Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil

Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with fresh basil and spice. This recipe solves the problem of bland takeaway. After making this many times, I know the secret to perfect texture. Crispy, savory, and full of flavor. Try my Easy Healthy Chicken Salad Wraps for a lighter option. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Healthy Chicken Salad Wraps for Lunch or Dinner and Honey Lavender White Chocolate Truffles Recipe.

Why This Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy texture
- Fresh basil
- Spicy kick
- Quick meal
What You'll Need for Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 12 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Optional: 1 tbsp crushed peanuts
- Optional: 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional: 1 sliced red chili

📝 Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp for best texture.
- Rice noodles: Soak in hot water for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Basil: Add fresh basil at the end for maximum flavor.
- Soy sauce: Use low-sodium for a lighter taste.
- Chili garlic sauce: Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick wok — Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. → See on Amazon
- Measuring cups — Accurate measurements for perfect flavor balance. → See on Amazon

How to Make Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil
- Soak noodles: Soak rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium heat. Add garlic and chili garlic sauce. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add protein: Add shrimp. Cook until pink and slightly curled, about 3 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add noodles and sauce: Add noodles, soy sauce, fish sauce, and rice vinegar. Toss well.
- Finish with basil: Turn off heat. Add basil and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil
- Technique: Use a wok for even heat distribution and crispy edges.
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking noodles makes them mushy. Drain immediately after soaking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serving: Serve with a lime wedge for extra brightness.
Storing & Reheating Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and reheat before serving.
Freezing Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil
Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and achieve a better sear.
- Best substitution: Replace shrimp with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Cook noodles and toss with sauce up to 24 hours before serving.
- Scaling: Double or triple recipe for larger groups.
- Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes to reduce.
Want to level up this recipe?
Wok with lid — Ensures even cooking and easy stirring. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Optional Toppings
- 1 tbsp crushed peanuts
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 sliced red chili
Instructions
- Soak noodles: Soak rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium heat. Add garlic and chili garlic sauce. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add protein: Add shrimp. Cook until pink and slightly curled, about 3 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add noodles and sauce: Add noodles, soy sauce, fish sauce, and rice vinegar. Toss well.
- Finish with basil: Turn off heat. Add basil and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and achieve a better sear.
- Best substitution: Replace shrimp with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Cook noodles and toss with sauce up to 24 hours before serving.
- Scaling: Double or triple recipe for larger groups.
- Troubleshooting: If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes to reduce.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil FAQs
Yes, you can make the noodles and toss with sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Reheat before serving for best texture.
Adjust the chili garlic sauce amount based on your tolerance. Start with 1 tbsp and add more as needed.
No, the wok method gives the best crispy texture. Air fryer may make noodles too dry.
Use 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp oyster sauce as a substitute for fish sauce.
Yes, you can use broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas. Add during the cooking process based on texture.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Thai Drunken Noodles with Fresh Basil and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!






