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Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

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Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and chewy rice noodles tossed in a rich, savory sauce with a hint of heat. This Thai favorite is bold, aromatic, and totally satisfying.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Noodles:
  • 8 oz wide dried rice noodles (¼ inch or wider)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Stir Fry:
  • 2 chicken breasts, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Thai bird’s eye chili, chopped (use gloves or wash hands immediately after)
  • 15 oz whole baby corn, halved and quartered
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 10 snow peas
  • 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 cup Thai basil, torn (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep All Ingredients: Chop all vegetables and chicken ahead of time; this stir-fry moves quickly.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and ginger.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Place chopped chicken in a bowl and coat with one-third of the sauce. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce.
  4. Cook Noodles: Pour boiling water over rice noodles and let soak for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with sesame oil and set aside.
  5. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook through. Transfer to a bowl.
  6. Stir Fry Veggies: Increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, then stir-fry garlic, chili, baby corn, red bell pepper, and snow peas for 2 minutes.
  7. Add Greens: Stir in green onions and Thai basil. Cook 1 more minute.
  8. Combine and Finish: Return chicken to skillet. Add noodles and reserved sauce. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, tossing well to coat the noodles and absorb the sauce.
  9. Serve: Garnish with extra Thai basil and green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer Thai chilies.
  • Do not over-soak noodles; they will continue cooking when stir-fried.
  • Best enjoyed fresh, as rice noodles can become sticky when stored.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 1250mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg