Description
Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are a spicy, savory stir-fry featuring wide rice noodles, tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fresh holy basil, all tossed in a rich umami sauce. This quick and easy Thai street food favorite is perfect for weeknight dinners or satisfying your craving for authentic Thai flavors at home!
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
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10 oz fresh wide rice noodles (or dry rice noodles, soaked for 15 minutes)
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2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, sunflower, or grapeseed oil)
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2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or substitute with beef, pork, shrimp, tofu, or scrambled eggs)
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1 cup Chinese broccoli (or bok choy, yu choy sum)
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1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced (or substitute with baby corn or bell peppers)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 red chili peppers, sliced (or substitute with milder red capsicum)
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1 cup fresh Thai holy basil (or Thai basil/Italian basil)
For the Sauce:
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tsp white vinegar
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1 tsp sugar
Instructions
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Prepare the Noodles:
If using dry rice noodles, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside. If using fresh noodles, cut into 1-inch strips. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan, let cool slightly, and slice thinly. -
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the minced garlic and red chilies for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the Chinese broccoli and carrots; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. -
Add Noodles and Sauce:
Add the soaked or fresh noodles to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce (soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar). Toss everything together until evenly coated and the noodles are heated through (about 2–3 minutes). -
Finish the Dish:
Return the sliced chicken to the pan along with the fresh basil leaves. Toss until the basil wilts and everything is well combined, about 1 minute.
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Serve:
Transfer to serving plates and garnish with extra basil or chilies if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
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For extra heat, add more sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil.
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Substitute tofu and tamari for a vegetarian version.
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Adjust sauce levels to taste depending on your preference for sweetness, saltiness, or spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
