These Drunken Noodles are a vibrant, spicy stir-fry that combines the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The rice noodles soak up the delicious sauce, while fresh Thai basil adds a burst of fragrant flavor.
This dish is so versatile – you can switch up the protein with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, and adjust the heat to your liking with fresh chili peppers. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress at a dinner party, Drunken Noodles are sure to be a hit!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz rice noodles
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1/2 pound chicken breast (or beef, shrimp, or tofu), thinly sliced
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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1/2 onion, sliced
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2-3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon chili paste
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1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
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1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
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1/2 lime, cut into wedges
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Red chili peppers (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken (or beef, shrimp, or tofu) to the skillet and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, chili paste, and white pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the meat and vegetables.
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Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce.
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Stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt into the dish.
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Serve hot with a squeeze of lime juice and optional red chili peppers for an extra kick.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes Drunken Noodles Special?
Drunken Noodles stand out from other noodle dishes due to their exceptional combination of ingredients and spices. The primary ingredient – the rice noodles – is soft and chewy, providing the perfect base to hold all the flavors of the stir-fry. The sauce used in Drunken Noodles is a perfect harmony of salty, savory, and sweet elements. The soy sauce provides the saltiness, while the oyster sauce and fish sauce deliver richness and depth. Fish sauce, a staple in Thai cooking, gives the dish a savory umami flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Sugar is added to balance out the saltiness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
In addition to the sauce, the fresh Thai basil leaves give the dish an aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. As the noodles cook, they absorb all the delicious flavors of the stir-fry, making each bite bursting with savory goodness. For the adventurous eater, the chili paste in the sauce gives the dish its signature heat, but the spice level can be adjusted based on personal taste preferences.
A Versatile and Adaptable Dish
One of the best things about Drunken Noodles is their versatility. While the traditional recipe calls for chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu as the main protein, you can easily customize it based on dietary preferences or what you have available in your pantry. For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, tofu is an excellent substitute for meat and is often used in Thai cooking to create a hearty and filling dish.
If you want to make your Drunken Noodles spicier, simply add extra chili paste or top the dish with fresh chili peppers to bring up the heat. Alternatively, you can tone down the spice level by reducing the chili paste and adding more vegetables to balance the flavors. In terms of vegetables, you can use bell peppers, onions, or other stir-fry-friendly options like snow peas, carrots, and baby corn. The key is to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp so they maintain their texture and don’t get overcooked.
How to Serve Drunken Noodles
Drunken Noodles are best served immediately after cooking, while they’re hot and fresh from the wok. Traditionally, this dish is enjoyed as a main course, and it pairs beautifully with a cold Thai iced tea or a refreshing lime soda to cut through the heat of the chili. For a complete meal, you can serve Drunken Noodles alongside a Thai-inspired appetizer like spring rolls or satay skewers.
Another great thing about Drunken Noodles is that they can be served for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner with friends, preparing a quick lunch, or serving them at a party, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For larger gatherings, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it just before serving. The noodles hold up well when stored in the fridge, and the flavors continue to develop even after a day or two.
The Influence of Thai Street Food Culture
In Thailand, Drunken Noodles are a quintessential street food dish. Street vendors often prepare this dish right in front of their customers using large woks and open flames, creating a sensory experience that’s as much about the sounds and smells as it is about the food itself. The sizzling sound of the wok, the aroma of garlic and basil, and the sight of fresh ingredients coming together create a magical atmosphere that makes Thai street food so enticing.
The popularity of Drunken Noodles has transcended Thailand, making its way to restaurants around the world. This dish has become a favorite in Thai restaurants in the United States, Europe, and beyond, often adapted to suit local tastes and ingredient availability. Whether you’re in Bangkok or Brooklyn, you can find a variation of this dish on many restaurant menus, often served alongside other beloved Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, or Tom Yum Soup.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Drunken Noodles
To make Drunken Noodles as authentic and delicious as possible, here are some key tips to keep in mind:
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Use Fresh Thai Basil: Fresh Thai basil is an essential ingredient in this dish, and it adds a unique aroma that cannot be replicated with regular basil. If you can’t find Thai basil at your local grocery store, you can use regular basil, but the flavor won’t be the same.
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Choose the Right Noodles: Rice noodles are the traditional choice for Drunken Noodles, but make sure to pick the right kind. Look for wide rice noodles, which are thicker and can absorb the sauce better than thinner noodles. Be sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions to ensure they’re soft and chewy but not too mushy.
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Adjust the Spice: Drunken Noodles are meant to have a spicy kick, but you can adjust the heat according to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili paste or skip the fresh chili peppers.
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Use a Wok: For the best flavor and texture, cook Drunken Noodles in a wok over medium-high heat. The high heat allows the noodles to cook quickly while retaining their chewy texture. A wok also ensures that the ingredients get properly stir-fried and coated in the sauce.
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Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: The vegetables in Drunken Noodles should be tender yet crisp. Avoid overcooking them, as this can result in mushy vegetables that lack texture. Stir-fry them just long enough to soften slightly, allowing them to retain their color and crunch.
Conclusion
Drunken Noodles are an exciting and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Thailand to your kitchen. The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, combined with chewy rice noodles and fresh Thai basil, makes for a dish that is both comforting and energizing. The versatility of Drunken Noodles allows you to experiment with different proteins and vegetables, making it easy to tailor the dish to your preferences.
Whether you’re craving something spicy and bold for dinner or want to impress your guests with an authentic Thai dish, Drunken Noodles are the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of preparation, you can recreate this Thai street food favorite in the comfort of your own home. The flavors are rich, the spice is invigorating, and the satisfaction of enjoying a homemade batch of Drunken Noodles is unmatched. Don’t be afraid to try it out and make it your own!