Drunken Noodles – The Cookie Rookie®

Thai meals tops my listing in relation to favourite takeout delicacies, and I’m all the time scouring the menu for Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles)—so it was solely proper I developed my very own model. Identical to on the restaurant, you’ll be able to tailor the warmth to your spice choice and have these stir-fried noodles on the desk in simply 20 minutes. Suppose tender rice noodles, bite-sized rooster, and crisp veggies all tossed in a daring, umami-packed sauce.

Simple Drunken Noodles Recipe

If you happen to love takeout as a lot as I do, then you definitely’re going to like this simple Drunken Noodles recipe. What I like most about it’s how briskly and versatile it’s. I normally have many of the substances readily available—rice noodles within the pantry, rooster thighs within the fridge, and a handful of bell peppers and onions ready for use up.

The sauce is the actual star right here: a savory mix of oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and Thai chili that brings all these daring flavors collectively. It’s somewhat spicier and extra herb-forward than my Chinese language rooster stir-fry however simply as weeknight-friendly and customizable. You may make it further spicy (like I do) or tone it down in case you’re not into warmth. And don’t skip the Thai basil—it provides that signature recent, peppery chew that makes these stir-fried noodles style identical to those out of your favourite Thai spot.

Ideas for Inexperienced persons

• Stir-frying occurs quick. Have your sauce combined, veggies chopped, and protein prepared earlier than you activate the warmth. 
• A sizzling wok or skillet is vital to getting that barely charred, smoky taste referred to as wok hei. Don’t overcrowd the pan—for this reason we work in batches to get the right sear.

The right way to Prepare dinner Drunken Noodles Step by Step

Collect the substances: Collect all of the substances collectively.

Prepare dinner the noodles: Prepare dinner 8oz extensive rice noodles in line with the package deal directions. They’ll go from tender to mushy quick. Prepare dinner them till simply al dente, and rinse with chilly water to cease the cooking. This additionally helps them not stick collectively when stir-frying.

Put together the sauce: In a mixing bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk collectively ⅓ cup oyster sauce, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and a couple of tbsp water. Put aside for later.

Prepare dinner the rooster: Warmth 2 tsp sesame oil in a big skillet or wok over medium warmth. As soon as the pan is sizzling, add 1 lb. rooster breasts chopped into bite-size items. Add a pinch of salt and prepare dinner till browned and cooked by. Take away from the pan and put aside for later.

Sauté the aromatics and veggies: Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan. Add ½ a thinly sliced onion and prepare dinner for 3-4 minutes till softened. Subsequent, add 2 deseeded and chopped Thai chilis, 1 thinly sliced pink bell pepper, and 4 inexperienced onions minimize into 2-inch items. Prepare dinner the veggies for 4-5 minutes till softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves.

Mix and toss: Add the cooked rooster again into the pan. Then, add within the 8oz of cooked extensive rice noodles, ready sauce, and 1 cup of Thai basil leaves. Toss or stir till all of the substances are evenly coated within the sauce.

Warmth by: Prepare dinner for one more 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, till the dish is totally warmed by and the sauce clings to the noodles. 

Serve and Take pleasure in: Serve the drunken noodles sizzling, straight from the pan. I prefer to prime mine with a number of further Thai basil leaves and a squeeze of lime for brightness. Take pleasure in!

Variations for Drunken Noodles

• You may simply change up the protein on this dish relying on what you may have or what you’re craving. If I’m not feeling like rooster, I’ll add beef like flank steak. You can too add shrimp, pork, tofu, or throw a fried egg on prime.
• For greens, this recipe is tremendous versatile. I like including mushrooms (shiitake or cremini), child corn, zucchini, and even broccoli florets. Snap peas and bok choy are additionally nice selections, and add somewhat crunch. Mainly, in case you’ve obtained leftover veggies in your fridge, it is a good way to make use of them.
• The spice degree is completely customizable, too. For a gentle model, simply skip the Thai chilis and stick to pink bell pepper for shade. If you happen to like a medium kick, strive one Thai chili or a dab of chili garlic sauce. For spicy lovers, add extra chilis or stir in Sambal Oelek or chili crisp. Need it fiery? A number of slices of recent jalapeño or a drizzle of Thai chili oil will certainly convey the warmth!

The right way to Retailer and Reheat

Let the noodles cool fully, then switch them to an hermetic container. They’ll maintain nicely within the fridge for as much as 3–4 days. The flavors get even higher after a day or two.

Reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or rooster broth to a skillet over medium warmth. Stir sometimes till warmed by—this helps loosen the sauce and convey every thing again to life. If the noodles appear a bit dry, simply drizzle on somewhat soy sauce or a tiny spoonful of oil earlier than reheating.

Serving Solutions

For me, drunken noodles are a full meal on their very own—spicy, saucy, and completely satisfying. However once I’m placing collectively a enjoyable Thai-inspired dinner unfold, I prefer to pair them with a number of of my favourite sides. Crispy Thai rooster wings are all the time successful in my home (critically, I may eat an entire plate myself), and a cool, refreshing Asian cucumber salad is ideal for chopping by the warmth. Selfmade egg rolls are additionally an ideal addition to any Asian-inspired unfold.

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