Why Make This Recipe
Thai Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a flavorful dish that brings excitement to your table. This recipe combines fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich sauce, all tossed with soft rice noodles to create a delightful meal. It is quick to prepare and offers a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. Plus, you can customize the ingredients based on what you like or have on hand, making it a versatile choice.
How to Make Thai Drunken Noodles
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Directions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot; stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, mixing everything well.
- Add the sliced chilies and Thai basil leaves; stir-fry for another minute until the basil is wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
How to Serve Thai Drunken Noodles
You can serve Thai Drunken Noodles straight from the pan. You might want to garnish it with extra Thai basil or slices of chilies for added color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a cold drink, making it a great choice for any gathering or family meal.
How to Store Thai Drunken Noodles
If you have leftovers, let the noodles cool down to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply add a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat and toss the noodles until heated through.
Tips to Make Thai Drunken Noodles
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies based on your taste.
- Feel free to add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a heartier meal.
- Always use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor, but if you can’t find it, regular basil can work in a pinch.
Variation
You can easily switch up the vegetables based on what you have. Broccoli, baby corn, or bell peppers can be great additions. If you want a different flavor, consider using lime juice or lemon grass.
FAQs
1. Can I make Thai Drunken Noodles ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it before serving.
2. What can I substitute for rice noodles?
You can use other types of noodles like egg noodles or even gluten-free noodles if needed.
3. Is this dish very spicy?
The level of spice depends on how many chilies you use. You can always adjust the amount to your personal preference.
