Drunken Noodles: Wok This Way to Flavour Town!

Alright, let's dive into the world of drunken noodles , or as the thai's call it, pad kee mao . ever had that craving for something spicy, savory, and just a bit naughty? well, homemade drunken noodles hits the spot every time.

And honestly, who needs takeout when you can whip this up at home?

What's the Buzz About Drunken Noodles?

This ain't your average noodle dish . drunken noodles thai , or pad kee mao , is all about bold flavors.

It's rumoured that the name is related to needing a pad kee mao recipe to get sober. this dish is a riot of textures and tastes, hitting every single spot.

Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked. this dish originates from thailand and is a popular street food, now in your kitchen!

Why You Should Make This Dish

This recipe is medium difficulty. You can get it on the table in about 30 minutes. Yields about 2 servings, just right for sharing with a friend.

One of the best things about thai drunken noodles is the kick it gives you. the chili and thai basil not only taste amazing but also have some serious health benefits.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies lurking in the fridge. perfect for a weeknight dinner, or honestly, anytime you need a bit of flavour.

It’s the bomb!. this will soon turn into one of your favourite asian noodle recipes

Time to Get Cooking: The Ingredients

To make amazing Drunken Noodles you will need a good quality Drunken Noodle Sauce base. Let's get to the bits that make this delicious, the ingredients!

Alright, let's talk about what you need to nail these drunken noodles ! it's easier than you think, promise. i've made this pad kee mao recipe so many times, i could practically do it in my sleep.

Ingredients & Equipment: Get Your Gear Sorted!

First things first, gotta gather your bits. don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already. we're aiming for proper thai drunken noodles flavour here, so a few key ingredients are a must.

Main Ingredients: The Noodle Necessities

• Wide fresh rice noodles: 8 oz (225g) . Seriously, fresh is best for these. If they are stuck, gently separate them.
• Veggie oil: 1 tablespoon . Any neutral oil will do.
• Protein Power: 8 oz (225g) of chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, tofu, or shrimp. Cubed or sliced, your call! Marinade time with soy sauce ( 1 tablespoon ) and cornstarch ( 1 teaspoon ). Tofu folks, extra soy for you!
• Veggie Vibes: 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 1/2 onion (thinly sliced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 red chili (finely chopped - adjust to your spice tolerance). Don't forget 1 cup of fresh Thai basil ! And 1/2 cup of green beans (trimmed and cut).
• Drunken Noodle Sauce : The magic potion! You'll need: 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce , 1 tablespoon oyster sauce , 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, but so good), 1 tablespoon sugar , 1 tablespoon rice vinegar , 1 teaspoon sriracha , and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine .

Honestly, the quality of your ingredients makes a huge difference. Splurge on the fresh noodles and the Thai basil you won't regret it.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

This is where the homemade drunken noodles magic happens. the sauce combo is key! soy sauce for saltiness, dark soy for colour, oyster sauce for richness, fish sauce for depth (don't be scared!), sugar for balance, and sriracha for that all-important kick.

• Essential Spice Combos : Garlic and chili are non-negotiable. They're the backbone of flavour.
• Flavor Enhancers : Fish sauce, if you dare, elevates everything.
• Quick Subs : No Thai basil? Regular basil works in a pinch. Vegetarian? Use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin.

One time, i was making this for a mate who was vegan. i used hoisin instead of oyster sauce, and he bloody loved it.

Honestly? you could probably make this asian noodle dish using just noodles and a mix of spices and still make it delicious.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Wok (or large skillet): Cast iron or non-stick. High heat is your friend.
• Chopping board: For all your veggie chopping needs.
• Sharp knife: Obvs.
• Mixing bowls: To keep things organized.
• Spatula: Or a wok utensil if you're fancy.

See? nothing too crazy. if you don't have a wok, a large skillet will do. the main thing is getting it hot.

We're talking screaming hot! i think this pad kee mao recipe is super effective if done right so just try to copy the steps and ingredients as best as possible.

It is a perfect way to make some thai drunken noodles at home.

Right then, let’s dive into the wonderful world of drunken noodles , or pad kee mao for those in the know.

Honestly, it’s one of my absolute favourite asian noodle recipes ! i remember the first time i tried it. it was at this little thai place down the road, and oh my gosh , the flavour just blew my mind!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let’s get organised. this is the essential mise en place bit. chop your veggies: red bell pepper thinly sliced, half an onion sliced, two cloves garlic minced, and one red chili finely chopped.

Got that? now, whisk together the drunken noodle sauce : 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sriracha, and 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine.

Finally, marinate your protein (8 oz chicken, pork, tofu or shrimp) with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch.

This time saving organization makes cooking a breeze.

Wok This Way: Making Your Pad Kee Mao

Here's how to bring it all together for perfect Thai Drunken Noodles :

1. Stir fry your marinated protein until cooked. Then set aside.
2. Sauté garlic and chili for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for 2- 3 minutes .
4. Toss in 8 oz wide rice noodles, loosening with a splash of water if needed.
5. Pour over the Drunken Noodle Sauce and toss everything together.
6. Add the protein and 1 cup Thai basil leaves. Stir until basil wilts.

Serve it up hot, and bam! Restaurant quality Pad Kee Mao Recipe , right in your own kitchen.

Pro Tips for Ultimate Drunken Noodles Thai

• High heat is key . Get your wok screaming hot.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. Seriously. Do it in batches.
• Taste as you go! Add more sriracha for heat. A squeeze of lime for brightness.

Oh, and common mistakes to avoid ? soggy noodles! make sure to use fresh rice noodles if possible, and don't overcook them.

Looking for a homemade drunken noodles experience? source the freshest ingredients!

And there you have it! The most banging Drunken Noodles you can make. This Noodle Dish is going to become a regular in your house, I guarantee it! Now, go forth and wok some magic! You know?

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for these drunken noodles , shall we? consider this your cheat sheet to nailing this pad kee mao recipe every single time.

It's not rocket science, promise!

Recipe Notes: Beyond the Basics

Honestly, making Homemade Drunken Noodles is way easier than you think, but a few extra tips never hurt, right?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so you've made this awesome thai drunken noodles dish. how do you make it look fancy? ditch the bowl! serve them on a platter.

Twirl the noodles with your fork. garnish with extra thai basil and a wedge of lime. boom, instagram ready!

And what goes with it? spring rolls are always a win. a cool cucumber salad cuts through the spice nicely.

Or, go for a thai iced tea to really cool things down! i once tried it with some mango sticky rice, oh my gosh, what a treat!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Drunken Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for about 2-3 days. Honestly, they never last that long in my house!

Freezing asian noodle recipes can be tricky. the noodles can get a bit mushy, but it’s doable. make sure to cool them completely before freezing.

When reheating, add a splash of water to revive them. microwaving is fine, but a quick stir fry is even better!

Variations: Remix Your Noodles

Fancy a change? Loads of easy swaps you can make!

• Go Vegan: Swap out the oyster sauce for a vegetarian oyster sauce . Tofu instead of chicken? Absolutely!
• Seasonal Swap: In summer, zucchini or yellow squash are wicked. In winter, kale would work too! It's all about what's looking good at your local farmers market.

I remember one time I used spaghetti squash because I didn't have any rice noodles, and it was still pretty good! Different, but still yummy.

Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Sort Of

Let's be real, drunken noodles aren't exactly health food. but they're not terrible either! you're getting protein from your chosen meat/tofu and fiber from the veggies.

Plus, chilis are known to boost your metabolism.

Each serving contains roughly 650 calories, 35g protein, 25g fat, 70g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 15g sugar, and 1200mg sodium.

The sauce is where most of the sodium and sugar come from. Just go easy on the salt and sugar to make it a bit healthier.

Right then, Get Cooking!

There you have it! drunken noodles are a proper tasty noodle dish that you can totally nail at home. don't be scared to experiment and make it your own.

Now go on, give this pad kee mao a go. i reckon you will love it. you got this!.