Pork Drunken Noodles

This easy recipe for Pork Drunken Noodles tastes just like your favorite take-out and takes less than 30 minutes to put together! You can also make this dish with pork, chicken, beef or make it vegetarian. This quick noodle dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite!

I am so excited to share this recipe for Pork Drunken Noodles with you! This dish is similar to Pad Kee Mao at Thai restaurants. This recipe isn't purely authentic Thai, but it tastes amazing and is fast and easy to make.

I first had Drunken Noodles at this take-out Hawaiian Thai Restaurant in Portland that was out of a house! Sadly, it has closed, but I often dream of those Drunken Noodles with Kalua Pork. And guess what? This Easy Drunken Noodle Recipe is pretty darn close!

Why is it called "Drunken Noodles"?

I found a few different reasons why these are called drunken noodles. A few sources said because the dish is so spicy people get drunk consuming so much alcohol to quench their thirst after all the spice. I thought that was funny, but if you know me, I don't do super spicy foods. So my version is not very spicy at all (but it can be!). The great thing about cooking at home is that you can do whatever you want! I also always say "you can put spice in, but you can't take it out!"

Ingredients Needed to make Pork Drunken Noodles

• wide rice noodles
• soy sauce (I use low sodium)
• honey
• chicken stock (you can also use beef or vegetable)
• garlic
• fresh ginger
• green onions
• ground chili paste (I use Sambal Oelek found in most grocery stores)
• sesame oil
• shredded pork (or protein of choice)
• broccoli
• bell pepper
• carrots
• Thai basil

How to Make Pork Drunken Noodles

1. The very first step is to soak the rice noodles in very hot water. They will soak as you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Prepare the vegetables and herbs so they are ready to go.
3. Make the sauce by adding the soy sauce, honey, chicken stock, garlic, ginger, green onions, and chili paste in a bowl.
4. The pork I use in this recipe is already cooked. If you are making this with a protein that is raw, cook the meat and set it aside.
5. Heat the sesame oil in the pan at med-high heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the cooked meat and the prepared sauce to the pan with the vegetables and stir to combine.
7. Drain the noodles that have been soaking and add them to the pan. Continue stirring to ensure all of the noodles, vegetables, and meat have been coated with sauce.
8. Cover the pan and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken quite a bit and the noodles will soften even more.
9. Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Customize These Noodles

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are traditionally made with vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. But, you can use whatever vegetables you like or have on hand like onions, tomatoes, or even squash.

For other protein options, you can use chicken, beef, or even seafood. If you want a vegetarian option, add cooked tofu or leave out the protein option altogether.

This dish is traditionally also made with a wide rice noodle. If you can't find a wide version, substitute with a thinner version similar to the noodles used in Pad Thai.

What's the difference between Thai basil and Italian basil?

Thai basil is a different color and smells different than the more common Italian basil. Thai basil has purple stems and smells more like licorice than pesto. It is also sweeter than regular basil. If you can't find Thai basil you can use Italian basil and perhaps add a little mint to get a more unique taste.

Tips for making the best Pork Drunken Noodles:

• Make sure you soak the rice noodles in hot water at the very beginning of cooking. This will ensure they are soft and have already soaked up moisture before adding them to the sauce.
• Quick fry the vegetables for only a few minutes so they are lightly charred but not soggy.
• The sauce will thicken and become very sticky for the perfect drunken noodle experience.
• Add the Thai basil after you remove the noodles from the heat so they don't wilt before you get to enjoy the dish.
• Store any leftover noodles covered in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• For the chili paste, start with a tablespoon for taste and a tiny bit of heat, and then add more if desired.
• If you don't have chili paste, you could substitute a chopped jalapeno pepper or hot pepper of your choice. 

More Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes:

• Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef
• Healthy Shrimp Ceviche
• Instant Pot Carnitas
• Easy Ramen Noodles
• Instant Pot Korean Burritos

Did you Make this recipe?

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