Sizzling Spicy Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) Recipe

Tantalizing aromas of spicy thai drunken noodles fill the kitchen, awakening every sense with their bold flavors.

This authentic pad kee mao recipe brings the vibrant street food of Bangkok directly to your plate.

Saucy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, these noodles dance with a perfect balance of heat and umami.

Flat rice noodles tossed with tender proteins, crisp vegetables, and a fiery sauce create a mouthwatering meal that transports you to the bustling streets of Thailand.

Each bite packs a punch of complex seasonings that blend together seamlessly.

Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant finish to this dynamic dish.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet extraordinary culinary adventure that will become your new favorite weekend meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) Ingredients

• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich umami depth and glossy texture to the dish, select authentic Thai or Chinese brands for best flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Provides salty foundation, choose light or dark based on preferred intensity.
• Fish Sauce: Delivers signature Thai flavor complexity, opt for high-quality brands with clear amber color.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Enhances color and adds caramel-like richness, select authentic Southeast Asian varieties.
• Brown Sugar: Balances savory notes with subtle sweetness, use fresh and soft-textured sugar.

• Rice Noodles: Creates authentic Thai texture, select wide flat noodles for traditional presentation.
• Vegetable Oil: Enables high-heat cooking and prevents sticking, use neutral-flavored oils like canola or grapeseed.
• Garlic: Builds foundational aromatic base, choose fresh firm bulbs with tight skin.
• Chilies: Adds signature spicy kick, select fresh vibrant green or red peppers for maximum heat.
• Onion: Provides sweet undertone and crisp texture, use fresh white or yellow varieties.
• Bell Pepper: Contributes color and crunch, select firm peppers with bright, glossy skin.
• Broccoli: Adds nutritional green element, choose fresh crisp florets.
• Snap Peas: Introduces sweet crispness, select bright green pods without blemishes.

• Thai Basil Leaves: Delivers authentic herbaceous essence, select fresh fragrant leaves with vibrant green color.

Wok Tools for Thai Noodle Perfection

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying and getting that classic high-heat sear.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend the sauce components quickly and evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables, garlic, and chilies.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Colander: Used to drain cooked rice noodles efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients in the wok.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate sauce measurements.

Step-by-Step for These Spicy, Bold Noodles

• Sizzle Aromatics

Heat oil in a large skillet and toss in garlic and chilies, creating an explosive fragrance that fills your kitchen with excitement.

• Build Flavor Layers

Introduce your protein and vegetables, letting each ingredient dance and caramelize in the hot pan, developing deep, rich tastes.

• Unleash Noodle Magic

Drop rice noodles into the sizzling pan, pour in the sauce, and watch everything transform into a glossy, mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Finish With Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle Thai basil leaves across the dish, allowing their vibrant green to brighten the entire creation and release an intoxicating aroma.

• Serve Immediately

Plate your drunken noodles while they’re steaming hot, inviting everyone to dive into this wild, delicious adventure straight from Thailand.

Protein and Veggie Mixes You Can Switch Up

• Heat Management Magic: Control your wok's temperature carefully to prevent burning garlic and chilies, which can quickly turn bitter and ruin the dish's delicate flavor profile.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap proteins easily – chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef work wonderfully, allowing you to customize based on dietary preferences or what's in your refrigerator.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili quantities to match your heat tolerance; remove seeds for milder version or add extra chilies for hardcore spice lovers who enjoy a fiery kick.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy this vibrant Thai classic without compromising authentic taste.
• Veggie Volume Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or baby corn to increase nutritional value and create more texture variations in the final dish.

How to Serve These Street-Style Favorites

• Spicy Flavor Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh chilies or drizzle sriracha sauce on top for those who love intense heat and want to kick the spice level up a notch.
• Herbal Freshness Garnish: Scatter additional Thai basil leaves or chopped green onions over the noodles to add bright, aromatic notes and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Customize your noodles by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef to create a more substantial and protein-packed meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Texture Crunch Topping: Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts or crispy fried shallots over the noodles to introduce a delightful crunch and complementary nutty flavor that elevates the overall eating experience.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing That Kick

• Quick Cooldown Strategy: Let cooked noodles rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Refrigeration Freshness Hack: Store leftovers in airtight containers, separating sauce and noodles to prevent sogginess, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm noodles in a skillet with a splash of water or extra sauce, stirring gently to restore original texture and prevent drying out.
• Ingredient Preparation Tip: Chop vegetables and mix sauce ingredients in advance, storing separately in sealed containers to streamline future cooking and reduce prep time.

Spicy Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Thai drunken noodles (pad kee mao) deliver a bold culinary adventure through Bangkok’s street food scene. Fragrant basil, tender proteins, and wide rice noodles create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu), thinly sliced
• 8 oz (226 g) wide rice noodles
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) vegetable oil
• 1 cloves garlic, minced
• 23 Thai birds eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves (substitute with regular basil if unavailable)
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) oyster sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fish sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 g) brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl until fully blended, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Noodle Preparation: Immerse rice noodles in boiling water, adhering to package instructions for perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high flame. Sauté minced garlic and chopped chilies for 30 seconds, releasing their intense fragrance.
4. Protein and Vegetable Searing: If using protein, brown until caramelized. Introduce onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes to maintain crisp texture and vibrant colors.
5. Flavor Fusion: Incorporate cooked noodles and prepared sauce into the wok, thoroughly coating all ingredients to ensure uniform flavor distribution.
6. Final Touch: Scatter fresh Thai basil leaves into the mixture, continuing to stir-fry for an additional minute until herbs wilt and integrate seamlessly.
7. Serving: Immediately plate the drunken noodles, presenting a steaming dish that captures the essence of Thai culinary artistry.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Basil: Select Thai basil for authentic flavor, ensuring leaves are bright green and aromatic without wilting or browning.
• Control Wok Heat: Maintain medium-high temperature to achieve proper caramelization without burning garlic or vegetables, creating ideal stir-fry conditions.
• Prevent Noodle Sticking: Rinse rice noodles with cold water after boiling and toss with a little oil to separate strands, avoiding clumping during cooking.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili quantity based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder version or adding extra chilies for intense spiciness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg