Take-out Thai noodles can be pricey, greasy and often not so healthy. Once you make this recipe at home you’ll never want to order take-out again! These noodles are loaded with flavour, simple to make and come together in less than 30 minutes for a quick and easy meal everyone will love!
There are a few different theories as to why this dish is called drunken noodles. One theory is that the original dish was so spicy it would leave you feeling dizzy and kind of ‘drunk.’ Another theory suggests this is a favourite dish to eat in Thailand after an evening of drinking.
You can find most of the ingredients at your local Asian grocery store. Two of the key elements in this dish are Thai basil and fresh chili peppers. Don’t skip out on these ingredients!
Thai drunken noodles are also traditionally made with wide rice noodles. You can buy these fresh at the Asian grocery store, or dried at most other food stores. Either will work well.
Serves 2-3
Ingredients
- 8 oz. wide rice noodles
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch cube of ginger, minced
- 1 Thai chili, finely chopped
(or more if you like it really spicy) - 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped
- 2 large handfuls of Thai basil leaves
- 1 green onion, sliced
- crushed peanuts and a lime wedge to top (optional)
SAUCE
- 1 Tbsp. dark soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar
(can sub agave or maple syrup) - 1 Tbsp. water
Directions
Cook the rice noodles in a pot of hot water for 2-3 minutes until al dente. They should be a bit hard in the center, and not cooked fully through.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Add the garlic and chili pepper and cook for 1 minute, then add the ginger, onion and pepper and let cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the noodles to the pan tossing together and letting cook for 2 minutes, until the noodles start to brown on the bottom slightly.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the sauce and Thai basil leaves mixing everything together.
Lastly, fold in the green onion and mix together, letting cook for 1 minute. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make sure to use Thai basil (also known as holy basil) in this recipe! It’s not the same as regular basil and can be found at your local Asian grocery store.
Use a large pan to make this recipe to give the ingredients enough space to caramelize.
Nutrition facts per serving: Calories 300; protein 6 g; fat 9 g; carbs 48 g.
