Thai Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a bold, spicy, and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic Thai basil, and tender protein. Despite its name, these noodles don’t contain alcohol—the “drunken” part refers to their reputation as the perfect late-night meal after a night out. The combination of chewy rice noodles, savory sauce, and fiery chili heat makes this dish a favorite in Thai cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and spicy flavors – A delicious mix of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet.
Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Customizable – Use your favorite protein and adjust the spice level to your liking.
Authentic Thai taste – The key ingredients, like Thai basil and oyster sauce, bring out rich, authentic flavors.
Better than takeout – Homemade means fresher ingredients and customizable heat!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wide rice noodles
Chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu
Thai basil (or substitute with regular basil)
Garlic
Thai chilies (adjust to taste)
Onion
Bell peppers
Carrots
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Fish sauce
Dark soy sauce
Sugar
Vegetable oil

Directions

Prepare the noodles: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
Stir-fry protein: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add protein and cook until browned. Remove from the pan.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add more oil, then sauté garlic and chilies until fragrant.
Add vegetables: Stir in onions, bell peppers, and carrots, cooking until slightly softened.
Combine everything: Add the cooked noodles, sauce, and protein back to the pan. Toss well to coat.
Finish with Thai basil: Stir in fresh Thai basil, mixing until wilted. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Use shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or a mix for variety.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the fish sauce and oyster sauce, using soy sauce or mushroom sauce instead.
Extra Heat: Add more Thai chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of rice noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to loosen the noodles.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of rice noodles can become mushy.

FAQs

Why is it called Drunken Noodles?

The name comes from the idea that this spicy dish is great for late-night cravings, especially after drinking.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh Thai basil?

Fresh Thai basil is best, but if unavailable, use regular basil or a mix of basil and mint.

How do I prevent my noodles from sticking together?

Toss them with a little oil after cooking, and don’t overcook them in the stir-fry.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce substitute.

What’s the difference between Pad Kee Mao and Pad Thai?

Pad Kee Mao is spicier, has no peanuts, and features Thai basil, while Pad Thai has a sweeter, tangy flavor.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce?

Dark soy sauce adds depth and color, but you can substitute with regular soy sauce and a little extra sugar.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Use fewer chilies for mild heat or add more for extra spiciness.

What type of noodles should I use?

Wide rice noodles are traditional, but you can use fettuccine-style rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! Prep the sauce and chop the veggies ahead of time for a quicker meal.

What sides pair well with Drunken Noodles?

Serve with Thai cucumber salad, spring rolls, or a light soup.

Conclusion

Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is an easy, flavorful dish that brings authentic Thai street food right to your kitchen. With its spicy kick, chewy noodles, and fresh basil aroma, it’s a meal you’ll crave again and again. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a homemade version that’s even better than takeout!