Description
Drunken Noodles with Fresh Veggies and Basil is a vibrant and spicy Thai stir-fry dish featuring chewy flat rice noodles, crisp fresh vegetables, fiery chili, and aromatic Thai basil. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is loaded with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that can be customized to your preferred protein and spice level.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 200g flat wide rice noodles
Herbs and Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 fresh red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
Protein Options
- 150g chicken breast, thinly sliced or 150g shrimp, peeled and deveined or 150g firm tofu, cubed or 150g beef strips
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh lime wedges
- Chopped scallions
- Crushed peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Noodles: Soak or boil the rice noodles as per package instructions until they are soft yet still have a slight chew. Drain thoroughly and toss with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Protein: Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sliced fresh chili, cooking until fragrant but not burnt. Add your choice of protein and stir-fry until fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Add the Fresh Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to keep the vegetables crisp and vibrant, preserving their natural sweetness and crunch.
- Combine with Noodles and Sauce: Gently fold in the prepared noodles followed by soy sauce and oyster sauce mixture. Toss everything well so the noodles evenly absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Turn off the heat and immediately add a generous handful of fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss gently to wilt the basil with the residual heat, releasing its aromatic essence.
Notes
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting as stir-frying is quick.
- Use high heat for authentic smoky ‘wok hei’ flavor.
- Do not overcook vegetables; keep them crisp-tender for texture contrast.
- Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor and aroma.
- Adjust soy and oyster sauce amounts to balance saltiness and sweetness to your taste.
- For a vegan version, replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce and use tofu instead of meat.
- Substitute noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Add crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg