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Pad Kee Mao Recipe

Pad Kee Mao Recipe

Pad kee mao recipe for spicy Thai drunken noodles made with wide rice noodles, tender chicken, garlic, Thai chilies, Thai basil, vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce. Everything cooks quickly in a hot wok for a flavorful dinner with chewy noodles and fresh basil.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles
  • 8 oz wide dried rice noodles
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
For the Stir-Fry
  • 6 oz boneless chicken thigh thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 –3 Thai chilies thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 1 small red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions cut into short pieces
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
For the Sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Equipment

  • Large wok or heavy skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large pot or heatproof bowl
  • Tongs or wooden spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Prepare the noodles: Cook or soak the wide rice noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Mix the sauce: Combine light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and water in a small bowl. Stir until combined.
  3. Heat the wok: Place a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat and add the cooking oil.
  4. Cook the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai chilies. Stir-fry briefly until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  5. Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned.
  6. Add the vegetables: Add the onion and red bell pepper. Toss over high heat until slightly tender while keeping some crunch.
  7. Add the noodles: Add the drained noodles to the wok and toss gently with the chicken and vegetables.
  8. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and continue tossing until the sauce evenly coats everything.
  9. Finish with basil: Turn off the heat and add Thai basil and green onions. Toss until the basil is just wilted.
  10. Serve immediately: Transfer the hot noodles to serving plates and enjoy while the noodles are glossy and fragrant.

Notes

Keep the wok hot: Pad Kee Mao cooks quickly, so high heat helps the ingredients develop better stir-fried flavor.
Do not overcook the noodles: They should still have some firmness because they finish cooking in the wok.
Add basil at the end: This keeps its fresh aroma noticeable in the finished dish.
Adjust the heat: Use fewer Thai chilies for a milder version or add more for extra spice.
Do not overload the pan: A crowded wok can release too much moisture and prevent proper stir-frying.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this pad kee mao recipe immediately with fresh lime wedges and extra Thai basil if desired. Cucumber slices or lightly steamed vegetables also work well alongside the spicy noodles.