Pad Kee Mao: Thai Drunken Noodles

This spicy and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish is perfect for anyone craving a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with fresh veggies, tender noodles, and bold Thai spices, it’s sure to wake up your taste buds.

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TIME30 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 pound dried rice noodles 3 tablespoons oil, divided ¼ cup sliced Thai chiles ¼ cup sliced onion 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons soy-based seasoning sauce (such as Golden Mountain®) 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup chopped broccoli 1 cup pea pods ½ cup chopped carrots 1 cup chopped fresh Thai basil

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by soaking the noodles in a pot of hot water with a tablespoon of oil. Let them sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until they’re soft, then drain and rinse them under cold water. Set the noodles aside for now.

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Step 2

Next, heat the remaining oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the chiles, onion, and garlic, and cook everything until it turns golden and fragrant, which should take around 5 minutes.

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Step 3

Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, soy-based seasoning sauce, and brown sugar. Give it all a good stir to blend the flavors. Then add the drained noodles along with the bell pepper, broccoli, pea pods, and carrots. Stir-fry everything together until the veggies are just tender but still have a bit of crunch, about 3 to 5 minutes.

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Step 4

Finally, throw in the basil leaves, take the pan off the heat, and let it sit for a minute so the basil can wilt and release its aroma before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh wide rice noodles for the best texture; if using dried, soak them well before cooking.
- Stir-fry ingredients on high heat to keep the noodles from sticking and to develop a smoky flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili and garlic to match your preferred spice level.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is packed with bold flavors and a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. It’s quick to make and uses simple ingredients that come together to create a satisfying, comforting meal. The wide rice noodles have a great chewy texture that soaks up all the delicious sauce.

Serving ideas

Serve with a wedge of lime and extra fresh basil leaves for added brightness and aroma. A side of crushed peanuts or a simple cucumber salad pairs well to balance the heat and richness of the dish.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the noodles from drying out. Avoid freezing, as it can change the texture of the noodles.