Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with bold flavors and quick to whip up, this Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s got that perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy that hooks you from the first bite. What I love most is that it’s not just tasty but also versatile—I’ve made it after work when I wanted something fast, and it never disappoints.
Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or sharing with friends who appreciate authentic Thai vibes, this recipe works beautifully. The flat rice noodles soak up the sauce so well, making every forkful rich and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe, it’ll become one of those dishes that’s always in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a balance of textures and flavors that are both fresh and indulgent. Grab quality noodles and fresh veggies for the best results—these little details make a big difference!
- Flat rice noodles: Look for the fresh ones if you can; they’re softer and absorb sauce better than dried.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral oils work best for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that punchy aroma you want in every bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Using low-sodium helps control saltiness and lets other flavors shine.
- Brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory sauce.
- Bell peppers: Choose mixed colors for a vibrant look and sweeter crunch.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds earthiness and texture.
- Carrots: Julienned carrots bring color and a subtle sweetness.
- Boneless chicken or shrimp: Both work great; chicken gives me comfort, shrimp gives a seafood twist.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. This Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe is incredibly forgiving and open to personalization.
- Spicy Boost: I add fresh Thai chilies or a spoonful of chili paste when I want it hotter—be careful though, a little goes a long way!
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add extra tofu or mushrooms. The sauce is so flavorful that it doesn’t miss the protein.
- Seafood Twist: Shrimp or scallops make for a fancy upgrade. I love how quickly seafood cooks, making dinner super fast.
- Greens Swap: Swap broccoli for kale or bok choy for a different texture and flavor profile.
How to Make Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Noodles and Sauce
Start by soaking or boiling your rice noodles according to the package instructions—flat rice noodles can be a bit finicky, so don’t overcook them; you want them just tender but still with some bite. Meanwhile, mix the soy sauce and brown sugar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves fully. This sauce is the heart of your dish, so make sure it’s a good blend.
Step 2: Cook the Protein
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chicken or shrimp and cook until just done—chicken should be no longer pink and shrimp should turn opaque with a little curl. Remove from the pan and set aside to keep juicy and tender.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies and Garlic
In the same pan, toss in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt—that’s key! Then add your bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until veggies are just tender but still crisp. I love that crunch—it really makes the dish feel fresh.
Step 4: Toss in Noodles and Sauce
Add your noodles back into the pan with the veggies, then pour the sauce over everything. Toss well, making sure the noodles get evenly coated. This part goes fast—you want the noodles hot throughout without getting mushy. If the pan seems dry, splash a little water or extra oil to keep things slick.
Step 5: Finish With Protein and Serve
Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the pan. Give everything a good stir to combine and let it warm through for a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning if you’d like – sometimes a pinch more soy or sugar can really brighten it up. Then, serve immediately while it’s hot and delicious.
How to Serve Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe

Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh Thai basil and chopped cilantro on top—they add such a lovely herbal lift that cuts through the richness. A wedge of lime on the side gives the option of a bright squeeze of citrus that wakes up all the flavors. And if you like heat, crushed peanuts and extra chili flakes are a must.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but I often pair it with a simple cucumber salad or spring rolls to keep things light. A bowl of clear broth soup can also be a cozy, balancing touch if you’re serving this at dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to pile the noodles high in individual bowls and garnish with edible flowers or finely sliced fresh chilies for a pop of color. Using banana leaves as placemats or plates also adds a fun, authentic vibe that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2 days. The noodles soak up sauce over time, so if it looks dry the next day, add a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce when reheating to refresh the texture.
Freezing
Honestly, I don’t usually freeze this dish because the noodle texture changes after thawing, but if you must, freeze before adding fresh herbs or garnishes. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Reheating
I find reheating on the stovetop over medium heat works best. Add a splash of water or broth and stir often to prevent sticking and bring back moisture. Microwaving can get uneven, so stir halfway through if you go that route.
FAQs
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What makes this a Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe?
This recipe captures the bold, vibrant flavors and slightly sweet-salty sauce typical of street vendors in Thailand. It focuses on fresh ingredients, high heat stir-frying, and a perfectly balanced sauce that gives it the authentic “drunken noodles” vibe.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken or shrimp for firm tofu or extra veggies. The sauce is rich enough to make it satisfying without meat, and you can add mushrooms for a meaty texture.
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Do I have to use fresh rice noodles?
Fresh rice noodles are preferred for the best texture, but you can use dried ones if soaked or cooked properly. Just watch the timing carefully to avoid mushiness.
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How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild by default but can easily be made spicy by adding fresh chilies, chili paste, or chili flakes. Adjust to your heat preference!
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What’s the best protein to use?
Chicken and shrimp are classic choices, but you can experiment with beef, pork, or vegetarian options. It really depends on what you like and what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s got all the flavors you want from Thai street food, but made right in your own kitchen with ingredients you probably already have. I hope you’ll try it out and tweak it to your taste—the magic of this dish is how easily it adapts to your kitchen and your cravings. Happy cooking!
Print
Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Street Style Thai Drunken Noodles is a vibrant, flavorful stir-fried dish featuring flat rice noodles tossed with garlic, fresh vegetables, and your choice of boneless chicken or shrimp, all seasoned with savory soy sauce and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. This quick and easy recipe delivers authentic Thai street food vibes right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Noodles and Protein
- 8 oz flat rice noodles
- 8 oz boneless chicken or shrimp
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Soak the flat rice noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they become pliable but not too soft. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the boneless chicken or shrimp and stir-fry until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Add the noodles and sauce: Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the noodles. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet and stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly and ensure everything is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the drunken noodles hot, garnished with fresh herbs or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Soak rice noodles carefully to avoid over-softening, which can make them mushy.
- Use either boneless chicken or shrimp depending on your preference; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- For extra heat, add Thai bird’s eye chilies or chili flakes during the vegetable sauté step.
- Can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the protein and using tofu instead.
- Use fresh vegetables of choice or what’s available seasonally.
Keywords: Thai Drunken Noodles, Pad Kee Mao, stir-fried noodles, Thai street food, quick dinner, flat rice noodles