Few dishes pack as much flavor into a single skillet as drunken noodles. Known as Pad Kee Mao in Thailand, this spicy, savory, and slightly sweet stir-fried noodle dish is beloved for its bold taste and fast preparation. Despite the name, there’s no alcohol in the recipe. Instead, it earned its title from the legend that it’s the perfect dish to enjoy after a night of drinking or that it’s so spicy, you need a drink to cool down. The good news is you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to make this easy drunken noodles recipe at home. With a few basic ingredients and simple techniques, anyone can master this popular Thai street food classic.
What Are Drunken Noodles?
A Flavor-Packed Thai Stir-Fry
Drunken noodles are a staple of Thai cuisine and are often compared to Pad Thai, though they are usually spicier and use wide rice noodles instead of thinner ones. The dish combines chewy rice noodles with a variety of vegetables, a protein of your choice, and a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and chili. Fresh Thai basil is added at the end for a fragrant, slightly peppery note that sets the dish apart from other noodle stir-fries.
No Alcohol, Just Intense Flavor
Despite the name, drunken noodles don’t include alcohol. The origin of the name is uncertain, but many believe it refers to how the dish pairs well with alcohol or was made with whatever ingredients were available late at night after a party. Either way, the real star is the bold combination of spicy, sweet, salty, and savory flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
Ingredients for Easy Drunken Noodles
Essential Components
This recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores or Asian markets. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and swap in different proteins or vegetables as needed.
- 8 oz wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots or 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli or Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 pound chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef
- 1 handful fresh Thai basil leaves
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water for 30 to 45 minutes until they are soft but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside. If using fresh rice noodles, gently separate them and trim into manageable lengths if needed.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together all sauce ingredients: soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Protein
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chosen protein chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 23 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the soaked and drained noodles to the pan along with the cooked protein. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 23 minutes until everything is evenly coated, and the noodles are tender.
Step 6: Add Basil and Serve
Turn off the heat and add the Thai basil leaves. Stir until they wilt and release their aroma. Serve immediately while the noodles are hot and flavorful.
Tips for Perfect Drunken Noodles
Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Rice noodles can become mushy if overcooked, so keep a close eye during the soaking process. If they become too soft before stir-frying, they may fall apart in the pan.
Use a Hot Wok
For authentic texture and flavor, use high heat. A hot wok helps sear the ingredients quickly and adds a slight smokiness to the dish, known as wok hei.
Substitute If Needed
- Can’t find Thai basil? Try regular basil or holy basil.
- Out of oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce makes a good vegetarian substitute.
- Want it vegan? Use tofu for protein and swap fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
Variations to Try
Customize Your Drunken Noodles
One of the best things about drunken noodles is how easy it is to customize the recipe based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Here are a few variations to inspire you:
- Seafood version: Use shrimp, squid, or scallops for a coastal twist.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and load up with mushrooms, tofu, and extra veggies.
- Beef and basil: Thin slices of flank steak pair wonderfully with the bold sauce and fresh basil.
- Spicy deluxe: Add more chili peppers or a dash of chili oil for an extra kick.
Why Drunken Noodles Are So Popular
Fast, Flavorful, and Satisfying
Drunken noodles check all the boxes for a great home-cooked meal. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner. You can even double the batch and reheat leftovers for a satisfying lunch the next day.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Because it comes together in about 30 minutes or less, this easy drunken noodles recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. With just a few pantry staples and fresh vegetables, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Thai restaurant.
This easy drunken noodles recipe offers a mouthwatering balance of heat, sweetness, and savoriness that makes every bite exciting. With wide rice noodles, bold aromatics, and a rich, tangy sauce, it’s no wonder Pad Kee Mao is a favorite around the world. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills to master this dish just a good pan, fresh ingredients, and a love of bold flavors. Whether you’re craving something spicy for dinner or looking to recreate your favorite Thai takeout, drunken noodles are a delicious choice that always delivers.