Why do they call it 'Drunken Noodles' if there's no booze in it?

This dish's name has nothing to do with alcohol! It's said to either help cure hangovers or make you feel a bit wild due to the bold spice.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

No problem—just dial back the chilies or leave them out. You'll still get a great mix of flavors from the garlic, sauces, and basil without the heat.

What makes Thai basil different from the regular kind?

Thai basil has purple stems and a slight licorice flavor, while regular basil is more sweet and mild. If you can't track down Thai basil, ordinary basil works, though the taste won't be quite the same.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

It's best right after cooking since rice noodles can soak up the sauce and go soft. If prepping in advance, cook everything but the noodles, and mix those in freshly when serving.

What should I use instead of fish sauce?

For a vegetarian-friendly option, try swapping fish sauce for soy sauce with lime juice, or find a seaweed-based veggie 'fish sauce.' The taste won't be exact, but it works!

Flavorful Thai Drunken Noodles for a Street-Style Feast

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

Soak the noodles, sauté onion and garlic, toss in chicken and chilies, add wide noodles and seasonings, stir in Thai basil at the end, then squeeze lime on top before serving.

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By Ana

Updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:20:58 GMT

Flavorful Thai Drunken Noodles for a Street-Style Feast | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Why do they call it 'Drunken Noodles' if there's no booze in it?: This dish's name has nothing to do with alcohol! It's said to either help cure hangovers or make you feel a bit wild due to the bold spice.
→ How can I make this dish less spicy?: No problem—just dial back the chilies or leave them out. You'll still get a great mix of flavors from the garlic, sauces, and basil without the heat.
→ What makes Thai basil different from the regular kind?: Thai basil has purple stems and a slight licorice flavor, while regular basil is more sweet and mild. If you can't track down Thai basil, ordinary basil works, though the taste won't be quite the same.
→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?: It's best right after cooking since rice noodles can soak up the sauce and go soft. If prepping in advance, cook everything but the noodles, and mix those in freshly when serving.
→ What should I use instead of fish sauce?: For a vegetarian-friendly option, try swapping fish sauce for soy sauce with lime juice, or find a seaweed-based veggie 'fish sauce.' The taste won't be exact, but it works!

Hot Thai Noodle Dish

Wide rice noodles stir-fried with basil, spicy chilies, and chicken in a sticky-sweet sauce that tastes just like a bustling Bangkok food cart.

Prep Time

15 min

Cooking Time

20 min

Total Time

35 min

By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Thai

Yields: 3 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 cup Thai basil leaves

02 2-3 Thai bird chilies, sliced as you like

03 8 oz wide rice noodles

04 1 small onion, sliced up

05 1 bell pepper, any color you like, thinly sliced

06 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

07 1 cup chicken breast, sliced into thin strips

08 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Sauce Ingredients

09 Fresh lime wedges for squeezing

10 1 tablespoon sugar

11 1 tablespoon fish sauce

12 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

13 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

14 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Steps

Step 01

Put the rice noodles in hot water and let them soak for around half an hour or until they're soft. Strain them and set aside.

Step 02

Warm some vegetable oil in a large pan or wok on medium-high. Toss in the garlic and onion, cooking until the smell is amazing and they've started to brown slightly.

Step 03

Throw the bell pepper slices and the chicken into the pan and stir-fry until those chicken strips are fully cooked.

Step 04

Add your softened rice noodles to the pan along with the Thai chilies. Mix everything thoroughly so it all comes together.

Step 05

Pour in the soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir everything for 2-3 minutes, letting the noodles soak in all that flavor.

Step 06

Now, toss in the Thai basil. Give it a quick stir until the leaves are just wilted.

Step 07

Scoop the noodles onto plates and serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze lime juice over just before eating.

Notes

Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef if you'd like.
Toss in snap peas, baby corn, or carrots for a colorful dish with more nutrients.
Crank up the spice by adding chili paste or jalapeño slices.
If you don't have rice noodles, try using udon or whole wheat pasta.