Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil

Get ready to whip up a vibrant and delicious dish that combines the spicy, savory flavors of authentic Thai street food with the fresh crunch of garden vegetables. Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil is a quick and satisfying meal that brings together wide rice noodles, colorful vegetables, fragrant Thai basil, and bold seasonings, making it perfect for any night you want something tasty and wholesome. This recipe balances heat, sweetness, and umami perfectly while being flexible enough to suit your pantry and cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Vibrant, fresh flavors: Loads of fresh veggies and aromatic basil brighten every bite.
• Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredient choices to suit your taste.
• Wholesome and satisfying: Combines protein, fiber, and fresh produce in one bowl.
• Authentic taste: Inspired by traditional Thai drunken noodles but simplified for home cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that bring layers of flavor and texture together. Each ingredient plays a role, from the chewy noodles to the punchy sauces and crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious, mouthwatering dish.

• Wide rice noodles: The chewy base that soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Mixed fresh veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or whatever you have for crunch and color.
• Fresh Thai basil: Adds a sweet, peppery aroma essential to authentic flavor.
• Soy sauce and oyster sauce: Provide salty, savory depth to the dish.
• Garlic and chili: Build the spicy, aromatic foundation.
• Protein (optional): Tofu, chicken, or shrimp to add heartiness if desired.
• Oil: Use neutral oil for stir frying, like vegetable or canola.
• Sugar: Balances the savory heat with a subtle sweetness.

Variations for Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil

Feel free to make this recipe your own by swapping ingredients or tweaking flavors—it’s wonderfully adaptable and can fit any diet or mood.

• Vegan-friendly: Skip oyster sauce and use mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce instead.
• Protein-packed: Add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
• Low-carb option: Substitute rice noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Extra veggies: Broccoli, baby corn, or mushrooms fit in beautifully for added variety.
• Mild version: Reduce or omit fresh chili and use sweet chili sauce for a gentler kick.

How to Make Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Soak or boil the wide rice noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking, as these noodles are the star texture in your dish.

Step 2: Stir-Fry Aromatics

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sliced fresh chili, cooking until fragrant but not burnt—this builds the fragrant foundation.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Add chopped fresh veggies to the pan and stir-fry quickly to keep them crisp and colorful. The speed retains their natural texture and nutrients.

Step 4: Add Protein (Optional)

If using protein such as tofu or chicken, add it now and cook through until browned and tender, perfectly complementing the veggies and noodles.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Throw in the cooked noodles and pour over the combined soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles soak up all the flavorful sauce evenly.

Step 6: Toss in Fresh Basil

Finally, add fresh Thai basil leaves and stir just until they wilt—this releases their signature aroma and flavor for a mouthwatering finish.

Pro Tips for Making Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil

• High heat cooking: Use a hot pan to quickly stir-fry and maintain veggie crunch.
• Fresh basil last: Add basil at the very end to preserve its vibrant aroma and taste.
• Don’t over-soak noodles: Soak just until pliable to avoid mushy texture in the final dish.
• Adjust spice to taste: Customize chili amount for a personal heat level that feels just right.
• Use wide noodles: The broad shape helps capture more sauce and adds satisfying chew.

How to Serve Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil

Garnishes

Top with extra fresh basil leaves, a wedge of lime for a bright citrus twist, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or fried garlic to add texture and enhance flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice for a balanced meal that complements these bold, saucy noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in shallow bowls lined with banana leaves for a festive, authentic vibe, or garnish with edible flowers to impress guests with colorful flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover drunken noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve texture, store sauce and noodles together but reheat gently.

Freezing

This dish freezes well when wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of water or oil, tossing gently until warmed through to refresh the noodles and veggies without becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, while wide rice noodles are traditional for Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil, you can substitute with flat egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes fresh chili for heat, but you can easily adjust or omit the chili to suit your spice tolerance.

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

Sweet basil or even fresh mint can be used as alternatives, though Thai basil offers a distinct peppery flavor that’s ideal for this dish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute oyster sauce with mushroom-based sauce and skip any animal proteins to keep it plant-based and delicious.

How long does it take to prepare?

From start to finish, you can have Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil ready in about 25 to 30 minutes, making it a fantastic quick meal.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil is a delightful blend of bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and comforting noodles that you can prepare anytime you crave a satisfying yet quick dish. Its flexibility and vibrant taste make it a new favorite to add to your cooking rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the lively burst of Thai-inspired flavors at home!

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