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A wok filled with Thai drunken noodles, shrimp, and vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and basil leaves. Chopsticks rest on the side.

Thai Drunken Noodles

Ready in 30 minutes or less, Thai Drunken Noodles are aromatic and so satisfying. This recipe packs a punch with bold flavors and hearty ingredients like shrimp, fresh veggies, and a kick of chili. It's a quick and easy way to bring a bit of Thai street food into your kitchen.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: Thai drunken noodles
Servings: 4
Calories: 250kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces wide rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • ½ cup red onions chopped
  • 2 carrots thinly sliced
  • 9 ounces shrimps chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 zucchini thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1 roma tomatoes sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped

For the sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon Thai red chili paste or sriracha
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook noodles according to package instructions.
    8 ounces wide rice noodles
  • Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
    3 tablespoons oyster sauce, ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon Thai red chili paste or sriracha, Sesame seeds
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in wok or large skillet over high heat. Add onions and carrot and cook for 2 minutes. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add shrimps and season with pepper. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 10 seconds.
    2 tablespoons sesame oil, ½ cup red onions, 2 carrots, 9 ounces shrimps, 3 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon fresh ginger
  • Add bell pepper, zucchini, tomato and the whites of the chopped green onion and cook for 2 minutes.
    1 zucchini, 1 green bell pepper, 2 green onions, 1 roma tomatoes
  • Add noodles to the pan and pour the sauce over the noodles. Toss and cook for a few minutes until warmed through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil.
    1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Serve immediately, garnished with remaining green onion and extra chili sauce and sesame seeds for garnish.

Notes

  • Noodles: Make sure not to overcook your noodles in the initial boiling stage—they should be just soft enough to bend without breaking. They’ll cook a bit more when stir-fried.
  • Basil: Thai holy basil is a key component of this dish with its unique anise-like flavor. You can usually find it at Asian grocery stores or a local Asian market, however, if you can't find it, regular basil can work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
  • Sauce Adjustments: Taste as you go! Depending on your preference for sweetness or heat, adjust the sugar or chili paste amounts to get the balance just right.
  • Protein: While shrimp is suggested, you can easily swap it out for thinly sliced chicken breast, beef, or even tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to throw in whatever vegetables you have in the fridge. Red bell pepper, bok choy, and bean sprouts are good options.
  • Searing Heat: Keep your pan nice and hot to get a slight char on your ingredients, which adds an authentic touch to the dish.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Always add your herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.
  • Vegetarian Option: Simply substitute the shrimp with tofu or just increase the variety of vegetables. Make sure to check that your sauces are vegetarian-friendly, and use vegan fish sauce.

How to Store Leftover Thai Drunken Noodles

  • Cool and Airtight: Allow the noodles to cool to room temperature before you pack them away, and use an airtight container to store them.
  • Refrigerate: For best taste and safety, pop them in the fridge and consume the leftover noodles within three days. 
  • Reheat: When you're ready to eat, gently reheat the noodles on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to moisten them up if they seem dry.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 1512mg | Potassium: 653mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 5811IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 2mg
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