The Asian Larder

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

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Wide rice noodles stir-fried hard and fast with chilli, garlic and holy basil, spicier and punchier than pad thai.

Tips for the best drunken noodles

  • Fresh wide rice noodles work best here, since dried ones can break up during the vigorous tossing.
  • Keep everything moving in the wok once the noodles go in, so they char slightly rather than steam.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called drunken noodles?

The exact origin is disputed, but the dish is widely thought of as a spicy late-night favourite, strong enough to sober you up.

What noodles should I use?

Fresh wide rice noodles if available, or soaked dried flat rice noodles as a substitute.

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Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
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