Drunken noodles (pad kee mao)

Discover this authentic Thai Drunken noodles (pad kee mao) recipe — a quick and easy dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with flat rice noodles, vegetable oil, garlic and 8 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 3 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 11 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this thai classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026
1 views

15

Prep Time (min)

1

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

500

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Drunken noodles (pad kee mao)

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 200 g Flat Rice Noodles
  • 2 tblsp Vegetable Oil
  • 3 cloves Chopped Garlic
  • 3 chopped Birds-eye Chillies
  • 225 g Sirloin steak
  • 100 g Broccoli
  • Handful Basil Leaves
  • 4 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Oyster Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Fish Sauce
  • 1 tblsp Sugar

Instructions

3 steps · ~21 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the noodles following pack instructions, then drain and set aside. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl or jug, and set aside.

    5 minutes
    Save some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.
  2. Step 2

    Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan over a high heat and stir-fry the garlic and chilli for 20 seconds until just starting to turn golden. Add the steak and stir-fry for 1 minute until seared and starting to brown. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for another minute, then tip in the noodles and add the sauce. Stir-fry for another 1-2 mins until well combined and piping hot.

    8 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.
  3. Step 3

    Stir through the basil and turn off the heat. Serve immediately to avoid overcooking.

    8 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Thai recipe for Drunken noodles (pad kee mao) is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Gluten-free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives or zucchini noodles. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Thai cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your thai meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Jasmine rice
🍽️Papaya salad
🍽️Thai iced tea

About This Dish

Drunken noodles (pad kee mao) is a beloved dish from Thai cuisine, originating in Thailand. With a total preparation time of about 16 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Thai cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and the delicate balance of four fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Fresh herbs and aromatic ingredients are used extensively.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredient in Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) is wide rice noodles, which are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and a flavorful sauce.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories500kcal
Total Fat23g
Sodium729mg
Total Carbohydrates55g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein60g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineThai
CategoryRice Dishes
CountryThailand