```html Drunken Noodles

🍜 Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)

A bold, spicy noodle dish packed with garlic, chilli, fresh basil and a rich savoury sauce. Despite the name, there's no alcohol involved—just big flavours and plenty of wok heat.

This is one of my favourite weeknight meals when I want something quick that still feels like proper takeaway at home. Chicken thighs stay juicy, fresh basil brings everything together, and you can easily throw in whatever vegetables you have in the fridge.

If you've got a hot wok and everything prepped before you start cooking, dinner comes together in under 30 minutes.

Drunken Noodles

Servings

4 servings

Quick Stats

⏱ 25–30 mins • 💪 High Protein • 🍽 Base: 4 servings

Ingredients

Optional

Method

  1. Prep everything first:
    Slice the chicken, onion and garlic, grate the ginger, prepare the sauce and separate the basil leaves. Wok cooking moves quickly, so have everything ready before turning on the heat.
  2. Prepare the noodles:
    If using fresh Pad Thai noodles, separate them gently. If they're cold, microwave for 30–60 seconds to loosen them before cooking.
  3. Cook the chicken:
    Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat with a little oil. Cook the chicken until browned and just cooked through, then remove from the pan.
  4. Cook the aromatics:
    Add a little more oil if needed, then cook the onion for 2–3 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If using capsicum, add it now and stir fry for another minute.
  5. Add the sauce:
    Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce and brown sugar (or honey). Let everything bubble for about a minute.
  6. Finish the noodles:
    Return the chicken to the wok along with the noodles. Toss continuously over high heat until everything is evenly coated and the noodles are hot.
  7. Finish fresh:
    Turn off the heat and toss through the Thai basil and spring onions. Serve immediately with extra chilli if you like.

Key Nutrients & Benefits

Chicken thighs provide plenty of protein while remaining juicy, fresh garlic and ginger add depth of flavour and natural antioxidants, and basil brings freshness that balances the rich savoury sauce.

Macros (approx per serve)

Smart Swaps & Variations