These drunken noodles ruined me in high school, RUINED me. Pad Kee Mao is one of those dishes I crave, and I crave it even though I am thousands of miles away from the dang thai restaurant. I have found that no two thai resturants make them the same. Our favorite thai place where I live now make Pad Kee Mao that comes pretty close but to the original but if I want it perfect I just have to make them myself. It's a good thing these drunken noodles are so easy.
One of the best things about this is not only how easy it is but that its totally a one pan meal! Pampered chef sent me this beautiful pan! I tried the pan out with the drunken noodles (noodles can stick to a pan really easily) and it worked like a charm. It's a stainless steel non-stick pan. Major heart eyes for the pattern.
How to make Pad Kee Mao, or Drunken Noodles
To make Pad Kee Mao, you will need: (don't let these ingredients scare you! They are packed with flavor and so good!)
- chicken, pork or beef sliced thin
- soy sauce
- oyster sauce
- fish sauce
- oil
- lots of garlic
- fresh ingredients (basil, tomatoes and broccoli)
- Rice noodles* see below
In a little oil I start by sautéing my chicken so it starts to brown, I add the remaining sauce ingredients and let it simmer for just a few minutes. Then I toss in the noodles and fresh ingredients. Stir it up and let it heat the noodles and veggies through so its hot and ready to serve.
Rice Noodles for Drunken Noodles / Pad Kee Mao
Legit noodles for Pad Kee Mao that you would order from a Thai restaurant are really hard to come by. I have only found them on amazon for a heft price or at an asian market. There are some delicious substitutes you can use (taste the same just a little smaller.
Where to find Rice Noodles
- ASIAN MARKET: if you live near or around an asian market go to their pre-made noodle section (NOT the dried rice noodles). You will find a packages of rice noodles already cooked and ready to serve. They come in various sizes, choose the one you prefer. I like them to be about an inch.
- Rice Noodles from your grocery store: In the asian isle from basically any grocery store you can buy rice noodles. I really like Taste of Thai wide rice noodles. They are dried so you will need to follow the directions on the box and cook them first before adding them to the pan. They literally soak in hot water for 2 minutes are are done. REALLY fast and simple.
Drunken noodles are they type of meal EVERYONE loves. Kids will always eat any type of noodles, adults love thai and a sophisticated noodle dish. It's pretty lean and healthy- with no creams or cheese. You can add extra veggies and extra chicken if you like more. (Just add more sauce).
If you are looking for some other Thai dishes try our
Zoodles Pad Thai
Drunken Noodles / Pad Kee Mao
Ingredients
- 12-16 oz wide rice noodles
- ½ cup soy Sauce
- 3 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha may add more if you want spicy
- 2 Tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoon fish sauce
- ⅓ cup oil
- 20 large basil leaves
- 10 fresh garlic cloves minced
- 2 roma tomatoes diced
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 2-3 chicken breasts or beef pork or tofu can be used cut into bite size pieces.
Instructions
- Prepare food by chopping tomatoes, cloves, basil, and broccoli.
- Make sauce in a small bowl by combining soy sauce, chili sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic.
- If needed Boil noodles according directions. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a wok or large skillet heat oil. Add chicken and cook until done, for a few minutes.
- Add sauce and stir. Add noodles and toss till coated.
- Add tomatoes and broccoli. cook for another 2-3 minutes, continually tossing.
- Lastly, add chopped basil. Toss again and Serve.
Nutrition
Tmj says
Wondering if there is enough sauce once the noodles go in it soaks up everything? I tried another similar recipe and ended up being pretty dry????
Desarae says
I haven't had any problems with my noodles being too dry- to be safe start with 12 oz of noodles and see how the sauce is to your liking with that amount of noodles.
chirssy says
better than my local thai RESTAURANT! love this.
Tresa Hansen says
So I'm also a fan of Prasai's in Idaho and I LOVE their drunken noodles - I crave them too! So when I found this recipe I had to try it and I think you nailed it!!! These taste just like Prasai's - now I can make them at home whenever I want (since I live about a 3 hour drive from Prasai's).
Heather Taylor says
I LOVE drunken noodles! My favorite!
The Red Apron Girl says
We have made these a couple times and they taste exactly like Prasai's drunken noodles in Idaho. Thank you!! I did accidentally leave the garlic out the first time I made them and I really couldn't tell a difference at all. I can't wait to make this for a family dinner. AMAZING~!!!
Desarae says
seriously this made my day!!
SO question- do you use fresh garlic or the minced kind from the can?
The Red Apron Girl says
I am all about fresh whenever possible. I do have minced in my fridge for emergencies but I like the taste of fresh better for almost all dishes.
Chelseac says
I made this for Sunday dinner last night- my husband couldn't stop talking about them!! (While making drunk jokes of course). Seriously he asked if I could make them again this week, they were a hit!! Thanks!
Desarae says
YAY!! SO so awesome. Your comment makes me so happy. I'm so glad you guys like them.
Natalie and Danielle says
This recipe looks fantastic! Natalie actually loves Drunken noodles so this is what caught our attention. However, we were wondering what brand of rice noodles you used as they look thinner than most restaurants offer and closer to what Danielle's favorite Pad See Ew is made from. Thank you!
Desarae says
I know! I searched and searched for wider rice noodles. I seriously went to all sorts of ethnic restaurants. So I eventually gave in and just got "wide rice noodles" and my grocery store. I don't remember the brand was. When I go back I'll double check the brand and let you know.