Description
Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a bold and flavorful Thai stir-fried noodle dish packed with chewy rice noodles, tender protein, and a spicy, umami-rich sauce. With fresh Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
- 10 oz wide rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)
- 1 lb protein of choice (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles
Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, slightly undercooking them to prevent mushiness. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a hot wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and Thai chilies, stirring until fragrant.
- 3. Cook the Protein
Add the sliced protein of your choice and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- 4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Toss in the bell peppers and onions, cooking until slightly tender but still crisp.
- 5. Add the Noodles and Sauce
Stir in the cooked noodles and add dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- 6. Finish with Thai Basil
Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil. Let it wilt slightly before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing Thai chilies.
- If Thai basil is unavailable, use holy basil or Italian basil as a substitute.
- Wide rice noodles are traditional, but fettuccine rice noodles can work as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 40mg