Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is a delightful Thai dish that brings an array of flavors to your table. This quick stir-fry features wide rice noodles, tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic Thai basil. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold taste and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory sauces, fresh ingredients, and spices creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or swap chicken for beef or turkey for a different twist.
• One-Pan Wonder: This recipe requires minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in one pan, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: The balanced flavors appeal to both adults and kids, making it a great choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides even heat distribution for stir-frying, ensuring that your ingredients cook quickly and evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking together sauces and marinating ingredients without creating a mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables and chicken easy and safe.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for cutting ingredients.

Ingredients

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is a bold, flavorful Thai stir-fry featuring wide rice noodles, tender chicken, fresh veggies, and Thai basil. Coated in a savory-sweet sauce with a spicy kick, it’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.

For the Noodles

• 8 ounces wide rice noodles

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon water

For Stir-Frying

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2-3 Thai red chilies (sliced; adjust to taste)
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 small onion (sliced)
• 1 medium bell pepper (sliced, red)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 2 green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

For Serving

• Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Step 1: Soak the Noodles

Soak the 8 ounces of wide rice noodles in warm water for 15–20 minutes until they soften. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:
1. 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
3. 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
4. 1 tablespoon fish sauce
5. 1 tablespoon brown sugar
6. 2 teaspoons lime juice
7. 1 tablespoon water

Set aside until needed.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai red chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the wok. Stir-fry for about 5–6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 5: Toss in Vegetables

Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the softened noodles and stir-fry sauce to the wok. Gently toss everything together to ensure that the noodles are well coated with sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the noodles are tender.

Step 7: Finish with Basil

Stir in the green onions and fresh Thai basil leaves. Cook for an additional minute until the basil wilts.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with extra basil leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Fresh Lime Wedges

• Adding fresh lime wedges provides a zesty kick, brightening the flavors of the dish and balancing the savory sauce.

Extra Thai Basil

• Garnishing with additional Thai basil leaves enhances the aroma and offers a fresh, herbal contrast to the rich noodles.

Chopped Peanuts

• Sprinkling chopped peanuts on top adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the tender chicken and vegetables.

Sliced Cucumbers

• Serving sliced cucumbers on the side can provide a refreshing palate cleanser, helping to balance the spicy flavors of the noodles.

Chili Sauce

• Offering a side of chili sauce allows diners to customize the heat level according to their preferences, making each bite unique.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

• Pairing Drunken Noodles with steamed jasmine rice provides an additional carbohydrate option, perfect for those who enjoy heartier meals.

How to Perfect Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

To achieve the best version of Drunken Noodles, consider these handy tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and texture, making your dish more vibrant and delicious.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the amount of Thai red chilies based on your heat tolerance, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal.
• Don’t overcook noodles: Soak noodles just until softened; overcooking can lead to mushy texture once stir-fried.
• Stir-fry quickly: Keep your cooking time short for each ingredient to preserve their crunchiness and avoid soggy noodles.
• Use high heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve that signature smoky flavor while keeping ingredients crisp.
• Let it rest: Allowing your finished dish to sit for a minute before serving lets flavors meld beautifully together.

Best Side Dishes for Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Pairing side dishes with Drunken Noodles can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Thai Spring Rolls
   These crispy rolls filled with fresh veggies make a perfect appetizer or side, adding texture and brightness to your meal.

2. Papaya Salad
   A refreshing salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and peanuts offers a tangy contrast that complements the noodles well.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   A simple mix of seasonal vegetables quickly stir-fried in soy sauce adds color and nutrition alongside your main dish.

4. Coconut Rice
   This creamy rice infused with coconut milk provides a subtly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with spicy dishes like Pad Kee Mao.

5. Mango Sticky Rice
   A classic Thai dessert featuring sweet sticky rice topped with ripe mangoes creates a delightful end note after savory dishes.

6. Tom Yum Soup
   This hot and sour soup filled with herbs and spices serves as a flavorful starter that whets the appetite for the main course.

7. Steamed Edamame
   Lightly salted steamed edamame pods offer a healthy snack option rich in protein that balances out the meal nicely.

8. Thai Cucumber Salad
   A light salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and sugar serves as a refreshing accompaniment that contrasts well with bold flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao), it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the rice noodles properly can lead to an uneven texture. Always soak them in warm water until soft before cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it tough. Stir-fry just until cooked through and lightly browned.
• Forgetting to adjust spice level: The heat from Thai chilies can vary significantly. Start with fewer chilies and adjust to your taste.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old veggies will compromise flavor. Always use fresh, vibrant vegetables for the best result.
• Not tossing noodles well: Failing to mix the sauce with noodles thoroughly results in uneven flavor. Make sure to toss everything together well during cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.

Freezing Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portion out servings for easier thawing later.

Reheating Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir-fry the noodles until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao).

What are Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)?

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is a flavorful Thai stir-fry featuring wide rice noodles, protein like chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs.

Can I use different proteins in Drunken Noodles?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or even shrimp according to your preference.

How spicy are Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)?

The spice level can vary depending on how many Thai chilies you use. Adjust based on your taste by adding fewer chilies initially.

What should I serve with Drunken Noodles?

These noodles are delicious on their own but pair well with a simple cucumber salad or spring rolls for added freshness.

Can I make Drunken Noodles vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or extra vegetables and ensure sauces used do not contain animal products.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is an exciting and versatile dish that appeals to many palates. Its bold flavors and quick preparation make it perfect for weeknight dinners. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal touch!