Thai Drunken Noodles are a delicious and spicy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. With a combination of wide rice noodles, fresh Thai basil, and a savory sauce, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful dish to impress your friends, Thai Drunken Noodles fit the bill perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Thai Drunken Noodles
This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to choose your favorite protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights, as it can be made in just 30 minutes. The bold flavors of the spicy Thai noodles combined with the aromatic Thai basil create a mouthwatering experience. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Best of all, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your palate. Don’t forget, it’s also a great way to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Thai Drunken Noodles
Gather these items:
- 200g wide rice noodles
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, crushed
- 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
- 200g chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
How to Make Thai Drunken Noodles Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Soak dried rice noodles in warm water for 30–45 minutes until soft. If using fresh, gently separate them.
- Step 2: Crush garlic and chilies in a mortar and pestle or finely mince. Set aside.
- Step 3: Slice shallots and prepare protein, patting it dry for stir-frying.
- Step 4: Mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
- Step 5: Heat oil in a hot wok. Stir-fry garlic and chili for 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Add protein and cook through. Remove from wok and set aside.
- Step 7: Add shallots and noodles to the wok, tossing quickly over high heat.
- Step 8: Pour in the sauce, add protein back in, and stir until everything is coated.
- Step 9: Toss in Thai basil, stir until wilted, then remove from heat.
- Step 10: Serve hot and garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Thai Drunken Noodles
Keep these in mind:
- This dish is highly customizable with your choice of protein.
- Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference.
- Garnish with lime wedges for added flavor.
- For a unique twist, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
Best Ways to Serve Thai Drunken Noodles
Consider serving your Drunken Noodles with a side of fresh cucumber salad or spring rolls for a complete meal. You can also pair them with a refreshing Thai iced tea to balance the spiciness of the dish.
How to Store and Reheat Thai Drunken Noodles
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a hot wok for a few minutes until warmed through. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep as well!
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Drunken Noodles
What’s the secret to perfect Thai Drunken Noodles?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors and the freshness of ingredients. Use high-quality Thai basil and adjust the spice to your liking for the best results.
Can I make Thai Drunken Noodles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and soak the noodles in advance. Just stir-fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve for optimal taste.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Thai Drunken Noodles?
Avoid overcooking the noodles and ensure your wok is hot enough before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect stir-fry texture.
Variations of Thai Drunken Noodles You Can Try
For a different take, you can try Drunken Noodles with Tofu or opt for a vegetarian version using only vegetables. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different proteins such as beef or even seafood like Drunken Noodles with Shrimp for an authentic twist.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic novice looking for an easy Drunken Noodles for beginners, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
For more tips on cooking techniques, check out this guide on essential stir-frying methods. If you’re interested in exploring more Thai cuisine, visit this page for additional recipes. Don’t forget to learn about the health benefits of Thai basil here.
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Thai Drunken Noodles: 10 Spicy Secrets for Flavor Explosion
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy, bold, and bursting with flavor, these Thai Drunken Noodles are the perfect answer to weeknight cravings or quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients
- 200g wide rice noodles
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, crushed
- 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
- 200g chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Soak dried rice noodles in warm water for 30–45 minutes until soft. If using fresh, gently separate them.
- Crush garlic and chilies in a mortar and pestle or finely mince. Set aside.
- Slice shallots and prepare protein, patting it dry for stir-frying.
- Mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a hot wok. Stir-fry garlic and chili for 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add protein and cook through. Remove from wok and set aside.
- Add shallots and noodles to the wok, tossing quickly over high heat.
- Pour in the sauce, add protein back in, and stir until everything is coated.
- Toss in Thai basil, stir until wilted, then remove from heat.
- Serve hot and garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- This dish is highly customizable with your choice of protein.
- Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference.
- Garnish with lime wedges for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Thai Drunken Noodles, Stir-fry, Thai Cuisine, Quick Dinner