Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) (2024)

This Thai Drunken Noodles recipe is a fast, easy, 30-minute weeknight dinner! Full of umami flavor, make it with chicken, shrimp or crispy tofu!

What Are Thai Drunken NoodleS?

Thai Drunken Noodles ( also called Pad Kee Mao)hail from the streets of Thailand and are a spicy, savory stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, chicken or shrimp, vegetables, and signature Thai basil in a saucy, flavorful stir-fry sauce. Contrary to popular belief, Drunken Noodles contain no alcohol!

Our version of this popular dish remains authentic while including the option of adding more veggies and crispy tofu for a plant-based option.

THai Drunken Noodles Recipe Ingredients

Protein: Thinly sliced Chicken breast, shrimp or crispy tofu work well here.

Wide Rice Noodles. Dried, wide rice noodles are traditional.

Vegetable Options. Onions, bell peppers, baby corn, snow peas, asparagus, mushrooms, green beans, bok choy or roma tomatoes.

Basil. Thai basil or holy basil are both tradional- or in a pinch use regular fresh basil. Be extra generous with the basil, which sets this dish to a whole level of deliciousness.

Fresh chilis. The traditional taste of drunken noodles is spicy, savory, salty, and subtly sweet. For extra heat, add more fresh jalapeños, serranos, or Thai chilis.

Oyster sauce. Oyster sauce adds a deep umami flavor found in Drunken Noodles. Don’t skip it if you can help it. Feel free to buy or make vegan oyster sauce.

Fish sauce. Not all fish sauces are made equal in quality and saltiness. Use it sparingly as you can always add more at the end. You can also make our vegan fish sauce!

Soy sauce. Soy sauce is a must for this recipe. Any brand is fine, as well as GF liquid aminos.

Sweet dark soy sauce. Sweet dark soy sauce adds sweetness and a distinct smokiness. It also gives the ricenoodles their dark golden brown color. Use soy sauce and honey as a substitute.

Sugar. Honey, agave syrup, brown sugar, or any sweetener of choice is great.

Rice Vinegar or lime juice. A touch of it will give the noodles a nice balance of tanginess.

THai Drunken Noodle Recipe (Instructions)

Step one. Make the Thai Drunken Noodle Sauce. Whisk all the ingredeints together in a small bow.

Step two. Cook the rice noodles. Soak rice noodles in hot boiling water until softened to al dente, 5-10 minutes depending on the size of your noodles.

Step three. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Turn your hood on! Add oil and garlic and chili and cook until brown, 20-30 seconds.

Step four. Add the thinly sliced chicken (or shrimp or tofu), season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned 3-4 minutes. See notes for tofu.

Step five. Add onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until tender-crisp.

Step six. Add any quick-cooking vegetables and stir fry, and cook for 2 minutes, until tender-crisp.

Step seven. Add the softend rice noodles, and stir fry for 1-2 minutes- a little crispy is good here! If sticking add a little more oil.

Step seven. Add the sauce, stir fry and let cook for 2 minutes. Turn the heat up to high and stir fry briefly.

Step eight. Turn the heat off, add the Thai basil, stir well one final time, and serve hot.

Serving Suggestion

Sprinkle drunkle noodles with more Thai basil, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, fish sauce or Thai chili flakes for extra bold and spicy flavors.Add any of the following.

• Crunchy Cucumber Slices
• Lime Wedges
• Garlic Chili Paste or Sriracha

Storage

Leftovers will keep 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a suacepan on the stovetop over medium low heat.

• Vegan Oyster Sauce
• Vegan Fish Sauce
• Best Pad Thai Noodles Recipe!
• Tom Kha Soup (Thai Coconut Soup)
• Tom Yum Soup

I hope you enjoy this recipe! I truly love sharing what I know about making tasty Thai food and bringing a little bit of my Thai culture to your kitchen. Food is a huge part of Thai culture, and we truly believe that sharing and eating food with others makes life so much better. I hope this recipe brings great delight to your heart and home!

~ Suwanee

Print