Drunken Noodles
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
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This high-protein chicken drunken noodles dish, known as Pad Kee Mao, is a spicy Thai-inspired favourite that delivers deep, savoury flavours in under half an hour. The combination of chewy flat rice noodles, fragrant Thai basil, and a punchy sauce made from black soy and fish sauce creates an addictive meal that rivals any takeaway. It is an excellent choice for a quick midweek dinner when you want something satisfyingly hot and aromatic.
Packed with lean minced chicken and fresh peppers, this recipe offers a healthy balance of protein and vegetables. The heat from the Thai chillies is traditional, but you can easily adjust the quantity to suit your preference. Serve this vibrant stir-fry as a standalone main course for a nutritious meal that is as simple to prepare as it is impressive to serve.
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Ingredients for Drunken Noodles
2 400g packages 1/4-inch-wide flat rice noodles*
60ml vegetable oil
12 garlic cloves, chopped
40g chopped fresh Thai chillies*
675g chicken mince
60ml fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc nam)*
60ml black soy sauce*
60ml Golden Mountain sauce* or light soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
4 large plum tomatoes, each cut into 6 wedges
4 Anaheim chillies or Italian frying peppers, or 2 green peppers (about 350g total), cut into strips
1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves* or regular basil leaves
How to make Drunken Noodles
Cook noodles in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring frequently. Drain.
Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and Thai chillies; sauté 30 seconds. Add chicken and next 4 ingredients and sauté until chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add noodles, tomatoes, and Anaheim chillies; toss to coat. Transfer to large platter, sprinkle with basil leaves, and serve.
*Available in the Asian foods section or produce section of some supermarkets, and at Southeast Asian and some Asian markets.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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