HOW TO MAKE THAI DRUNKEN NOODLES (PAD KEE MAO)

Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish known for its spicy and savory flavors.One popular theory is that Drunken Noodles was created as a spicy hangover cure.Despite the name there’s no alcohol in this dish. The bold and spicy flavors is what is thought to help revitalize the name “Drunken Noodles.”

PAD KEE MAO

Drunken Noodles have become a beloved Thai street food and restaurant dish. It’s bold and spicy flavors make it a favorite among those who enjoy a kick of heat in their food.The combination of ingredients like garlic, chili, fish sauce, and Thai basil creates a savory, spicy, and umami-rich taste that’s both satisfying and invigorating to the palate.This dish is highly customizable, allowing you to choose your preferred protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, etc.) and vegetables.The wide rice noodles used in Drunken Noodles have a pleasant chewy texture that contrasts well with the tender protein and crisp vegetables.Thai basil is a key ingredient that sets Drunken Noodles apart. It has a unique and aromatic flavor that is different from sweet basil commonly used in Italian cuisine.

THAI BASIL

Thai basil has a strong and pungent flavor with hints of licorice, anise, and cloves. It has a slightly spicy and peppery taste, which sets it apart from the sweeter and milder flavor of sweet basil.The aroma of Thai basil is robust and aromatic, making it a popular choice for adding fragrance to Thai dishes.Thai basil can be found in Asian grocery stores and specialty markets, particularly in areas with a significant Southeast Asian population.

QUICK AND EASY

Drunken Noodles can be prepared relatively quickly, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or when you want something delicious in a hurry.While Drunken Noodles are traditionally spicy, you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

HOW TO MAKE THAI DRUNKEN NOODLES (PAD KEE MAO)

Description

Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish known for its bold and vibrant flavors.The dish feature wide rice noodles, which are soft and chewy in texture. They are stir-fried with a savory and spicy sauce made from ingredients such as oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chili paste. The dish commonly includes minced garlic, Thai bird's eye chilies for heat, bell peppers, and Thai basil leaves.

Ingredients

Servings

STIR FRY

• Protein (Chicken , Shrimp)
• Wide Rice Noodles
• 7 Thai chili (birds eye chilli)
• 5 Garlic glove
• 1 Diced Shallots
• 1 Chinese broccoli (broccolini)
• Red Bell pepper
• Sliced Onion
• Carrot
• Thai Basil
• Oil

Sauce

• 3 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Browning or Dark Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Water
• 1 tbsp Sugar

Instructions

1. Cook the protein

   The choice of protein is up to you. I season my chicken and shrimp with white pepper , sesame oil , cajun season , Thai garlic paste and light soy sauce. The season of the protein is up to you.Add the sliced protein and stir-fry until it's cooked through. If using shrimp, they should turn pink, and if using chicken or beef, they should no longer be pink in the center.

   

2. Garlic Chili paste

   you can buy store bought, but I love the drunken noodle with a lot of spice. I added 7 Thai chili with 5 garlic glove in a mortar and pestle. Smash into a paste.

   
3. 

4. Prepare the rice noodles

   Depending if you using fresh or dry noodle. Soak the rice noodles in hot water according to the package instructions until they are soft but still slightly firm. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

   

5. Make the sauce

   In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, water and browning(dark soy sauce ) Stir well to combine and set aside.

   

6. Prepare your vegetables

   The vegetables use in the dish is up to you .Here's what I use . Bell pepper , onion , carrot, chinese broccoli.  If you can't find chinese broccoli you can use broccolini with the leaves instead. Shallot , Thai basil or regular basil 

   

7. Heat the wok or skillet

   Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add in vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.Add the shallots and garlic paste

   

8. Add the steams of the broccoli , bell pepper, onion ,and carrots. Cook into the steam become soft.

   

9. Add the noodles and sauce

   Add the cooked rice noodles to the wok along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to combine. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles have absorbed the sauce and are heated through.

   

10. Add Thai Basil and Protein

    Add the Thai basil, protein and leaves of the broccoli.

    

11. Serve

    Transfer the Drunken Noodles to serving plates.Garnish with optional toppings like bean sprouts, lime wedges.

    Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Drunken Noodles!