Drunken noodles (pad kee mao)
Flat rice noodles, birds-eye chillies and sirloin steak come together in this Thai beef — 60 minutes, 6 steps, and the kind of result worth repeating. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 6 steps.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and pan. At medium difficulty across 6 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (7)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: contains meat, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Fish Shellfish Soy
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page — how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Prepare the noodles following pack instructions, then drain and set aside. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl or jug, and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan over a high heat and stir-fry the garlic and chilli for 20 seconds until just starting to turn golden.
- Add the steak and stir-fry for 1 minute until seared and starting to brown.
- Add the broccoli and stir-fry for another minute, then tip in the noodles and add the sauce.
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 mins until well combined and piping hot.
- Stir through the basil and turn off the heat. Serve immediately to avoid overcooking.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet · Pan · Wok
Watch how it's made
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Ingredient substitutions
- Soy Sauce
- tamari (gluten-free) · coconut aminos
- Fish Sauce
- soy sauce + a pinch of salt
What to serve with Drunken noodles (pad kee mao)
- Pad See Ew Chicken
- Thai Green Curry Chicken
- Pad Thai Seafood
- Panang chicken curry (kaeng panang gai) Chicken
Tips & common questions
How long does Drunken noodles (pad kee mao) take to make?
About 60 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 6 steps and 11 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Try tamari (gluten-free). See the substitutions section above for more swaps.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Structured source recipe — not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Recipe data for Drunken noodles (pad kee mao) via TheMealDB (open database). ▶ Video. Original source. Consomee adds the scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.