Drunken noodles, or Pad Kee Mao as it’s known in Thai, is a beloved street food dish that has captured hearts (and stomachs!) worldwide. This stir-fried noodle dish is a delightful explosion of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors that will leave you craving for more.
What are Drunken Noodles?
Drunken noodles feature wide rice noodles stir-fried with a fiery combination of chilies, garlic, and holy basil. What sets this dish apart is its signature “drunken” sauce, a blend of fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar that creates a unique umami flavor. You can customize your drunken noodles with your choice of protein, be it chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or even seafood.
The Legend Behind the Name
While the true origin of the name “drunken noodles” remains a mystery, many believe it stems from the dish’s fiery kick. Some say it’s the perfect antidote to a long night of drinking, while others believe the name simply reflects its intoxicatingly delicious flavors. Either way, one thing’s for sure: this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love Drunken Noodles
A Symphony of Flavors
Drunken noodles are all about the balance of flavors. You get the heat from the chilies, the savory notes from the fish and oyster sauce, the sweetness from the sugar, and the aromatic freshness from the basil. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
Quick and Easy to Make
Despite its complex flavors, drunken noodles are surprisingly easy to make. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch.
Versatile for Any Palate
Whether you’re a spice lover, a vegetarian, or simply looking for a customizable meal, drunken noodles won’t disappoint. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, swap out the protein, and even add your favorite vegetables to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup protein of your choice (chicken, pork, beef, tofu, etc.)
- 1/2 cup vegetables (optional, e.g., onions, bell peppers, carrots)
- 1/4 cup holy basil leaves
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Drunken Noodles
Preparing the Noodles:
- Soak the rice noodles in hot water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are pliable but still firm to the touch. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Stir-Frying the Dish:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add your chosen protein and stir-fry until cooked through.
- If using, add your chosen vegetables and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Push the cooked ingredients to one side of the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the drained noodles to the wok and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through.
- Toss in the holy basil leaves and stir-fry for another minute.
Serving Your Drunken Noodles:
- Transfer the drunken noodles to a serving plate and garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Drunken Noodles:
Adjusting the Spice Level:
Remember that the number of chilies can be adjusted to your liking. For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer chilies. If you prefer a fiery kick, feel free to add more!
Protein Substitutions:
Feel free to experiment with different protein options. Chicken, pork, beef, tofu, shrimp, and even squid all work wonderfully in this dish.
Vegetable Variations:
You can add a variety of vegetables to your drunken noodles for added texture and nutrients. Onions, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli florets, mushrooms, and baby corn are all great additions.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between drunken noodles and pad see ew?
While both dishes use wide rice noodles, drunken noodles are known for their spicy flavor from chilies and holy basil. Pad see ew, on the other hand, uses a sweeter dark soy sauce and is typically not spicy.
2. Can I make drunken noodles ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy drunken noodles immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. However, you can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
3. What type of noodles are best for drunken noodles?
Wide rice noodles are traditionally used for drunken noodles. They absorb the sauce well and hold their shape during stir-frying.
4. Where can I find holy basil?
You can usually find holy basil at Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with Thai basil, but the flavor will be slightly different.
5. What can I serve with drunken noodles?
Drunken noodles are a satisfying meal on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of Thai spring rolls, fried wontons, or a refreshing Thai salad.
Craving Authentic Thai? Ginger Thai Kitchen is Your Salinas Paradise!
Welcome to Ginger Thai Kitchen, the most popular Thai restaurant in Salinas, where vibrant flavors and warm hospitality meet. Located at 1104 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, we’re proud to be a local favorite, serving up authentic Thai cuisine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
More Than Just Drunken Noodles (Though They Are Amazing!)
While our Drunken Noodles (Pad See Ew) are definitely a crowd-pleaser, with their perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors, our menu is a journey through Thailand’s diverse culinary landscape.
Here’s a sneak peek at what else we’re cooking up:
- Curries Bursting with Flavor: Dive into a world of creamy coconut milk-based curries like our fragrant Green Curry, rich and savory Panang Curry, or the fiery Red Curry. Choose your preferred protein and spice level for a truly personalized experience.
- Noodle Dishes to Satisfy Your Cravings: Beyond our famous Drunken Noodles, we offer a variety of noodle dishes like the classic Pad Thai, flavorful Pad See Ew, and spicy Pad Prik King, each with its unique combination of sauces and fresh vegetables.
A Taste of Thailand in Every Bite
At Ginger Thai Kitchen, we’re passionate about sharing our love for authentic Thai cuisine with our community. Our friendly staff is always happy to guide you through the menu and help you find the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings.
Visit us today at 1104 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901 or call us at [Phone Number] to place your order. You can also find us on [Online Ordering Platform] for convenient delivery or pickup.
Ginger Thai Kitchen: Where every dish is a taste of Thailand, crafted with love and served with a smile.