Craving bold Thai flavor? This easy Drunken Noodles recipe is packed with heat, veggies, and saucy noodles — ready in under 30 minutes
Let’s be real — sometimes you just want a takeout-level Thai dish without leaving your house (or your pajamas). That’s where this Drunken Noodles recipe comes in. It’s spicy, savory, a little sweet, and totally satisfying — with chewy rice noodles, fresh veggies, and a punchy sauce that brings the heat.
Despite the name, there’s no alcohol involved — “drunken” just hints at how well this dish pairs with a cold drink after a long day. In the USA, where Thai food has totally become a go-to comfort meal, this homemade version lets you control the spice and skip the takeout price.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s super customizable! You can make it meatless, turn down (or up) the spice, or toss in your favorite veggies. And it’s weeknight-fast — ready in 30 minutes or less. The Drunken Noodles recipe is a total flavor bomb, and you’re gonna love it.
🕒 Quick Details:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Type: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
- Recipe Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: Approx. 420 per serving
🛒 Ingredients for Drunken Noodles Recipe
No haram ingredients. This version is halal and veggie-forward, but you can add halal chicken or shrimp if you’d like!
- 8 oz wide rice noodles, soaked or cooked according to package
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai red chili peppers, chopped (or use red chili flakes to taste)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets (or Chinese broccoli if available)
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and richness)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mushroom oyster sauce for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Optional: Juice of 1 lime, for brightness
- Optional protein: 1 cup cooked halal chicken, tofu, or shrimp
👨🍳 How to Make Drunken Noodles
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions and dinner’s done in no time!
1. Prep the noodles
- Soak or boil your rice noodles according to the package. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
2. Make the sauce
- In a small bowl, mix:
- Soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Brown sugar
- Optional: Squeeze of lime
3. Stir-fry the aromatics
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add veggies (and protein if using)
- Toss in onion, bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.
- If you’re adding chicken, tofu, or shrimp, add it now and stir-fry until cooked through.
5. Add noodles and sauce
- Toss in the noodles and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry everything together until the noodles are coated and heated through — about 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish with basil
- Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil leaves until just wilted.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Drunken Noodles Recipe
- 30-minute meal — Fast enough for busy weeknights
- Better than takeout — Cheaper, healthier, and adjustable
- Customizable — Go vegan, load up on veggies, or add your favorite halal protein
- Spicy + bold flavor — Packed with garlic, chili, and umami goodness
💬 Conclusion
If you’ve ever craved Thai takeout but didn’t want to splurge (or change out of your sweatpants), this Drunken Noodles recipe is your new best friend. It’s quick, spicy, and packed with flavor — a total crowd-pleaser for spice lovers and noodle fans alike.
Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your plate on Instagram or Pinterest and tag us — we’d love to see your spicy creations!
👉 Want more quick Thai-inspired meals? Check out our Easy Pad Thai or Sweet Chili Stir Fry. And don’t forget to subscribe for weekly recipe drops!
❓ FAQs About Drunken Noodles Recipe
1. How to make Drunken Noodles less spicy?
You can reduce the heat by using fewer chili peppers or substituting with mild chili flakes. You can also add a splash of lime or extra sugar to balance the spice.
2. Can I substitute the rice noodles?
Yes! You can use flat fettuccine or linguine in a pinch, but wide rice noodles give the best authentic texture.
3. How to make Drunken Noodles vegan?
Use mushroom oyster sauce or soy-based alternatives, and skip the animal protein. Load up on tofu and veggies for a hearty vegan twist.
4. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh Thai basil is key for the authentic flavor, but if unavailable, regular basil works. Dried basil isn’t recommended as a substitute.
5. What’s the best protein to add?
Halal chicken, tofu, or shrimp are great choices. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding the noodles.