Pad kee mao is a high-heat, fast-moving stir-fry, so everything is prepped before the wok gets hot. The wok has to be smoking to get the char (wok hei) that separates this from soggy noodles.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineThai
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten · fish · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for2servings
Wide rice noodles
Fresh sen yai if you can find them; soak dried ones just until pliable, not soft.
Can you make Drunken Noodles in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Drunken Noodles? — Not ideal
You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.
Can you make Drunken Noodles ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Drunken Noodles gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
Is Drunken Noodles vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
Open data. Every maker on this site is published as a free dataset under CC BY 4.0 — use it in anything, commercial or not, as long as you credit 5best2buy. Browse the datasets →