Drunken Noodles
Here is an appetizing introduction to the recipe, ranging from 350-500 characters, written before any headings. Drunken noodles, or “pad kee mao,” is a flavorful Thai dish known for its wide rice noodles tossed in a spicy sauce with vibrant vegetables and your choice of protein. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also customizable, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced cooks. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking process that will have your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients.
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 plate) contains approximately 550 calories, 20g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. This nutritional profile is a great balance for a fulfilling meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Gather all ingredients: wide rice noodles, vegetables, and protein of choice.
2. Soak the noodles in warm water for about 15 minutes until softened.
3. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Toss in your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu) and cook until browned.
6. Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
7. Drain and add the softened noodles to the pan.
8. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili sauce, mixing well.
9. Add fresh basil and stir until wilted.
10. Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges and additional basil.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have wide rice noodles, you can substitute them with any flat noodles or even spaghetti. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh instead of meat. Adjust the sauces according to your flavor preference!
Serving and Pairings
Drunken noodles pair wonderfully with a side of spring rolls or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a cold Thai iced tea to balance the spiciness of the dish.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. While it’s best fresh, it can be frozen for up to a month.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not soaking the noodles long enough can lead to a chewy texture.
- Adding too much sauce can make the dish soggy.
- Overcooking the vegetables makes them lose their crunch.
- Forgetting to add fresh herbs at the end diminishes flavor.
- Using low-quality soy sauce can affect the overall taste.
Helpful Tips
- Use high heat for a quick stir-fry.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking to streamline the process.
- Experiment with different vegetables for variety.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce.
FAQs
What are drunken noodles?
Drunken noodles, known as “pad kee mao,” is a popular Thai dish featuring wide rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables and protein, all in a savory, spicy sauce. It’s loved for its bold flavors and versatility.
Can I make drunken noodles vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make drunken noodles vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh as the protein. Just ensure that sauces used are also vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy are drunken noodles?
The spice level can vary based on personal preference. You can adjust the amount of chili sauce added to achieve your desired heat level.
Can I use regular pasta instead of rice noodles?
Yes, you can substitute regular spaghetti or any flat pasta for rice noodles, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly from traditional drunken noodles.
What should I serve with drunken noodles?
Drunken noodles pair well with spring rolls, a fresh salad, or even a fruity Thai iced tea to complement the dish’s spiciness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drunken noodles are a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Thailand to your kitchen. With its quick preparation and customizable nature, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy the bold tastes and make this dish a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Drunken Noodles
Ingredients
- 8 oz. wide rice noodles
- 1 cup chicken shrimp, or tofu
- 2 cups mixed vegetables bell peppers, broccoli, carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Oil for cooking
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soak the noodles in warm water for about 15 minutes until softened.
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add your choice of protein and cook until browned.
- Toss in chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Drain and add the softened noodles to the pan.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili sauce, mixing well.
- Add fresh basil and stir until wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges.
