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Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): A Spicy, Stir-Fry Sensation

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): A Spicy, Stir-Fry Sensation

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Thai

Description

A bold and flavorful Thai stir-fry with juicy meat (or tofu), fresh veggies, and wide rice noodles in a spicy, savory sauce with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. This quick and satisfying dish is packed with vibrant flavors, perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz wide rice noodles
  • 1 lb protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if unavailable)
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 24 Thai bird’s eye chilies (or regular red chili)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
  • 2 green onions (for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until tender but still chewy. Drain and toss lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Protein: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu and cook until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same wok, add more oil if necessary. Sauté garlic and bird’s eye chilies for 30 seconds, then add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are soft but still crunchy.

  4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves, then pour over the veggies in the wok. Stir to coat evenly.

  5. Combine Noodles and Protein: Add the cooked noodles and protein back into the wok. Toss everything together, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce for another 2-3 minutes.

  6. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Stir in fresh basil leaves and cook until wilted. Serve in bowls, garnished with cilantro and green onions.


Notes

  • Adjusting the Spice: For a milder version, reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies or remove their seeds. Add extra chili or chili paste if you like more heat.
  • Substitute Protein: You can use shrimp, tofu, or tempeh as substitutes for meat.
  • Sticky Noodles: Rinse noodles briefly with cold water if they’re too sticky after cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg