Thai Drunken Noodles is a dish that never fails to excite the senses. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, this Thai spicy stir-fried noodles dish brings the taste of Thailand right into your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, the delicious combination of flat rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein offers a satisfying meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the world of Thai Drunken Noodles and discover why it’s a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Thai Drunken Noodles
This dish is not just about taste; it’s about a complete experience. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- Quick meal prep in just 30 minutes.
- Customize with your favorite protein—chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian drunken noodles recipe.
- It’s a gluten-free dish when using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet meal.
- Delivers a punch of flavors with every bite—sweet, savory, and spicy.
- Great for meal prep; make a large batch for the week.

This authentic drunken noodle dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients for Thai Drunken Noodles
Gather these items:
- 8 oz Flat Rice Noodles (or any wide noodle)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (or sesame oil for a nutty twist)
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh for best flavor)
- 1 lb Ground Chicken or Shrimp (tofu for vegetarian or beef for richer flavor)
- 2 cups Fresh Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Broccoli, etc.) (mix and match as desired)
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Sugar (or honey as a natural alternative)
How to Make Thai Drunken Noodles Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the flat rice noodles according to package instructions, until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Step 4: Cook Protein: Toss in your chosen protein, like ground chicken or shrimp. Stir-fry until fully cooked.
- Step 5: Add Vegetables: Incorporate your fresh vegetables, stirring for approximately 2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Step 6: Combine Everything: Add the prepared noodles back into the skillet. Pour in soy sauce and sprinkle sugar over the top.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Thai Drunken Noodles
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be al dente.
- Adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes if desired.
- For an authentic taste, use a wok if you have one.
- Mix in some basil for an aromatic touch.

Best Ways to Serve Thai Drunken Noodles
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing your Thai Drunken Noodles with:
- A side salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Spring rolls as a delightful appetizer.
- Chili sauce or lime wedges for an extra kick.
How to Store and Reheat Thai Drunken Noodles
To store your delicious leftovers, cool the noodles completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, simply stir-fry again for a few minutes until heated through. This method helps retain the flavors and textures, making it a quick drunken noodle meal prep for busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Drunken Noodles
What’s the secret to perfect Thai Drunken Noodles?
The secret lies in using high-quality fresh ingredients and cooking the noodles just until al dente. The balance of flavors from the soy sauce and fresh vegetables brings this dish to life!
Can I make Thai Drunken Noodles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead and store them separately. When ready to eat, just stir-fry everything together for a quick meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Thai Drunken Noodles?
Avoid overcooking the noodles, and be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly.
Variations of Thai Drunken Noodles You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Swap in different proteins like beef or tofu for a vegetarian drunken noodles recipe.
- Add more vegetables like snap peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Try a spicy version by adding fresh chili peppers or chili paste.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
For more delicious recipes, check out Gingerbread Tiramisu or Creamy White Wine Mushroom Chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you might enjoy Vegan Chocolate Gingerbread Tart.
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Savory Thai Drunken Noodles: A Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a flavor-packed dish of Thai Drunken Noodles, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Flat Rice Noodles (or any wide noodle)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (or sesame oil for a nutty twist)
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh for best flavor)
- 1 lb Ground Chicken or Shrimp (tofu for vegetarian or beef for richer flavor)
- 2 cups Fresh Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Broccoli, etc.) (mix and match as desired)
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Sugar (or honey as a natural alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the flat rice noodles according to package instructions, until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Cook Protein: Toss in your chosen protein, like ground chicken or shrimp. Stir-fry until fully cooked.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate your fresh vegetables, stirring for approximately 2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Combine Everything: Add the prepared noodles back into the skillet. Pour in soy sauce and sprinkle sugar over the top.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
