Quick & Spicy Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

There are nights when only a heaping plate of spicy, savory noodles will do. Before you reach for the takeout menu, allow us to introduce you to your new weeknight hero: homemade Thai Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao. This beloved street food classic is famous for its bold, fiery flavor, tender-chewy rice noodles, and fragrant holy basil. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it faster, fresher, and more satisfying than any delivery.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried wide flat rice noodles
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz), thinly sliced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves (or Thai basil)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook or soak the rice noodles according to the package directions until they are pliable but still firm (al dente). Drain them well and set aside.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. This ensures the flavor is evenly distributed when you add it to the wok.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s golden and cooked through.



4. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce to the wok. Toss everything together vigorously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are fully coated in the dark, savory sauce.
6. Finish with Basil: Remove the wok from the heat. Fold in the fresh basil leaves until they are just wilted. The residual heat will be enough to release their incredible aroma without overcooking them.
7. Serve Immediately: Transfer the Drunken Noodles to serving plates. Enjoy the explosive flavors right away!

Nutritional Information

Estimated values per serving.