Simple Drunken Noodles Recipe for Fast Weeknight Meals
### Simple Drunken Noodles Recipe for Fast Weeknight Meals
Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a beloved Thai meal celebrated for its rich flavors and delightful texture. This stir-fried noodle delight is ideal for speedy weeknight meals, as it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Here’s an easy recipe that captures the spirit of Thai cooking right in your kitchen.
#### Ingredients
– **Noodles:**
– 8 oz wide rice noodles (or any noodles you like)
– **Protein (optional):**
– 1 cup chicken, shrimp, or tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– **Vegetables:**
– 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup carrots, julienned
– 1 cup snap peas or green beans
– **Aromatics:**
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to your preference)
– **Sauce:**
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian substitute)
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
– **Garnish:**
– Fresh basil leaves (preferably Thai basil)
– Lime wedges
– Sliced green onions
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Noodles:**
– Cook the rice noodles according to the instructions on the package. Drain and rinse in cold water to avoid sticking. Set aside.
2. **Make the Sauce:**
– In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce. Set aside.
3. **Stir-Fry the Protein:**
– In a large skillet or wok, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add your choice of protein and stir-fry until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. **Sauté Aromatics:**
– In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Add minced garlic and sliced chilies, sautéing for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
5. **Add Vegetables:**
– Add in the bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crunchy.
6. **Combine Noodles and Sauce:**
– Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are thoroughly coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. **Finish with Protein and Basil:**
– Return the cooked protein to the pan and add the fresh basil leaves. Stir everything until the basil wilts and the dish is heated through.
8. **Serve:**
– Dish out the drunken noodles and garnish with lime wedges and chopped green onions. Enjoy your quick and tasty weeknight meal!
#### Tips for Success
– **Noodle Choice:** Though wide rice noodles are classic, you can use any noodles available, such as egg noodles or even spaghetti.
– **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to mix and match veggies according to what you have. Zucchini, mushrooms, and baby corn are excellent options.
– **Spice Level:** Modify the number of chilies based on your heat tolerance. For a less spicy dish, remove the seeds from the chilies.
– **Meal Prep:** This meal is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
With this straightforward drunken noodles recipe, you can create a tasty and fulfilling meal in no time, making it the perfect pick for hectic weeknights. Savor the lively flavors of Thailand right at home!