that the rice noodles are certified gluten-free for a safe and delicious gluten-free version.

Nutritional Information

Drunken Noodles are not only delicious but also relatively balanced. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving (for 4 servings)
• Protein: 30g (with chicken or shrimp)
• Fat: 18g (from the oil and protein)
• Carbs: 35g (mainly from the rice noodles and vegetables)
• Fiber: 3g (from the vegetables)
• Sodium: High due to the soy sauce and fish sauce, but can be adjusted by using low-sodium soy sauce.

Drunken Noodles FAQs

Q1: Can I make Drunken Noodles ahead of time? A1: While Drunken Noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the noodles and protein fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: What if I don’t have Thai basil? A2: Thai basil adds a unique flavor, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with regular basil or Italian basil. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still taste great!

Q3: Can I make Drunken Noodles with beef? A3: Yes! You can use beef instead of chicken or shrimp. Just slice the beef thinly and cook it in the same way.

Q4: Can I make this dish milder? A4: If you prefer a milder version, you can omit the Thai chili and reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You’ll still get a flavorful dish without too much heat.

Q5: Is Drunken Noodles a gluten-free dish? A5: The rice noodles used in this dish are typically gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels on your soy sauce and oyster sauce, as they often contain wheat. You can use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish fully gluten-free.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that Drunken Noodles are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to make it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The rich, savory sauce combined with the chewy rice noodles and aromatic Thai basil creates a meal that’s incredibly satisfying and bursting with flavor.

With these simple instructions and tips, you can now create your own Drunken Noodles at home

and enjoy the taste of Thailand from the comfort of your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with different proteins and vegetables to make the dish your own!

Happy cooking!

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