Description
Drunken Noodles is a vibrant and flavorful Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce infused with garlic, chili, and holy basil. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe balances spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors while showcasing the aromatic freshness of Thai basil.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 8 ounces rice noodles (wide or Pad Thai style), 225g
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil or vegetable oil, 30ml
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced, 70g
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red Thai chili, sliced or ⅓ teaspoon chili flakes (~0.5g, adjust to heat preference)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons, 200g
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips, 50g (optional sub: 1 cup bok choy)
- 1 cup holy basil or Thai basil, 20g
Sauce
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce, 75ml
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce, 15ml
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 12g
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 15ml
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until the sugar dissolves. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, and sliced chili. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini and red bell pepper or if using, bok choy, to the skillet. Continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and pour the sauce over them. Toss everything together to coat evenly, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors.
- Finish with Basil: Stir in the fresh holy basil leaves and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the basil wilts.
- Serve: Transfer the drunken noodles to plates and garnish with lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended as it causes the noodles and vegetables to become mushy.
- To reheat, microwave the leftovers or warm gently in a skillet over medium-high heat, adding a little water if needed to prevent sticking. The dish can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
