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Drunken Noodles

Drunken Noodles — a classic thai dish made simple at home.

60 min3 servesmedium

Drunken Noodles is a classic vegetarian Thai recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 60 minutes from prep to plate. It sits in the comfortable middle ground: nothing intimidating, but it rewards a little patience during the roughly 60 minutes of active cooking. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.

The headline ingredients here are galangal, basil and lemongrass. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them.

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Nutrition · per serving

475

kcal

17g

Protein

39g

Carbs

26g

Fat

main

Ingredients

  • galangal250 g
  • basil300 g
  • lemongrass300 g
  • chili150 g
  • palm sugar1 tsp
  • jasmine rice200 g
  • garlic1 cup
  • saltstaple
  • pepperstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~12 min

    Prep all ingredients for drunken noodles and measure them out.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~12 min

    Heat oil in a pan and sauté aromatics until fragrant.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~12 min

    Add main ingredients and cook until just done.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~12 min

    Season with salt, pepper and finish with fresh herbs.

  5. 5
    Step 5 ~12 min

    Plate and serve hot.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 60 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Salt the pasta water generously and save a mug of the starchy cooking water before you drain — a splash thickens any sauce beautifully.
  • This is a longer cook, so taste as you go and adjust salt in small increments. It is much easier to season up at the end than to rescue a dish that has been over-salted early.
  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Drunken Noodles take to cook?
From prep to plate, Drunken Noodles takes about 60 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Drunken Noodles vegetarian?
Yes — this version of Drunken Noodles is fully vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, swap any dairy or eggs for a plant-based equivalent of the same texture.
What are the key ingredients in Drunken Noodles?
The headline ingredients are galangal, basil, lemongrass. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Drunken Noodles?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Drunken Noodles?
Drunken Noodles pairs naturally with classic thai sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.