Skip to main content

Drunken Noodles

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.

Continue reading below

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
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.