Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our Thai Drunken Noodles, a dish bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors that’s sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Thailand. Made with flat rice noodles, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a spicy-sweet sauce, this recipe is perfect for adventurous food lovers looking to spice up their dinner routine. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
- 14 oz flat rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp chili paste (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice Noodles:
- Cook the flat rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and minced ginger, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables:
- Add thinly sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they are no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add sliced onion, sliced bell pepper, and Thai basil leaves to the skillet. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, chili paste, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve Hot:
- Once the noodles are heated through and the flavors are well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Thai Drunken Noodles hot, garnished with additional Thai basil leaves if desired.
- Enjoy the Spicy Delight:
- Dive into the deliciousness of Thai Drunken Noodles and savor the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Protein Options: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or your favorite seafood for a delicious variation.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and load up on colorful vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice preference. For milder noodles, reduce the amount, and for extra heat, add more chili paste or fresh chili peppers.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use dried Thai basil instead of fresh? A: While fresh Thai basil offers the best flavor, you can substitute it with dried Thai basil if fresh is not available. Use half the amount of dried basil as compared to fresh.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Q: Can I use different noodles for this recipe? A: Traditionally, Thai drunken noodles are made with flat rice noodles, but you can substitute them with wide rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti if needed.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free? A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, this dish is gluten-free.
Elevate your dinner experience with the bold and flavorful Thai Drunken Noodles, a dish that’s sure to impress with its vibrant colors and enticing aroma. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and spicy-sweet sauce, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or simply looking to spice up your dinner routine, these noodles are sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet or wok, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Thailand with Thai Drunken Noodles!
