Spicy Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

 

Spicy Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is the perfect choice! This beloved Thai dish features stir-fried flat rice noodles tossed with fresh basil, a colorful array of vegetables, and your choice of protein, all coated in a savory, spicy sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends, this recipe serves 2 and is sure to impress!

What Are Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)?

Drunken Noodles, known as Pad Kee Mao in Thai, translates to "stir-fried drunk noodles." The dish is reputedly named for its popularity among late-night diners who crave a hearty meal after a night out. Traditionally made with wide rice noodles, Pad Kee Mao is famous for its bold flavors and aromatic basil. The combination of spicy sauce and fresh ingredients makes it a must-try for any noodle lover!

 

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

• 200 g (about 7 oz) wide flat rice noodles (fresh or dried)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or peanut)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (preferably Thai basil)
• 200 g protein of choice (thinly sliced chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance flavors)
• White pepper, to taste

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Soak the Noodles:
   • If using dried wide rice noodles, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
   • If using fresh noodles, simply rinse them under cold water and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

1. Heat Oil:
   • In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Protein:
   • Add your choice of protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the protein from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and sliced chilies; sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Toss in the broccoli florets, bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return Protein:
   • Add the cooked protein back into the pan with the vegetables.
2. Mix Noodles and Sauce:
   • Add the prepared noodles to the pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Pour this sauce over the noodle mixture and quickly toss to combine.

Step 5: Add Fresh Basil

1. Incorporate Basil:
   • Once everything is heated through (about 1 minute), add the fresh basil leaves. Toss gently until the basil wilts slightly, releasing its aromatic flavor.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plating:
   • Divide the Spicy Drunken Noodles into two bowls. Garnish with additional sliced chilies if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
    

Why You’ll Love This Drunken Noodles Recipe?

This Spicy Drunken Noodles recipe is quick to prepare, taking about 20 minutes from start to finish and is packed with flavor! The chewy rice noodles, spicy sauce, and fresh vegetables create a well-rounded meal perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easily customizable; feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies!

 

Tips for Perfect Spicy Drunken Noodles

1. Noodle Texture:

   • Ensure noodles are cooked al dente to maintain their chewy texture. Overcooking can make them mushy.

2. Adjust Spice:

   • Feel free to adjust the number of bird's eye chilies based on your heat preference. You can also add a splash of Sriracha for an extra kick!

3. Add Proteins:

   • Experiment with different proteins like tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a seafood twist.

4. Vegetable Variations:

   • Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or baby corn for added color and nutrition.

5. Garnish Options:

   • Consider topping with chopped cilantro or lime wedges for a burst of freshness.

 

Conclusion

Indulging in a plate of homemade Spicy Drunken Noodles is like embarking on a culinary adventure to Thailand from the comfort of your kitchen! With its vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and customizable ingredients, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Try this easy recipe today for a delicious meal that’s both comforting and exciting!

 

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