Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe for dinner tonight? Try our drunken noodles with prawns and broccoli. These noodles with prawns and broccoli are packed full of flavor and can be whipped up in no time. It’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for those who are trying to eat healthy.
All about Drunken Noodles with Prawns and Broccoli
Drunken noodles
Drunken noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao or “drunkard’s stir fry,” is a popular Thai dish made with wide rice noodles, meat or tofu, bell peppers, onions, basil, and a spicy sauce. Some variations of drunken noodles may also include add-ins such as tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and chilis.
To make the dish more authentic and flavorful, it is important to use fresh Thai basil instead of regular basil leaves. Traditional drunken noodles are also served with a crispy fried egg on top.
This dish can be found at many Thai restaurants and can also be made at home with the right ingredients. Enjoy drunken noodles as a flavorful dinner option or an indulgent late-night meal.
Prawns
Prawns are a type of crustacean, related to shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Many people think prawns and shrimp are the same thing, but they are actually different types of seafood. Prawns tend to be larger and have longer bodies with claws on three of their five pairs of legs. Shrimp are smaller and have claws on only two pairs of legs. Prawns have a sweeter flavor and firmer flesh than shrimp.
Chinese broccoli
Chinese broccoli, also known as gai lan, is a leafy green vegetable used in Chinese cuisine. Chinese broccoli has a stronger flavor than regular broccoli. Both types of broccoli are excellent sources of vitamins A and C and fiber. Both types of broccoli offer health benefits and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. It all comes down to personal preference in taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need for this Drunken Noodles Recipe
- Rice noodles
- Prawns (mine were pre-steamed)
- Fish sauce
- Garlic cloves
- White or black pepper
- Chinese broccoli or regular broccoli
- Red onion
- Fresh Thai basil
- Chili flakes
- Fresh red chili
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Cooking oil
How to Make Drunken Noodles with Prawns and Broccoli
Marinate the prawns:
- Grate 2 garlic cloves. Mix the fish sauce, pepper, and garlic in a bowl.
- Stir in the prawns and marinate while you prep the veggies.
Prep the veggies:
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the onion and fresh chili into thin slices.
- Mince the remaining 5 garlic cloves.
- Wash the basil and remove the stems.
Prep the sauce:
- Combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Cook the dish:
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat the wok to the smoking point then add the oil, minced garlic, and onion. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the marinated prawns to the wok and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Add the broccoli, cooked noodles, and chili flakes; mix well.
- Add the sauce, mix well, and cook everything together for 5 minutes.
- Stop the heat and add the basil and fresh red chili.
Substitutions for Drunken Noodles with Prawns and Broccoli
This recipe is easy and versatile. If you are looking for possible substitutions, these ideas can help you get started:
- Instead of or in addition to the broccoli, you can use any other vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- If you don’t have access to Thai basil, you can use regular basil as a substitute. But it may not have the same level of flavor and aroma.
- Rice noodles are gluten free. But to make the dish gluten free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Also check the labels of the fish sauce and oyster sauce to make sure they are gluten free.
- You can substitute the protein of your choice for the prawns. Chicken, beef, tofu, or pork belly are all delicious.
Drunken Noodles FAQs
Can I make drunken noodles with a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can use any type of noodle for this dish. One popular alternative is lo mein noodles.
How spicy are drunken noodles?
The spiciness level can vary depending on your individual taste preference. This drunken noodles recipe has a moderate level of heat. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes and red chilis or omit them altogether. For extra spice, consider adding in some Thai chili paste or Sriracha sauce.
Can I make drunken noodles ahead of time?
These drunken noodles are best eaten right after you make them. But if there are any leftovers, store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Other Pasta Recipes
- Penne Noodles with Vegetables and Chicken Sausage
- Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles
- Tasty and Healthy Salmon Pasta
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Bottom Line
This drunken noodles recipe is a delicious and easy dish to make at home. The combination of prawns and broccoli is a great way to add both protein and vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. And the marinade and sauce brings out the flavor in every bite. Give this Drunken Noodles with Prawns and Broccoli a try for your next dinner.
Drunken Noodles with Prawns and Broccoli
Classic Thai drunken noodles made with prawns. Delicious, bursting with flavor and so quick to make!
Ingredients
- 4 oz rice noodles
- 1 pound prawns (mine were pre-steamed)
- To marinate the prawns:
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon white or black pepper
- 2 cups Chinese broccoli or regular broccoli
- 1/2 red onion
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 cups Thai basil
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 1 red fresh red chili
- For the sauce:
- 1 teaspoon white or black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Cooking oil
Instructions
1, Start by marinating the prawns while you prep the rest of the ingredients, for this in a bowl mix the fish sauce, the cracked pepper, and the garlic cloves grated.
2. Prep the veggies:
- Cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces.
- Slice thinly the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Cut thinly the fresh chili.
- Wash the basil and remove the stems.
3. Prep the sauce:
- In a bowl combine the oyster sauce, the soy sauce, the honey, and the pepper and mix well. Set aside.
4. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.
5. While the noodles are cooking, heat the wok until they smoking point, and then add the oil, the minced garlic, and the onion. Fry for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the marinated prawns to the wok and cook for 5 more minutes.
7. Add the broccoli and the cooked noodles. Add the chili flakes, and mix well.
8. Add the sauce, mix well and cook everything together for 5 minutes.
9. Stop the heat and add the basil and the fresh red chili.
Notes
Writing notes: the story behind the name of this iconic dish is worth investigating and writing about.
This stir fry is best eaten right after being made, but if there are any leftovers store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
It can be made with the protein of your choice, tofu for meatless options, but chicken, beef, or pork belly are equally delicious.
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