Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles

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Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is a bold and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This dish combines tender, marinated tuna steaks with saucy, spicy rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and fragrant Thai basil. Quick to prepare, it’s a vibrant take on a popular Thai street food that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

  • 10 oz dried wide rice noodles (or spaghetti noodles)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 2 packs Ocean’s Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks (4 pieces total)
  • 2–4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bird’s eye chilies or red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • 1 sweet red pepper, sliced
  • 2 tsp fish sauce
  • 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves (or regular basil), plus extra for garnish
  • Juice of 1 lime (plus extra lime slices for serving)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1½ tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1½ tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp water

Directions

  1. Cook the Noodles:
    • Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions (soak in lukewarm water or boil for a few minutes until al dente). Drain and set aside.
  2. Mix the Sauce:
    • Combine oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Tuna:
    • Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tuna steaks for about 3.5 minutes on each side or according to the package instructions. Remove and set aside on a plate.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Add the remaining 2 tbsp oil to the same skillet. Sauté the onion and red pepper for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
    • Add garlic and chilies. Cook for 10 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
    • Stir in the fish sauce, green onions, noodles, and prepared sauce. Toss for about 1 minute until the sauce coats the noodles.
  6. Finish with Basil and Lime:
    • Remove the skillet from heat. Add the basil and lime juice, tossing gently until the basil wilts.
  7. Assemble and Serve:
    • Divide the noodles into bowls and top each with a tuna steak (sliced or whole). Garnish with extra basil, green onions, and lime slices.

Nutrients

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 4 servings)
  • Calories: 480 kcal (approximate)
  • Nutritional Breakdown:
    • Protein: 30g
    • Carbohydrates: 45g
    • Fat: 15g
    • Sodium: 850mg

This Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles recipe delivers a perfect combination of heat, tanginess, and umami flavors. With its quick preparation and vibrant ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!

A Bold and Flavorful Fusion: Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles

For those who crave bold, spicy, and aromatic flavors, Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is a dish that delivers on all fronts. Inspired by Thai street food, this vibrant one-pan meal combines tender marinated tuna steaks with saucy rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and fragrant Thai basil. It’s the perfect harmony of heat, tanginess, and umami flavors.

Whether you’re seeking a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this recipe offers something for everyone. The preparation is simple, yet the flavors are complex and satisfying, making it a must-try for fans of Asian-inspired cuisine.

Why This Dish Stands Out

Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Each element of the dish contributes to its unique character:

  1. Yellowfin Tuna Steaks: Marinated in Thai chili sauce, these steaks are perfectly seared to lock in their natural richness while complementing the noodles with a subtle, spicy kick.
  2. Spicy Drunken Noodles: Known as Pad Kee Mao in Thai, drunken noodles are a street food favorite. Their signature spicy and savory flavor comes from a rich sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce, paired with garlic, chilies, and fresh basil.
  3. Fresh Vegetables: Sweet red peppers, onions, and Thai basil add vibrant colors and textures, balancing the spice with their natural sweetness and earthiness.
  4. Quick and Easy: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this dish is surprisingly quick to prepare, with the entire meal coming together in under 30 minutes.

This fusion of high-quality tuna steaks and traditional Thai noodles creates a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

What Makes Drunken Noodles Unique?

Drunken noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, are a popular Thai stir-fry dish that stands out for its bold flavors and satisfying texture. Despite the name, the dish doesn’t actually contain alcohol. The origins of the name are debated, but many believe it comes from its reputation as a perfect hangover cure due to its spicy and savory profile.

Key characteristics of drunken noodles include:

  1. Wide Rice Noodles: These noodles have a chewy, satisfying texture that holds up well to the rich sauce.
  2. Umami-Packed Sauce: The sauce combines oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and fish sauce, creating a balance of salty, sweet, and savory notes.
  3. Fresh Basil: Thai basil is essential, offering a slightly anise-like flavor that ties the dish together.
  4. Customizable Heat: The use of bird’s eye chilies gives the dish its signature heat, but the spice level can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Paired with the tender, marinated tuna steaks, this version of drunken noodles is a flavorful twist on a beloved classic.

Nutritional Highlights

While this dish is indulgent in flavor, it also offers a range of nutrients that make it a balanced and wholesome option:

  1. High in Protein: With 30 grams of protein per serving, the tuna steaks provide a lean, high-quality protein source.
  2. Rich in Omega-3s: Yellowfin tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
  3. Carbohydrates for Energy: The rice noodles provide a steady source of energy, making this dish both satisfying and revitalizing.
  4. Vitamins and Antioxidants: Fresh vegetables and Thai basil are packed with vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that promote overall health.
  5. Low in Saturated Fat: With only 15 grams of total fat per serving, this dish offers richness without being overly heavy.

This balance of nutrients makes Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles a wholesome yet indulgent choice.

Customizing the Recipe

This dish is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some customization ideas:

  1. Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the tuna steaks with tofu or tempeh, and use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce for a plant-based option.
  2. Adjust the Spice: For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or use a sweeter chili sauce. For extra heat, add more bird’s eye chilies or a dash of Sriracha.
  3. Swap the Noodles: Replace rice noodles with zucchini noodles or soba noodles for a lower-carb or gluten-free alternative.
  4. Enhance the Vegetables: Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for more variety and nutritional value.
  5. Try Different Proteins: Use shrimp, chicken, or beef in place of tuna to create a different flavor profile while maintaining the essence of the dish.

These adjustments ensure that this recipe can suit a wide range of dietary preferences and occasions.

Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal

While Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes and beverages can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas:

  1. Appetizers:
    • Start with Thai spring rolls or shrimp dumplings for a light appetizer that sets the tone for the meal.
    • A simple cucumber salad with a tangy lime dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
  2. Side Dishes:
    • Serve with steamed jasmine rice for those who want an additional side to balance the spice.
    • Stir-fried vegetables with garlic and soy sauce make a great accompaniment.
  3. Beverages:
    • A chilled Thai iced tea or lemongrass-infused water complements the dish’s spicy and savory flavors.
    • For wine lovers, a slightly sweet Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully.
  4. Desserts:
    • End the meal with a light dessert like mango sticky rice or coconut sorbet to cleanse the palate.

These pairings create a well-rounded dining experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dish

To ensure your Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles turn out perfectly, follow these tips:

  1. Cook the Tuna Properly: Avoid overcooking the tuna steaks to maintain their tender texture. Sear them just until medium-rare for the best results.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Thai basil, fresh chilies, and lime juice are essential for achieving authentic flavors.
  3. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep the noodles slightly al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when tossed with the sauce.
  4. Prep in Advance: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking, as the stir-frying process is quick.
  5. Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness as needed.

These tips will help you create a dish that’s both authentic and delicious.

Conclusion: A Fusion of Flavor and Simplicity

Thai Chili Yellowfin Tuna Steaks with Spicy Drunken Noodles is a dish that brings together the best of Thai cuisine with a modern twist. Its combination of tender, marinated tuna steaks, spicy noodles, and fresh vegetables creates a meal that’s both vibrant and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort.

 

 

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