Name: Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz flat rice noodles; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 cup bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 8 oz boneless chicken or shrimp

Jump to Recipe

Why make this recipe

Thai Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, are a fantastic choice for a quick and delicious meal. This street-style dish is popular in Thailand for a good reason: it’s bold, flavorful, and offers a great mix of textures. Making it at home allows you to adjust the spice levels and choose your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze. Who wouldn’t want a flavorful meal ready in less than 30 minutes?

How to make Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles

Making Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles is straightforward and can be done in just a few easy steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Ingredients:

8 oz flat rice noodles
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 cup bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, julienned
8 oz boneless chicken or shrimp

Directions:

Cook the Noodles: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the flat rice noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering before moving to the next step.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt.
Add Protein: Next, add the protein of your choice (boneless chicken or shrimp) into the skillet. Stir-fry until it’s cooked through. For chicken, this should take about 3-5 minutes. Shrimp will cook faster, so 2-3 minutes is enough.
Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry these veggies for about two minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Finally, bring the cooked noodles back to the skillet along with the soy sauce and brown sugar. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Nutritional Benefits

Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles offer several nutritional benefits. This dish includes plenty of vegetables, providing vitamins and minerals essential for good health. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while broccoli is packed with fiber and antioxidants. If you choose chicken or shrimp, you’ll get a good amount of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and overall health. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce also helps keep the dish balanced, making it a delicious yet healthier option.

What to Serve With Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles

These Thai Drunken Noodles are a meal all on their own. However, if you’re looking to enhance your dining experience, consider serving them with:

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll love Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles for their versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have in your kitchen. Additionally, the spicy and sweet flavor combination keeps your taste buds excited. It’s also a great option for family dinners or entertaining friends since it’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.

How to store Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is easy. Place the noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat. You might want to add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to keep them from drying out.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

To ensure your Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles turn out great, here are some tips to consider:

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Make sure to cook the rice noodles just until al dente. If you overcook them, they’ll become mushy once mixed with the other ingredients.
Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-fry happens quickly, so being organized will help you keep up.
Adjust the Spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding chili flakes or fresh chili peppers. Start small and taste as you go.

Avoid making these common mistakes:

Cooking Everything Together: Don’t throw all the ingredients in at once. Give the garlic and protein time to cook before adding vegetables.
Skipping the Oil: Make sure to use enough oil; it helps with cooking and adds flavor.

Variations

Though this recipe is already delightful, there are variations you can try to put your own spin on it:

Vegan Option: Substitute chicken or shrimp with tofu and use a plant-based soy sauce.
Different Vegetables: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you enjoy. Snap peas, zucchini, or even baby corn can add great flavor and texture.
Nutty Flavor: Drizzle some sesame oil or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a nutty twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken or shrimp with tofu and use a vegetarian-friendly soy sauce.

2. Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Look for gluten-free flat rice noodles and ensure you’re using gluten-free soy sauce.

3. How can I make it spicier?

For added heat, you can add chili paste or fresh chopped chili peppers while stir-frying the garlic.

Making these Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles at home is not only rewarding but also a satisfying way to explore Thai flavors. With its vibrant ingredients and bold taste, it can quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether for weekday dinners or special occasions, this dish has something for everyone! Enjoy your cooking adventure!