Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles - Pad Kee Mao Recipe

Ingredients

200g flat rice noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bird's eye chili, finely chopped
200g chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup Thai basil leaves
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 eggs

Steps and instructions

Soak the flat rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped bird's eye chili to the pan and stir fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pan and cook until browned and just cooked through.
Add the red bell pepper slices to the pan and stir fry for another minute.
Push everything in the pan to one side and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs and mix with the rest of the ingredients in the pan.
Add the softened noodles to the pan along with the fish sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine and cook for a couple of minutes until the noodles are heated through and coated in the sauce.
Turn off the heat and stir in the Thai basil leaves until wilted.
Serve the Pad Kee Mao hot.

Tools for making

Large pan or wok - A wide and deep cooking vessel suitable for stir frying the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the chicken breast and chopping the garlic and chili.
Cutting board - A surface for safely cutting and preparing the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
Spatula - A tool for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Tongs - Utensils for flipping and turning the chicken and noodles in the pan.
Plate or bowl - To hold the cooked Pad Kee Mao before serving.

Recipe variations

Substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for more color and texture.
Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of bird's eye chili.
Include other herbs such as cilantro or mint for added freshness.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce.
Experiment with different types of noodles like wide rice noodles or udon noodles.
Add sliced onions or scallions for extra flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Garnish with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch.
Customize the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or adding a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Recipe overview

Pad Kee Mao, or Drunken Noodles, is a popular Thai street food dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish gets its unique name not from any alcoholic ingredients, but from the fact that it's often enjoyed with a cold beer or as a late-night snack. The heat from the bird's eye chili contrasts beautifully with the comforting, chewy rice noodles and the savory sauces. This recipe includes thinly sliced chicken and red bell peppers for added texture and nutrition, and a generous amount of Thai basil for that characteristic aroma and flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick, easy, and satisfying dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Enjoy the symphony of flavors that is Pad Kee Mao!

Common questions

Can I use different noodles instead of flat rice noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles like wide rice noodles or even egg noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is Pad Kee Mao?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. The bird's eye chili provides heat, so you can add more or less chili depending on how spicy you like it.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, beef, pork, or even tofu as a substitute for the chicken in this recipe.
Is Thai basil necessary?
Thai basil is a key ingredient in Pad Kee Mao as it adds a unique flavor. However, if you can't find Thai basil, you can use regular basil as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Pad Kee Mao by omitting the chicken and eggs, and using vegetarian or vegan substitutes for the fish sauce and oyster sauce.
What can I serve with Pad Kee Mao?
Pad Kee Mao is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of Thai cucumber salad or steamed vegetables to complement the flavors.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok is ideal for stir frying the ingredients and mixing the noodles with the sauce.
Knife - A knife is needed to thinly slice the chicken breast and chop the garlic and chili.
Cutting board - A cutting board is essential for slicing and chopping the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
Spatula or wooden spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon is necessary for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Tongs - Tongs are helpful for turning and flipping the chicken and noodles in the pan.
Plate or serving dish - A plate or serving dish is needed to serve the Pad Kee Mao.

Origin stories

Pad Kee Mao, also known as Drunken Noodles, is a popular dish in both Thailand and Thai restaurants worldwide. Despite its name, the dish does not actually contain any alcohol. The story goes that a man came home late at night, a little drunk, and cooked up something with whatever he could find in his pantry. The result was a spicy, hearty dish of stir-fried noodles with a mix of sauces and ingredients, hence the term "drunken noodles". This anecdote always brings a touch of humor and intrigue to the dish, making it a favorite among those who love Thai cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.