Chef John’s Drunken Noodles
I indulged in a drink or three while preparing these, ensuring I could savor them as the culinary deities intended—slightly inebriated. That's the primary theory behind the dish's name. Another, less entertaining theory suggests it was named because it was once made with wine. Garnish with Thai basil and lime, if desired.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried rice noodles
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup shallots, thinly sliced
- 6 teaspoons chile padi (bird's eye chiles), thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into strips (Optional)
- 1-pound Chinese broccoli, sliced (Optional)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Soak rice noodles in hot water until flexible, 10 to 15 minutes. Occasionally move the noodles around to separate them. Drain the water and cover with a wet paper towel.
- Combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, Asian fish sauce, maple syrup, sugar, and water in a small bowl.
- Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in a wok, or large frying pan, over medium-high heat. Stir-fry shallots, chile peppers, and garlic until shallots are soft, about 2 minutes. Move the mixture around the outside of the pan to create a space and add chicken. Sear for 1 minute, then combine with shallot mixture.
- Add Chinese broccoli stems and stir-fry until tender, about 2 minutes.
- Add Chinese broccoli leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
- Add drunken noodle sauce and sliced green onions and mix. Cook until sauce begins to simmer.
- Add soaked rice noodles and toss to coat until noodles have absorbed the sauce and are cooked through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in Thai basil leaves until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve.
Notes
- Any noodle or pasta can be used, but the soaking and cooking time will depend on the size and type of noodle.
- You can use any meat or vegetable as long as it’s cut thin or pre-cooked.
- Any hot pepper will work, or you can use a sweet pepper and make up the difference with red pepper flakes.
- Regular basil will work, but Thai basil is preferred.
Nutrition
Calories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1393mgPotassium: 268mgFiber: 2g
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