Authentic Drunken Noodles Recipe Made Easy

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you my easy-to-follow recipe for making authentic drunken noodles. If you’ve been craving the bold and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, then this recipe is for you. With just a few simple ingredients and some helpful techniques, you’ll be able to recreate this beloved Thai dish right at home.

What makes this recipe special is its authenticity. I’ve carefully crafted this dish to capture the true essence of drunken noodles, blending together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and rewarding to create.

In this article, I will walk you through each step of the process, starting with gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing the noodles. We will then move on to creating the flavorful sauce and cooking the drunken noodles to perfection. If you’re a vegetarian or prefer a spicier version, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with special tips and modifications.

So, put on your aprons and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we dive into the world of authentic drunken noodles. By the end of this recipe, you’ll have a delectable dish that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand.

Key Takeaways:

Follow this recipe to create authentic drunken noodles with bold Thai flavors.
Gather all the essential ingredients to ensure an authentic taste.
Learn how to prepare the noodles and cook them to perfection.
Create a flavorful sauce that brings the dish together.
Customize the recipe with vegetarian options or add extra spice for a kick.

Ingredients for Drunken Noodles

To make authentic drunken noodles, you’ll need a variety of flavorful ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering Thai dish. Here is a list of everything you’ll need to have on hand:

Proteins:

Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Tofu: 1 block of firm tofu, cubed

Vegetables:

Bell Peppers: 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Broccoli: 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
Baby Corn: 1 can of baby corn, drained and rinsed
Basil: 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves

Noodles:

Wide Rice Noodles: 8 ounces of wide rice noodles

Sauces and Spices:

Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
Dark Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced
Bird’s Eye Chilies: 2-3 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)

These ingredients will come together to create the authentic flavors of drunken noodles. Now that you have your shopping list ready, let’s move on to the next section, where I’ll guide you through the process of preparing the noodles. But before we do that, take a moment to feast your eyes on this delicious image of drunken noodles:

Doesn’t that look absolutely tempting? Now, let’s continue with the preparation of the noodles in the next section.

Preparing the Noodles

In this section, I’ll guide you through the process of preparing the noodles for your drunken noodles dish. The key to achieving noodle perfection lies in selecting the right type of noodles and cooking them to the perfect texture. Follow my easy steps and you’ll have a delicious plate of drunken noodles in no time!

Selecting the Perfect Noodles

When it comes to making drunken noodles, the type of noodles you choose plays a crucial role in the overall taste and texture of the dish. The traditional choice for drunken noodles is wide rice noodles, also known as “sen yai” noodles. These flat and wide noodles have a chewy texture that pairs well with the flavors of the dish. Look for them in your local Asian grocery store or online.

However, if you can’t find wide rice noodles, feel free to substitute with other types of noodles such as flat rice noodles, wide lo mein noodles, or even linguine as a last resort. Just keep in mind that the final result may vary slightly in taste and texture.

Cooking the Noodles to Perfection

Now that you have your chosen noodles, it’s time to cook them to perfection. Follow these simple steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, which will help flavor the noodles.
Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook them according to the package instructions until they reach a tender but slightly firm texture, known as al dente.
Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
Drizzle a little bit of oil over the noodles and gently toss them to prevent sticking.

Now your noodles are ready to be added to the rest of the drunken noodles ingredients and cooked into a flavorful masterpiece!

Creating the Sauce

Now that you have your noodles prepared, it’s time to move on to the next crucial step: creating the sauce. This is where the authentic flavors of drunken noodles come to life. By using the right ingredients and techniques, you can achieve a sauce that perfectly complements the noodles and brings all the flavors together.

To create an authentic sauce for your drunken noodles, you’ll need a combination of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

Dark soy sauce – This ingredient adds a rich and robust flavor to the sauce.
Oyster sauce – Oyster sauce adds depth and umami to the sauce, enhancing its overall taste.
Fish sauce – Fish sauce provides a distinct salty and savory flavor that is essential in Thai cuisine.
Sugar – Sugar balances out the savory flavors and adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
Thai chili – For those who love a bit of heat, Thai chilies can be added to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Combine these ingredients in the right proportions and adjust them to your taste preferences. It’s important to remember that Thai cuisine is known for its bold and vibrant flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Techniques for the Perfect Sauce

Aside from the ingredients, there are a few techniques that can elevate your sauce and ensure it captures the authentic essence of drunken noodles:

Balance the flavors: Taste the sauce as you go and make adjustments if needed. Add more soy sauce for a saltier taste, more sugar for sweetness, or more fish sauce for depth.
Simmer and reduce: To intensify the flavors and thicken the sauce, simmer it over low heat until it reduces slightly. This will help the sauce adhere to the noodles better.
Hold back some sauce: Reserve a small amount of sauce to add while stir-frying the noodles. This will prevent the noodles from becoming dry and ensure they’re evenly coated with the flavors.

By following these techniques, you’ll be able to create a sauce that perfectly complements the other elements of the dish, resulting in truly authentic drunken noodles.

Ingredients	Proportions
Dark soy sauce	2 tablespoons
Oyster sauce	2 tablespoons
Fish sauce	1 tablespoon
Sugar	1 tablespoon
Thai chili	1-2, minced (optional)

Now that you have your sauce perfected, it’s time to move on to the next step: cooking the drunken noodles. In the next section, I’ll guide you through the process of bringing all the elements together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Cooking the Drunken Noodles

In this section, I’ll guide you through the cooking process of the authentic drunken noodles. It’s time to bring all the delicious ingredients together and create a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more.

Step 1: Stir-frying the Vegetables and Proteins

To start, heat a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add your choice of protein, such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the protein from the wok and set it aside.

Next, add a bit more oil to the wok and add in the vegetables. A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots works great in this dish. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. It’s important to keep the heat high to ensure the veggies retain their crunch and vibrant colors.

Step 2: Incorporating the Sauce and Noodles

Now it’s time to add the sauce and noodles to complete the dish. The sauce is the heart of drunken noodles, providing the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar in a separate bowl, whisking until well combined.

Add the cooked protein back to the wok with the vegetables, followed by the sauce. Give everything a good stir to coat the ingredients evenly. At this point, you can add some heat to your noodles by incorporating Thai bird’s eye chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

Finally, add the cooked noodles. Traditionally, wide rice noodles are used in drunken noodles. You can find these noodles in Asian grocery stores or the international aisle of your local supermarket. Gently toss the noodles with the sauce and vegetables, making sure they are well coated and heated through.

Continue to stir-fry the noodles for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can turn mushy. The goal is to have noodles that are tender and slightly chewy.

And there you have it! Your authentic drunken noodles are now ready to be served. The combination of flavors—sweet, savory, and spicy—along with the variety of textures from the vegetables and proteins, creates a truly delicious and satisfying dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like Thai basil or cilantro, and serve hot.

Vegetarian Option for Drunken Noodles

For those looking for a vegetarian version of the famous Thai dish, drunken noodles, you’re in luck! With a simple modification to the recipe, you can enjoy flavorful vegetarian drunken noodles that still capture the authentic taste. By replacing the traditional protein component with vegetarian alternatives, you can create a satisfying and delicious dish that aligns with your dietary preferences.

When making vegetarian drunken noodles, it’s essential to choose substitutes that provide a similar texture and taste to meat. Common vegetarian alternatives include tofu, tempeh, or seitan. These protein sources can absorb the flavors of the sauces and spices, creating a mouthwatering experience.

To maintain the integrity of the dish, ensure that the vegetables you use are vibrant and fresh. This will enhance the visual appeal and nutritional value of the final dish. You can opt for a colorful assortment of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas to add a variety of textures and flavors to the dish.

Here’s a simple modification to the easy drunken noodles recipe:

Ingredients	Measurement
Vegetarian protein (tofu, tempeh, or seitan)	8 ounces
Rice noodles	8 ounces
Vegetables	Assortment of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas
Garlic	4 cloves, minced
Thai chili peppers	2, sliced
Vegetarian oyster sauce	2 tablespoons
Soy sauce	2 tablespoons
Sugar	1 tablespoon
Vegetable oil	2 tablespoons

Instructions:

Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai chili peppers. Stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the vegetarian protein of your choice to the wok and cook until lightly browned.
Add the assortment of vegetables and continue stir-frying until they are crisp-tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetarian oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
Pour the sauce over the vegetable and protein mixture in the wok. Stir-fry for another minute.
Add the cooked rice noodles to the wok and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Remove from heat and serve hot.

Now you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegetarian version of drunken noodles. The combination of flavorful sauces, fresh vegetables, and protein substitutes will create a dish that’s sure to impress both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Adding Spice to Drunken Noodles

If you’re someone who enjoys a kick of spice in your dishes, then you’re in for a treat. In this section, I’ll provide you with some valuable tips on how to add an extra spicy element to your Thai drunken noodles. By incorporating optional ingredients and applying certain techniques, you can take your dish to the next level and infuse it with that authentic Thai heat.

Making Thai Spicy Sauce

To achieve that desired spiciness, one of the key steps is to create a flavorful Thai spicy sauce. Simply follow these steps:

Gather your ingredients: Thai chili peppers, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, and vegetable oil.
Preparation: Finely chop the Thai chili peppers and garlic.
Cooking: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped chili peppers and garlic, sautéing them until fragrant.
Combining flavors: Add the soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar to the pan, and stir well to combine all the flavors.
Adjusting the heat: If you prefer a milder spice level, you can reduce the amount of Thai chili peppers or remove the seeds. Conversely, if you’re a spice enthusiast, increase the number of peppers or add some chili flakes for extra heat.
Adding the sauce to your drunken noodles: Once the sauce is prepared, simply drizzle it over your cooked noodles and toss to evenly distribute the spiciness.

By following this simple recipe, you’ll be able to elevate the flavors of your drunken noodles with just the right amount of heat.

Choosing the Right Spicy Ingredients

Another way to add spice to your dish is by selecting spicy ingredients to incorporate into your drunken noodles. Some options include:

Fresh Thai chili peppers
Chili flakes or powder
Sriracha sauce
Red pepper flakes

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance of flavors and spiciness that suits your taste.

Now that you know how to add spice to your drunken noodles, let’s move on to the next section, where I’ll share valuable insights on creating a mouthwatering vegetarian version of this beloved Thai dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is the best drunken noodles recipe to satisfy your cravings for authentic Thai flavors. By following this easy recipe, you can recreate the delicious taste of this beloved dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional version or want to add your own spin with spice or vegetarian options, this recipe offers the versatility to cater to your preferences.

The key to achieving the authentic taste lies in using the right ingredients and following the steps meticulously. From the selection of the noodles, the gradual build-up of flavors in the sauce, to the perfect stir-frying technique, every detail counts in creating the best drunken noodles.

Remember, the secret to unlocking the true essence of Thai cuisine is in the balance of flavors – the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy. So don’t be afraid to experiment with the level of spiciness or the combinations of vegetables and proteins to suit your taste buds.

Whether you’re new to cooking Thai dishes or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will guide you through every step, making it easy for you to recreate the best drunken noodles that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand. So gather the ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other!

FAQ

What is the best recipe for drunken noodles?

The best recipe for drunken noodles is the one that suits your taste preferences. However, our authentic drunken noodles recipe is a great place to start. It combines the perfect balance of flavors and spices to create a delicious Thai dish.

How do I make authentic drunken noodles?

To make authentic drunken noodles, follow our easy recipe. We provide step-by-step instructions on selecting the right ingredients, preparing the noodles, creating the sauce, and cooking the dish. With our recipe, you’ll be able to recreate the flavors of Thailand right in your own kitchen.

Are drunken noodles easy to make?

Yes, drunken noodles are relatively easy to make. Our recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you’ll have a delicious plate of drunken noodles in no time.

What ingredients do I need to make drunken noodles?

To make drunken noodles, you will need ingredients such as rice noodles, protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu), garlic, Thai basil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, chili peppers, and a variety of vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots). For the full list of ingredients, refer to our dedicated section on “Ingredients for Drunken Noodles.”

Can I make vegetarian drunken noodles?

Absolutely! In our “Vegetarian Option for Drunken Noodles” section, we offer a modification to the recipe that replaces the protein component with flavorful vegetarian alternatives. This will allow you to enjoy the authentic taste of drunken noodles while adhering to your vegetarian lifestyle.

How spicy are drunken noodles?

Drunken noodles can be as spicy as you prefer. If you enjoy heat in your dishes, our “Adding Spice to Drunken Noodles” section provides tips on adding an extra spicy element to your noodles. This allows you to customize the level of spiciness according to your taste buds.

Can I make drunken noodles without spice?

Certainly! If you prefer a milder version of drunken noodles, you can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting certain ingredients like chili peppers. Our recipe allows flexibility, ensuring you can tailor the dish to your specific preferences.

How long does it take to cook drunken noodles?

The cooking time for drunken noodles depends on various factors such as the type of protein, the thickness of the noodles, and personal cooking pace. Typically, it takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare and cook drunken noodles, making it a quick and satisfying meal option.

Can I make substitutions in the drunken noodles recipe?

Absolutely! While our recipe provides a traditional and authentic approach, feel free to make substitutions based on your dietary needs and taste preferences. You can swap proteins, adjust the vegetables, or even experiment with different sauces to create a personalized version of drunken noodles.

Are drunken noodles gluten-free?

The traditional ingredients in drunken noodles, such as rice noodles and soy sauce, are gluten-free. However, it is important to check the labels of any pre-packaged sauces or condiments you use, as these may contain gluten. If you have specific dietary restrictions, opt for gluten-free versions of those ingredients.