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Drunken Noodles, known as Pad Kee Mao in Thai, is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Thailand's vibrant culinary landscape. This stir-fried noodle dish is renowned for its bold flavors, aromatic herbs, and delightful textures. Its significance in Thai cuisine goes beyond mere taste; it embodies the spirit of street food culture and the communal joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Get ready to whip up a delicious and flavorful dish with these Drunken Noodles Delight! This recipe features wide rice noodles stir-fried with garlic, Thai chilies, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein, all tossed in a savory sauce. With a balance of spice, sweetness, and the freshness of basil and lime, every bite is a delight. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Don’t forget to garnish with crushed peanuts for an extra crunch!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz wide rice noodles

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced (adjust for spice level)

1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red and green)

1 cup snap peas or green beans

1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred)

Juice of 1 lime

Crushed peanuts (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

    Heat Oil: In a large wok or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

      Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and bird's eye chilies; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

        Add Vegetables: Toss in the bell peppers and snap peas, stir-frying for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

          Incorporate Protein: Add your choice of cooked protein and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

            Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Pour this mixture over the stir-fried ingredients in the wok.

              Combine Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the mixture, tossing everything together well to ensure the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

                Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and lime juice, mixing until combined.

                  Serve: Transfer to serving plates, and if desired, sprinkle with crushed peanuts for an added crunch.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2-3