Drunken noodles

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and comes together in no time, you’ve landed in the right place! Drunken noodles are a delightful stir-fry that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe is so special to me because it captures the essence of Thai street food right in your kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re having friends over for a casual dinner.

What I love most about these Drunken noodles is how customizable they are. You can easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal taste. Whether it’s a quick family meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe never disappoints!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, you’ll have dinner ready in under an hour!
• Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh herbs and sauces creates an umami explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the chewy noodles and tender chicken, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins to make this dish uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch throughout the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Drunken noodles, you’ll need simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Noodles

• 250 grams medium wide rice noodles (dried)

For the Chicken Marinade

• 250 grams chicken thighs or chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

For Stir-Frying

• 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 2-3 Thai red chili peppers
• 4-5 baby bok choy
• 1 cup Holy basil
• 1 green onion (white and green parts separate)

For the Sauce

• 3 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1.5 teaspoons dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• Pinch ground white pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken stock or water

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Try shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken for a new twist.
• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas work great and add extra color!
• Spice it up: Increase the number of Thai red chili peppers for a spicier kick!
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with extra tofu or veggies and use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce.

How to Make Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken against the grain into thin strips. Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to the chicken and mix well. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes while you prepare everything else. This step allows the chicken to absorb flavors, ensuring every bite is tasty.

Step 2: Soak the Rice Noodles

Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. I recommend adding hot water until they’re fully submerged, covering them, and letting them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This prevents overcooking and gives you perfectly chewy noodles.

Step 3: Prep Your Veggies

Clean and cut the baby bok choy into bite-sized pieces. Also, clean and pluck those fragrant basil leaves. Fresh ingredients make all the difference, enhancing both flavor and freshness!

Step 4: Mix Your Sauce

In a bowl, mix all your sauce ingredients together. This will ensure they blend well during cooking, creating that delicious coating over your noodles.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large wok or skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Once hot, add your marinated chicken. Sear it undisturbed for about two minutes until browned; then flip it over for another minute. The goal here is to get a nice sear without fully cooking it since we’ll finish cooking later!

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics

Clean out any bits left from cooking chicken if needed. Heat remaining oil in your skillet/wok. Sauté sliced onion for about 30 seconds until fragrant followed by green onions’ white parts, minced garlic, and red chili if you’re using it – this builds layers of flavor!

Step 7: Stir-Fry Bok Choy

Toss in your baby bok choy next! Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds on medium-high heat until they begin wilting but still maintain some crunch.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Add drained rice noodles along with cooked chicken (and its juices), Thai basil leaves, and green onions into the pan. Pour your prepared sauce around the edges so it can heat evenly as you toss everything together.

Step 9: Toss & Serve

On high heat, toss everything well until each noodle is coated with that luscious sauce – this should take about two minutes! Scrape down any paste stuck on the bottom to prevent sticking; this gives that street-style charred flavor we adore! Serve hot with extra green onions sprinkled on top.

Enjoy diving into these delightful Drunken noodles! They’re sure to become one of your go-to recipes just like they have for me!

Pro Tips for Making Drunken Noodles

Making the perfect drunken noodles is all about technique and a few insider tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhance the flavor but also provide vibrant colors that make your dish visually appealing.
• Manage your heat: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that signature smoky flavor. Don’t be afraid to let your noodles get a little charred; it adds depth!
• Sauce timing: Pouring the sauce around the edges of the pan allows it to heat up before mixing with the noodles, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying, which will affect texture.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to adjust the number of Thai red chili peppers based on your preference for heat. You can also add more or less fish sauce for saltiness.

How to Serve Drunken Noodles

Serving drunken noodles is all about presentation. A colorful, aromatic dish will entice everyone at your table!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and brightness.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime just before eating brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.

Side Dishes

• Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad with vinegar and sugar balances out the rich flavors of drunken noodles.
• Spring rolls: These crispy, vegetable-filled treats pair well and add texture to your meal.
• Thai mango salad: The sweetness of mango combined with tangy dressing complements the savory notes of drunken noodles beautifully.
• Steamed jasmine rice: For those who like a heartier meal, serve with fragrant jasmine rice to soak up any extra sauce.

Enjoy your delicious drunken noodles! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Drunken Noodles recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making lunchtime or dinner planning a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cooked Drunken Noodles to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the noodles to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, keep the sauce separate until ready to eat.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the noodles to cool completely.
• Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen noodles in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken stock in a skillet over medium heat.
• Stir-fry until heated through, adding more liquid if necessary to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Drunken Noodles!

Can I make Drunken Noodles vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables. Adjust cooking times accordingly for even cooking.

What makes Drunken Noodles different from other noodle dishes?

Drunken Noodles are known for their bold flavors and slightly spicy kick, thanks to fresh herbs and chili peppers. They’re also stir-fried at high heat for that signature smoky flavor.

How do I make the best Drunken Noodles?

To achieve restaurant-quality Drunken Noodles, ensure you use high heat while stir-frying. Tossing the noodles quickly helps create that delicious charred effect everyone loves!

Can I use different types of noodles?

While wide rice noodles are traditional, feel free to experiment with other noodle varieties such as egg noodles or even gluten-free options. Just adjust cooking times based on the type you choose!

Are Drunken Noodles spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Feel free to reduce or increase Thai red chili peppers according to your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Drunken Noodles recipe a try! It’s not just about enjoying a meal; it’s about sharing good food with loved ones and creating memories around the dinner table. This dish is special because of its vibrant flavors and quick preparation time, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or ask any questions along the way. Happy cooking!