Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): 5 Flavorful Secrets to Love

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Thai dish: Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao! The first time I tried this flavorful stir-fried noodle dish, I was hooked. It’s got this perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that just dance on your taste buds. I remember sitting in a bustling little restaurant, the air filled with enticing aromas, and thinking, “I need to recreate this at home!”

Drunken Noodles have a fascinating story, rooted in Thai culture. The dish is traditionally associated with late-night food, perfect for those who’ve enjoyed a few drinks and need something delicious to soak it all up. But don’t let the name fool you—this dish is all about harmony, with wide rice noodles, fresh veggies, and your choice of protein all coming together in a delightful stir-fry. The vibrant colors and fresh basil make it not just a treat for the palate, but also for the eyes! Trust me, once you whip up your own batch of Drunken Noodles, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen!

Ingredients List

• 8 oz wide rice noodles
• 2 Tbsp sesame oil (or canola oil, whichever you prefer)
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 large chicken breast, chopped (feel free to swap in shrimp or tofu for a different protein)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp fresh minced ginger
• 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (make sure to separate the whites and greens for the best flavor)
• 1 roma tomato, sliced
• 1 cup fresh Thai holy basil (or regular basil if you can’t find the holy type), roughly chopped

• 3 Tbsp oyster sauce
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 tsp Thai red chili paste (or sriracha/red pepper flakes), to taste

How to Prepare Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Now, let’s dive into how to whip up these scrumptious Drunken Noodles! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and before you know it, you’ll have a steaming plate of this Thai delight in front of you. Just follow these steps, and you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, you’ll want to cook those wide rice noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and cook the noodles according to the package directions. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re soft but still a bit chewy (al dente!), drain them and set them aside. Don’t forget to toss a bit of oil on them to keep them from sticking together.

While the noodles are cooking, it’s time to mix up your sauce! In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, water, and Thai red chili paste. Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves. Trust me, this sauce is where the magic happens!

Now, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat. You want it hot, hot, hot! Toss in the chopped shallots and sliced carrots, and stir-fry them for about 2 minutes. You want them just tender but still vibrant.

Next, add in the remaining oil along with your chicken (or shrimp or tofu, if you’re going that route). Season with a pinch of pepper and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through—about 4-5 minutes. Then, throw in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for just 10 seconds until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells heavenly!

Now it’s time to add the zucchini, bell pepper, roma tomato, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes until those veggies are crisp-tender and colorful. Yum!

Finally, toss those cooked noodles right into the pan, pour the sauce over the top, and give everything a good toss to coat. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and the noodles soak up all that delicious sauce. Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil and the green onion tops. Wow!

Serve immediately, and if you like a little heat, don’t hesitate to drizzle on some extra chili sauce or sriracha. Enjoy your homemade Drunken Noodles!

Nutritional Information

When you’re indulging in a plate of Drunken Noodles, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in terms of nutrition. Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values per serving of this delicious dish:

• Calories: 405
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Sodium: 1529 mg
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Protein: 17 g

Keep in mind these are typical estimates, and your numbers might vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. But no matter the count, the flavors are undeniably worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, Drunken Noodles are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
• Flavor Explosion: The harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors makes every bite a delightful experience. Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch that elevates the dish!
• Customizable: Whether you prefer chicken, shrimp, or tofu, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to your tastes. Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand!
• Diet-Friendly: You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan by choosing the right protein and sauces, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup for you! Just stir-fry, toss, and enjoy.

Tips for Success

To make your Drunken Noodles truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t skimp on the fresh ingredients. Using fresh basil and vibrant vegetables really elevates the dish. If you can, find Thai holy basil—it has a unique flavor that’s out of this world!

Next, when it comes to cooking the noodles, be sure to undercook them just slightly. They’ll continue to cook in the stir-fry, soaking up all those delicious flavors without turning mushy. And remember to toss a little oil on them right after draining to keep them from sticking together.

If you like a bit more heat, feel free to adjust the chili paste to your taste, or even add in some sliced fresh chilies during the stir-fry. Also, experimenting with different proteins and veggies is encouraged! Try adding some broccoli, snap peas, or even swapping in beef for a completely different twist. You really can’t go wrong!

Variations of Drunken Noodles

Drunken Noodles are so versatile, and that’s one of the things I absolutely love about this dish! You can really let your creativity shine by switching up the proteins and veggies. If you’re in the mood for seafood, shrimp is a fantastic option—just make sure to cook it until it’s pink and opaque. For a vegetarian twist, tofu is perfect; it soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sauce while adding a nice texture.

As for veggies, don’t hesitate to mix it up! Broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn can add a delightful crunch and color to your dish. You could even throw in some mushrooms for an earthy touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, rich sauce or toss in some cashews for a bit of crunch. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with what you’ve got on hand!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious Drunken Noodles all ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for a complete meal. A refreshing Thai cucumber salad is an excellent choice! The cool crunch of cucumbers, tossed with a tangy vinegar dressing and topped with crushed peanuts, perfectly complements the bold flavors of the noodles.

If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, consider serving some crispy spring rolls on the side. They add a fun crunch and can be filled with veggies or your choice of protein. And don’t forget a side of lime wedges! A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before digging in adds a zesty brightness that enhances every bite.

For drinks, a chilled Thai iced tea or coconut water will refresh your palate and round out the meal beautifully. Trust me, these pairings will take your Drunken Noodles experience to the next level!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Drunken Noodles store beautifully. To keep them fresh, let the noodles cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend separating any protein or veggies if possible to preserve their texture.

When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Drunken Noodles again, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a dash of soy sauce to help revive the flavors and prevent sticking. Stir gently until everything is heated through, which should only take about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but I find a skillet adds a nice touch! Just make sure to cover it to keep moisture in. With these simple steps, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time!

FAQ Section

Q1: What are Drunken Noodles?
Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, are a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish. They feature wide rice noodles tossed with a savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein, making for a deliciously flavorful meal.

Q2: How can I make Drunken Noodles spicier?
If you love heat, you can easily amp up the spice level! Just add more Thai red chili paste or sriracha to the sauce mixture. You can also toss in some sliced fresh chilies during the stir-fry for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste for that perfect level of spice!

Q3: Can I make Drunken Noodles vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, just swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce instead. For a vegan version, follow the same swaps and ensure you use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. You’ll still get all the delicious flavors!

Q4: What kind of protein can I use in Drunken Noodles?
The beauty of Drunken Noodles lies in their versatility! You can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu, but don’t hesitate to get creative. Beef or even a mix of proteins can work well too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for each protein to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.

Q5: How do I store and reheat leftover Drunken Noodles?
To store leftovers, let the Drunken Noodles cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep them moist. Stir until heated through, and enjoy your delicious meal again!

For more recipes follow me in page Pinterest.

Print