Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): Bold, Spicy, and Bursting with Flavor
If you love bold, spicy, and deeply satisfying noodle dishes, then Drunken Noodles — also known as Pad Kee Mao — needs to be on your table tonight. This Thai street food favorite is packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something savory, saucy, and a little spicy.
Despite the name, there’s no alcohol in this dish. Legend has it that it was created as the ultimate hangover cure — hence the “drunken” title. But you don’t need a rough night to enjoy this. Just a craving for something that wakes up your taste buds and satisfies your soul.
What Makes Drunken Noodles So Good?
It’s all about the contrast:
Soft, chewy rice noodles
Spicy, garlicky chili sauce
Sweet and salty soy-based marinade
Fresh, fragrant Thai basil
Crisp, colorful veggies and protein of your choice
It’s a perfect storm of heat, sweetness, umami, and freshness — all wrapped around wide, slippery noodles that soak up every drop of that glorious sauce.
Ingredients
Note: You can adjust spice and protein based on your taste and availability.
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
1 teaspoon sugar
1–2 teaspoons chili garlic paste (adjust to taste)
For the Stir-Fry:
8 oz wide rice noodles (fresh or dried & soaked per package instructions)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 cup baby corn or broccoli (optional)
1–2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
1 egg (optional, scrambled into the pan)
1 cup Thai basil leaves (regular basil works in a pinch)
8 oz chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu – your choice!
Instructions
1. Prep the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and chili garlic paste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Protein
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your protein of choice and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies
