Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Name: Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 16 oz Fresh wide flat rice noodles (Sen Yai) or 8 oz dried wide rice noodles; 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks; 3 tbsp Oyster sauce; 2 tbsp Dark soy sauce; 1.5 tbsp Light soy sauce; 1 tbsp Brown sugar; 0.5 Red bell pepper, julienned; 0.5 Green bell pepper, julienned; 0.5 cup Fresh baby corn, sliced on the bias; 1 cup Fresh Thai basil leaves; 4 cloves Garlic, finely minced; 1 tbsp Coarse crushed red chili flakes, adjust to taste; 3 tbsp Cooking oil (Avocado or vegetable oil)

Delicious plate of authentic Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) with vibrant vegetables

By :

Laura

April 15, 2026

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How to make Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Making delicious Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles, known as Pad Kee Mao, is a fun and simple process. With a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal bursting with flavors. This easy recipe will guide you step-by-step to enjoy this famous dish right at home.

Ingredients:

16 oz Fresh wide flat rice noodles (Sen Yai) (450g) Or use 8 oz (225g) dried wide rice noodles.
1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast (450g) Cut into bite-sized chunks.
3 tbsp Oyster sauce (45ml)
2 tbsp Dark soy sauce (30ml)
1.5 tbsp Light soy sauce (22ml)
1 tbsp Brown sugar (15g)
0.5 Red bell pepper (Julienned.)
0.5 Green bell pepper (Julienned.)
0.5 cup Fresh baby corn (75g) Sliced on the bias.
1 cup Fresh Thai basil leaves (40g) Tightly packed.
4 cloves Garlic (Finely minced.)
1 tbsp Coarse crushed red chili flakes (15g) Adjust to taste.
3 tbsp Cooking oil (45ml) Avocado or vegetable oil.

Directions:

Preparation

Soak the Noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes. If using fresh noodles, skip this step.
Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with a pinch of salt.
Chop Vegetables: Julienned the red and green bell peppers and slice the baby corn on the bias. Mince the garlic finely to give it a strong flavor.
Gather Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.

Cooking

Heat Oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
Cook Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and starts to brown.
Add Garlic and Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, red and green bell peppers, and the baby corn to the pan. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Incorporate the Noodles: If you’re using fresh noodles, add them directly to the pan along with the chicken and veggies. If you’re using soaked dried noodles, drain them and then add them. Stir well to combine.
Add Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together. Ensure that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Finish with Basil and Chili: Add the fresh Thai basil leaves and crushed red chili flakes. Stir-fry everything for another minute until everything is well mixed and the basil has wilted.
Serve Immediately: Once cooked, transfer the noodles to plates and enjoy while they’re hot!

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles

Bold and Flavorful: The mix of sauces, fresh vegetables, and Thai basil creates a rich and complex taste that is sure to satisfy.
Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less crushed red chili flakes based on your preference.

Nutriment benefits

Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles not only please your taste buds but also provide a range of nutritional benefits:

Protein-Packed: Chicken provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Veggie Goodness: The addition of bell peppers and baby corn ensures you’re getting vitamins and minerals in your diet.
Antioxidants: Fresh Thai basil is known for its antioxidant properties, contributing to overall health.

What to Serve With Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles

You can enjoy your pad kee mao on its own, but here are a few side options to consider:

Thai Spring Rolls: These light and crispy rolls often filled with vegetables or shrimp complement the main dish beautifully.
Soup: A light soup, like Tom Yum, can be a refreshing starter.
Simple Salad: A cucumber salad or a Thai-style salad with lime dressing can offset the richness of the noodles.

How to Store Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Allow the noodles to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the noodles, but keep in mind that the texture may change. In this case, use an airtight container or freezer bag and consume within one month.

To reheat, just use a microwave or stir-fry in a pan with a little oil.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Noodles: If you’re using fresh noodles, don’t let them cook for too long. They should just be heated through.
Not Enough Heat: Make sure your wok or skillet is hot enough before adding the ingredients for that classic stir-fry flavor.
Skip the Sugar? Don’t skip the brown sugar; it balances out the salty sauces and adds depth to the dish.

Variations

You can adjust the recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences:

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.
Seafood Option: Substitute chicken for shrimp or squid for a seafood version of this dish.
Extra Spicy: For a spicier kick, add fresh sliced Thai bird chilies along with crushed chili flakes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! While flat rice noodles are traditional, you can use any type of noodles you prefer, such as udon or even spaghetti.

2. Is it okay to use store-bought sauces?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought sauces can make this dish quicker to prepare. Just choose good quality ones for the best flavor.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for tofu or your favorite veggies to create a delicious vegetarian version of Drunken Noodles.

By following these straightforward steps and tips, you can create your very own Authentic Thai Drunken Noodles at home. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the delightful cooking experience! Happy cooking!