Name: Beef Pad Mee Mao
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 ounces wide rice noodles; 12 ounces beef, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; A handful of Thai basil leaves; Lime wedges for serving

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Introduction

Beef Pad Mee Mao is a delicious and flavorful Thai stir-fried noodle dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and spicy meal. This dish, also known as Drunken Noodles, is a popular street food in Thailand and has gained a following around the world for its bold flavors and satisfying texture.

Beef Pad Mee Mao gets its name from the fiery heat of the dish, which is said to be so spicy that it can make you feel intoxicated. However, don’t let the name scare you away! You can adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

To make a delicious Beef Pad Mee Mao, you will need the following ingredients:

– 8 ounces of wide rice noodles

– 12 ounces of beef, thinly sliced

– 3 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped

– 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

– 1 onion, thinly sliced

– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

– 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce

– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon of fish sauce

– 1 tablespoon of sugar

– A handful of Thai basil leaves

– Lime wedges for serving

Steps

Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the steps of making Beef Pad Mee Mao:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles

Start by soaking the rice noodles in hot water for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and pliable. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

In a hot wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until it is seared and browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same wok, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. Return the beef to the wok and mix well with the vegetables.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the wok. Stir-fry everything together until well-coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Rice Noodles

Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the wok. Use a pair of tongs or chopsticks to toss the noodles with the beef and vegetables, ensuring that everything is evenly mixed.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Tear the Thai basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the wok. Give everything a final toss to incorporate the basil leaves. Remove the wok from the heat and transfer the Beef Pad Mee Mao to serving plates. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

Variations

While the classic Beef Pad Mee Mao recipe is already packed with flavors, you can customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Seafood Pad Mee Mao

Replace the beef with a combination of shrimp, squid, and mussels for a delightful seafood twist.

Vegetarian Pad Mee Mao

Omit the beef and add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and baby corn, for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Chicken Pad Mee Mao

If you prefer chicken over beef, simply substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh for the beef.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Beef Pad Mee Mao:

– Adjust the spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Thai chilies or remove the seeds before chopping them.

– Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat, so make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the ingredients.

– Prep ahead: Have all the ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method.

– Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your taste. Bean sprouts, broccoli, or snap peas would all be great additions.

– Serve with condiments: Along with lime wedges, you can also serve Beef Pad Mee Mao with extra Thai chilies, soy sauce, or chili sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

Conclusion

Beef Pad Mee Mao is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the bold flavors of Thai cuisine to your plate. With its perfect balance of spiciness, sweetness, and umami, this stir-fried noodle dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to your liking, Beef Pad Mee Mao is a versatile dish that will never disappoint.

FAQs

1. Can I make Beef Pad Mee Mao ahead of time?

While Beef Pad Mee Mao is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry everything together for a quick and delicious meal.

2. Can I use different types of noodles?

Absolutely! While wide rice noodles are traditional for Beef Pad Mee Mao, you can use other types of noodles such as egg noodles or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

3. How spicy is Beef Pad Mee Mao?

Beef Pad Mee Mao can be quite spicy, especially if you use the full amount of Thai chilies. However, you can adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of chilies or removing the seeds before chopping them.

4. Can I make Beef Pad Mee Mao without meat?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Beef Pad Mee Mao by omitting the beef and adding more vegetables or tofu for protein.

5. What other Thai dishes can I try?

If you enjoy the flavors of Thai cuisine, you might also like to try dishes such as Pad Thai, Green Curry, Tom Yum Soup, and Mango Sticky Rice. Thai cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Beef Pad Mee Mao

Introduction

Ingredients