Description
These Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are a bold, spicy, and flavorful stir-fry made with wide rice noodles, garlic, Thai chilies, fresh Thai basil, and your protein of choice. It’s a quick, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights, packed with the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and heat.
Ingredients
8 oz wide rice noodles
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 red Thai chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
1 cup Thai basil leaves
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup sliced bell peppers or onions (optional)
1 cup sliced chicken, shrimp, or tofu (your choice)
Instructions
1. Whisk together soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Soak wide rice noodles in hot water until softened but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.
4. Add garlic and chopped chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add your protein and cook until nearly done.
6. Toss in optional veggies and stir-fry until slightly tender.
7. Add softened noodles to the wok.
8. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss to coat evenly.
9. Stir-fry until noodles start to char slightly on the edges.
10. Turn off the heat and stir in Thai basil leaves. Let them wilt from the residual heat.
11. Serve hot with lime wedges or Thai iced tea.
Notes
Use fresh Thai basil if available—it gives the dish its signature aroma and flavor.
For an authentic texture, don’t over-soak or overcook the rice noodles; they should remain slightly chewy.
If using tofu, press it beforehand to remove excess moisture for better browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Thai Drunken Noodles, Pad Kee Mao, spicy noodles, Thai stir fry