Vegetarian Pad Kee Mao with Thai Basil

Name: Vegetarian Pad Kee Mao with Thai Basil
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Ingredients: 250 g wide dried rice noodles; 2 tbsp neutral oil; 2 whole red chillies, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 whole carrot, cut into thin matchsticks; 200 g broccoli florets; 3 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp vegetarian stir-fry sauce or vegetarian oyster-style sauce; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 cup Thai basil leaves; 1 whole lime, cut into wedges

Broad rice noodles stir-fried with garlic, chilli, vegetables, soy and Thai basil.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 32 minMakes 3 servings

Jump to Recipe

Pad kee mao, often called drunken noodles, is a bold Thai-style stir-fry with broad rice noodles, chilli, garlic and basil. The source uses a full cup of soy sauce for one noodle batch and suggests dill and lemon as garnish; this version uses a measured salty-sweet sauce, neutral oil and Thai basil for a more balanced, recognisable flavour. Prepare all ingredients before heating the wok because the cooking is fast. Use a vegetarian stir-fry sauce and check curry or soy products for fish ingredients if needed. Serve hot with lime. Prepare rice noodles according to packet directions until pliable but not mushy. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water. Stir light and dark soy, brown sugar, vegetarian stir-fry sauce and sesame oil together.

How to tell when it is ready

Noodles are hot and pliable; vegetables remain crisp-tender and basil is just wilted.

Tips

Prepare ingredients before heating the wok.
Do not over-soak rice noodles.
Keep the wok hot and toss quickly.
Add basil after turning off the heat.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
If cooking too quickly, lower the heat and check doneness.

Substitutions

Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
Choose a suitable alternative that preserves the recipe’s texture.

Variations

Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add a seasonal ingredient that suits the cooking time.

Serving suggestions

Serve with lime wedges.
Add cucumber salad.
Offer crushed peanuts.
Pair with a light vegetable soup.

Make ahead

Prepare suitable components ahead and store them safely. Best immediately. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 2 days.

Storage

Best immediately. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 2 days.

Food safety

Check stir-fry sauce labels for fish or oyster ingredients if cooking vegetarian. Handle chillies carefully and keep the wok stable over high heat.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare suitable components in advance and store them safely as described.

How should I store vegetarian thai pad kee mao noodles?

Best immediately. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 2 days.

Serve with lime wedges. Best immediately. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 2 days.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Vegetarian Pad Kee Mao with Thai Basil