Pad Kee Mao (Thai Drunken Noodles)
Local name: ผัดขี้เมา
In short: Wide rice noodles wok-fried with chicken, chilies, garlic and a big handful of holy basil in a salty, peppery sauce that carries real heat. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 550 kcal
Pad kee mao, called drunken noodles in English, is a loud, spicy plate of wide rice noodles tossed with chilies, garlic and holy basil. The name is often explained as a dish for a late night out, and the heat is meant to wake you up. In the pan it is close to pad see ew, but it is much hotter and has more herbs and vegetables. Use fewer chilies if you are unsure.
Instructions
- Pound the garlic and chilies together to a rough paste in a mortar, or chop them very finely. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Loosen the noodles gently with your hands. If they are chilled, microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds first so they do not tear.
- Heat the oil in a wok over high heat until it shimmers. Add the garlic and chili paste and stir for 10 seconds.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned and cooked through (74°C/165°F inside).
- Add the onion, pepper and green beans and stir-fry for 1 minute, so they stay crisp.
- Add the noodles and sauce and toss for 2 minutes, lifting from underneath so the noodles pick up color without breaking.
- Turn off the heat, add the basil and toss for 15 seconds until wilted. Serve right away.
Tips
- Holy basil gives the classic peppery flavor, but Thai basil works if that is all you can find. Add it off the heat so it keeps its scent.
- Swap the chicken for beef, pork, shrimp or fried tofu. Fresh young green peppercorns on the stem are a traditional extra if you find them.
Questions and answers
Why is it called drunken noodles?
The name is usually explained as a dish for a night out, or one so hot that it suits a drink. Either way, it is not made with alcohol.
How is pad kee mao different from pad see ew?
Both use wide noodles. Pad kee mao is hot and herbal, with chilies, basil and vegetables, while pad see ew is milder and sweeter with soy sauce and Chinese broccoli.
How can I make it less spicy?
Use 2 or 3 chilies and remove the seeds, or leave them out of the paste and serve sliced chilies on the side.
How long does it take to make Pad Kee Mao (Thai Drunken Noodles)?
About 30 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pad Kee Mao (Thai Drunken Noodles)?
About 550 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 62 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
