Name: Thai Drunken Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz wide rice noodles; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced; 2 shallots, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp fish sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 cup Thai basil leaves; 1 cup sliced bell peppers; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 cup protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef), sliced

Bold, spicy, and packed with flavor, Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is the kind of dish that satisfies every craving. With wide rice noodles, vibrant vegetables, and a deeply savory sauce infused with garlic, chilies, and Thai basil, this stir-fry is a go-to for weeknight dinners and last-minute guests alike. And contrary to its name, there’s no alcohol in the dish—just a wildly addictive flavor that goes great with a cold drink.

The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for anyone who loves takeout-style Thai food but wants a fresher, homemade spin. Whether you’re going meatless or loading it up with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to stock up on Thai basil!

Why You’ll Love This Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes
Great for quick dinners or spontaneous gatherings
Flexible with protein: tofu, chicken, shrimp, or even beef
Spicy, aromatic, and layered with umami
Tastes just like (or better than) your favorite Thai restaurant

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use for Drunken Noodles?

Thai Drunken Noodles are traditionally made with wide rice noodles. They have a chewy, slightly slippery texture that holds up beautifully to the bold sauce. Look for fresh or dried rice noodles labeled “wide” or “broad.” If you can’t find those, fettuccine-style rice noodles work great, or even pad Thai noodles in a pinch.

Ingredients for the Thai Drunken Noodles

To bring out the fiery, savory magic in this dish, each ingredient plays a special role:

Wide rice noodles: These soak up all the spicy-sweet sauce and deliver the chewy base.
Garlic: Aromatic and essential for building flavor from the start.
Red chili peppers: Brings the heat—adjust to taste or use milder peppers for less spice.
Shallots: Adds depth and slight sweetness to balance the bold sauce.
Soy sauce & dark soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the stir-fry.
Oyster sauce: Gives the dish a thick, glossy finish and rich flavor.
Fish sauce: Just a splash makes all the difference with authentic Thai taste.
Sugar: Balances the savory with a tiny touch of sweetness.
Thai basil leaves: Peppery, fragrant, and completely irreplaceable.
Your protein of choice: Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef all work beautifully.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, baby corn, or broccoli for color and crunch.

How To Make the Thai Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Soak or cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water and set aside.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet. Sauté minced garlic, chili, and sliced shallots until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Protein

Add your chosen protein and cook until browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Toss in the Veggies

Add sliced bell peppers and any other quick-cooking vegetables. Stir-fry until just tender.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Combine With Noodles

Add the drained noodles and stir-fry everything together. Let them soak up the sauce for 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Add Thai Basil and Serve

Turn off the heat and mix in a generous handful of Thai basil. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve and Store Thai Drunken Noodles

These noodles are best served immediately while they’re hot and glossy from the pan. The herbs are most aromatic fresh, and the noodles taste their best right after cooking.

To store, let leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen up the noodles.

Serves: 4 hearty portions.

What to Serve With Thai Drunken Noodles?

Thai Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing with a tangy vinegar dressing—perfect to cut the heat.

Fried Egg

Top your noodles with a crispy-edged, runny-yolk egg for extra richness.

Thai Iced Tea

The sweet and creamy flavor balances the spice of the noodles.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Crispy and light, they add a satisfying crunch and freshness.

Mango Sticky Rice

For a sweet finish that soothes the spice.

Stir-Fried Morning Glory

A classic Thai side dish that’s garlicky, crunchy, and just the right balance.

Pan-Fried Tofu

If you’re skipping meat, add crispy tofu bites on the side or in the dish.

Want More Thai Noodle Ideas?

If you love Thai Drunken Noodles, here are more spicy and savory dishes to try next:

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is fusion comfort at its finest.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta brings creamy, hearty flavors in a flash.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for when you want creamy comfort with a protein punch.
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce with deep, savory notes that linger.
Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime you need a bold, spicy stir-fry fix.

And if you try this one, let me know how it went! Did you keep it classic or make it your own? Did you double the heat or mellow it down?

Drop a comment—I love hearing how you twist these dishes to suit your kitchen vibe.

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Thai Drunken Noodles

Author: Nora
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving a takeout-style dinner that’s quick, bold, and packed with heat? Thai Drunken Noodles are the ultimate spicy comfort food with chewy rice noodles, fragrant Thai basil, and a rich umami sauce. This easy dinner idea is perfect when you want a fast stir-fry recipe that feels gourmet but cooks in 30 minutes or less. Great for weeknight meals, last-minute guests, or when you’re low on inspiration but big on flavor. It’s everything you want in a hearty, satisfying Asian noodle dish—spicy, sweet, salty, and deeply savory. One of the best quick dinner recipes to keep in your back pocket!