Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe (2024)

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This Healthy Drunken Noodles recipe is an easy stir fry noodle dish that your entire family will love. It comes together fast and works great for a weeknight meal.

Don’t worry, these noodles don’t actually contain alcohol. Legend has it that a “drunken man” in a Thai kitchen was hungry and threw together a variety of ingredients that tasted so delicious the dish caught on and is now served as Pad Kee Mao or Pad See Ew in Thai restaurants (as your server for what the difference is in their restaurant).

Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe (1)

Where’s the Recipe?

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If you’d like to skip over the information about the ingredients, multiple cooking methods, and diet information simply scroll to the bottom of the page, where you will find the recipefor these Healthy Drunken Noodles.

Table of Contents

Ingredients in Drunken Noodles

These simple ingredients are ones that should be easy to find in your local grocery store.

  • Chicken: A great source of lean protein. This can easily be swapped out with another protein.
  • Carrots: Did you know that carrots are loaded with beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants?
  • Red Bell Pepper: All color peppers come from the same plant at various levels of maturity. Bell peppers are a low-calorie vegetable packed with vitamins and antioxidants. If you prefer a different color, swap it out!
  • Mushrooms: I love cooking with mushrooms. They have a meaty feel while still packing in the nutrients you can only get from vegetables.
  • Bok Choy: This Chinese cabbage is loaded healthy benefits, including choline. Choline is an anti-inflammatory that helps improve sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. This highly nutritious vegetable contains more vitamin A and C than spinach.
  • Garlic: You know I can’t cook anything without fresh garlic :) Added flavor and loads of antioxidants.
  • Thai Chili Pods: You can usually find these in the ethnic food section of your grocery store or Asian grocery stores. They can easily be replaced in this recipe with dried red pepper flakes, or left out entirely to skip the spice. The spice level on them is medium.
  • Whole Wheat Noodles: Using whole wheat noodles is an easy way to stay full for longer and get the health benefits of whole grains in your diet.
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: A staple for any Asian cuisine. You can also use coconut aminos, or low sodium tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce). Read here about soy sauce substitutes and why you’d choose one.
  • Honey: I try to find honey locally, but any raw form will work.
  • Scallions: Or green onions.
  • Basil: If you’re lucky enough to find Thai basil in your grocery store, I’d definitely grab that. If all you can find is regular basil, that works too. Fresh is best for this recipe.
Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe (2)

Recipe Tips

  • If you can’t find fresh basil, replace with dried. Reduce the amount to two and a half tablespoons and add to the pot with your vegetables.
  • You can leave out the bok choy and replace with regular green or purple cabbage.It holds up well under pressure and gives you the same texture.
  • This recipe is easy to customize.If you don’t like mushrooms leave them out and add more carrots and peppers.If you don’t like bell peppers, add more mushrooms.
  • Easily swap dried Thai chilis with crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like.
  • You can buy matchstick carrots or use a box grater to get your carrots small and evenly sized.
  • Add salt and black pepper to your taste.
  • For the stovetop method, you’re welcome to cook the noodles separate according to package directions if you’d like.
  • Turn this into an easy Vegan Drunken Noodle recipe by using extra firm tofu instead of chicken – press out the liquid with a tofu press and swap the honey for a vegan sweetener like Stevia. I like to add extra fresh vegetables, as well.
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How to make this Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe in the Instant Pot

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 6 minutes of total cooking time.

  1. Slice your chicken into thin strips, about 1/2 inches thick.
  2. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté, and lightly spray the inside of the pot with avocado or olive oil.
  3. Prepare your vegetables by peeling your carrots and cutting them into thin strips. Chop bell peppers, mushrooms, and bok choy. Try to cut all of your vegetables about the same size so they cook evenly.
  4. When the oil is hot, sauté the garlic, chili pods, mushrooms, and chicken for 2-3 minutes. Stir well to keep the chicken from sticking together.
  5. Add the noodles, soy sauce, honey, and water to the pot, and mix well to make sure everything is combined.
  6. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and bok choy on top of the chicken – do not stir this.
  7. Close the lid and turn the pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on manual or high pressure for 3 minutes.
  8. When the time is up, quick release the pressure. This means that you’ll move the valve from Sealing to Venting quickly and steam will come out fast. Be careful moving the valve and keep your hands clear of where the steam comes out.
  9. Once the pressure is released and you can open the lid, stir in the scallions and fresh basil.
  10. Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe (4)

How to make this in the Crockpot

  1. Add chicken, chili pods, garlic, soy sauce, water, and honey to the slow cooker. Mix it together so that the chicken is covered.
  2. Layer the carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bok choy on top of the chicken.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  4. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through. Add the dry noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  5. Mix in the basil and scallions.
  6. Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to make this healthy Drunken Noodles recipe on the stove

  1. Lightly spray a large skillet.
  2. Sauté the garlic, red chili pods, mushrooms, and chicken for about 2 minutes over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the carrots, bell pepper, and bok choy to the skillet. Sauté until the bok choy is wilted.
  4. Mix in the dry noodles, soy sauce, honey, and water. Bring the liquid to a boil then, cover and reduce heat to medium/low.
  5. Let the pasta simmer for 12-15 minutes stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked.
  6. Remove the lid and mix in the basil and scallions.
  7. Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Healthy Eating Plans

This easy Thai Drunken Noodles recipe is the perfect meal to make when watching your diet and craving takeout. Whether you make it with chicken breast or tofu, it’s full of vegetables, whole grains, and minimally processed ingredients.

Weight Watchers

1 serving (about 2 cups) of this recipe is is 4 Blue Points | 6 Green Points | 1 Purple Point | 2023 Points: 7

21 Day Fix/Portion Fix

  • The entire recipe is 8 Green Containers, 4 Yellow Containers, 4 Red Containers, and 3 Sweetener Teaspoons
  • Per serving (about 2 cups), count 2 green containers, 1 red container, 1 yellow container, and ¾ sweetener teaspoons

2B Mindset: This is a perfect lunch recipe as written.

Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe (5)

More healthy recipes similar to takeout

  • Instant Pot Orange Chicken
  • Chicken Lo Mein
  • Instant Pot Pad Thai Recipe
  • Healthy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe (6)

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Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe

Created by: Becca Ludlum

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 26 minutes mins

Approximate Serving Size: 2 cups

Servings 4 Servings

These healthy Drunken Noodles are a traditional Thai favorite! This easy recipe walks you through how to make this recipe in the Instant Pot, in the Crock Pot, or right on the stove using simple healthy ingredients.

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into thin 1/2-inch strips
  • 2 carrots peeled and cut into strips, about 2C
  • 1 bell pepper red, chopped
  • 2 cups mushrooms
  • 3 cups bok choy chopped
  • 4 tsp garlic minced
  • 2 dried chili pods Thai chilies are best! or you can substitute with 1 tsp crushed red peppers
  • 2 cups whole wheat pasta dry
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce I prefer coconut aminos, but you can also use low sodium tamari.
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup scallions diced
  • 1/2 cup basil fresh, chopped

Instructions

Instant Pot:

  • Slice your chicken into thin strips (about ½ an inch). 1 lb chicken breast

  • Lightly spray the inside of the pot with oil.

  • Peel your carrots and cut into thin strips. Chop bell peppers, mushrooms and bok choy. Try to cut all of your vegetables about the same size so they cook evenly. 2 carrots, 1 bell pepper, 2 cups mushrooms, 3 cups bok choy

  • When the oil is hot sauté the garlic, Thai chili pods, mushrooms, and chicken for 2-3 minutes. Stir well to keep the chicken isn’t sticking together. 4 tsp garlic, 2 dried chili pods

  • Mix in the noodles, soy sauce, honey, and water. 2 cups whole wheat pasta, 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey , 2 cups water

  • Add the carrots, bell peppers, and bok choy on top of the chicken, but do not stir.

  • Close the lid and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.

  • When time is up quick release the pressure.

  • Garnish with scallions and basil. Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. 1/2 cup scallions, 1/2 cup basil

Stove top:

  • Lightly spray a large skillet.

  • Sauté the garlic, red chili pods, mushrooms, and chicken for about 2 minutes over high heat.

  • Add the carrots, bell pepper, and bok choy to the skillet. Sauté until the bok choy is wilted.

  • Mix in the noodles, soy sauce, honey, and water. Bring the liquid to a boil then, cover and reduce heat to medium/low.

  • Let the pasta simmer for 12-15 minutes stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked.

  • Remove the lid and mix in the basil and scallions.

  • Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Crockpot:

  • Add chicken, chili pods, garlic, soy sauce, water, and honey to the slow cooker. Mix it together so that the chicken is covered.

  • Layer the carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bok choy on top of the chicken.

  • Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

  • Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through. Add the noodles during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

  • Mix in the basil and scallions.

  • Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Video

Notes

This recipe will only work with chicken that is defrosted and sliced into thin slices. If the chicken is cut into thick pieces, it will not have enough time to cook completely.

Weight Watchers

1 serving (about 2 cups) of this recipe is is 4 Blue Points | 6 Green Points | 1 Purple Point | 2023 Points: 7

21 Day Fix/Portion Fix

    • The entire recipe is 8 Green Containers, 4 Yellow Containers, 4 Red Containers, and 3 Sweetener Teaspoons
    • Per serving (about 2 cups), count 2 green containers, 1 red container, 1 yellow container, and ¾ sweetener teaspoons

2B Mindset: This is a perfect lunch recipe as written.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 696mg | Potassium: 1024mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 8756IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 3mg

Make This Recipe?

Make sure to follow on Pinterest @bludlum and on Instagram @beccaludlum

Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe (7)

Becca Ludlum

Healthy recipe creator, self-confessed food snob, and certified Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach. I create healthy recipes with minimally processed ingredients, but have never turned down a homemade brownie. ;)

Healthy Drunken Noodles Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is drunken noodle healthy? ›

And, Thai dishes don't tend to be terribly high in calories, either. Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles both have a moderate calorie count, making them a good choice at a restaurant. On top of that, they're packed with veggies and protein.

What is drunken noodles sauce made of? ›

Sesame oil (or canola) Chicken (or other protein) Sauce ingredients: oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, water, red chili sauce.

How many calories are in drunken noodles? ›

Pad Kee Mao - Drunken Noodles
Nutrition Facts 1 servings per container Serving size 6 oz Calories per serving 385Amount/serving
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
6 more rows

What's the difference between Pad See Ew and drunken noodles? ›

The main difference between Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles is the fact that Drunken Noodles are spicy whereas Pad See Ew has a sweeter meets salty profile. There are some other differences too; for example, Pad See Ew is heavily based on Chinese Broccoli whereas Pad Kee Mao invites other vegetables into the mix too.

How unhealthy is Pad Thai? ›

Although the ingredients in pad Thai are generally pretty healthy, the calories can still add up fast. Just one cup of a typical pad Thai has about 400 calories and 17 grams of fat, as well as loads of sodium. To balance it out, I always order mine with an extra serving of steamed vegetables to mix in.”

What makes Drunken Noodles so good? ›

The Thai dish also known as pad kee mao, consists of wide rice noodles, an array of vegetables, meat (or plant-based alternatives), soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and chili peppers. This combination of ingredients and flavors is a like party in your mouth. It's spicy, sweet, salty, and has pops of umami.

What is closest to Drunken Noodles? ›

Pad See Ew looks similar to drunken noodles because of the wide rice noodles found in both dishes. But it's sauce is mostly made up of a combination of dark and light soy sauce and it's not spicy.

What is a substitute for oyster sauce in Drunken Noodles? ›

Teriyaki sauce

In particular, teriyaki sauce makes a good substitute for oyster sauce in noodle dishes and stir-fries.

Which is healthier Pad Thai or Pad See Ew? ›

While both these recipes are carb happy, Pad See Ew has fewer calories than Pad Thai. As it's also the less sweet of the two, Pad See Ew is considered slightly healthier.

Why do they call them Drunken Noodles? ›

There's more than one story about their name.

One explanation is that because the dish is so spicy, you would have to drink a lot to handle the spice. Another is that the extreme spice of the noodles is the only thing strong enough for inebriated people to taste.

What is the lowest calorie Thai food in a restaurant? ›

Low-Calorie Thai Dishes
  • Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 calories. ...
  • Gai Pad Krapow (Basil Chicken) ...
  • Yum Woon Sen (Glass Noodle Salad) ...
  • Pla Neung Manaow (Steamed Fish with Lime) ...
  • Pad Phak (Stir-Fried Vegetables) ...
  • Larb (Spicy Thai Salad) ...
  • Tom Jued (Clear Soup)

Are Drunken Noodles healthier than Pad Thai? ›

What's healthier - Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles? Overall, Pad Thai has less calories than Drunken Noodles. Pad Thai has 357 calories per cup whereas Drunken Noodles has 323 calories per cup.

Is Drunken Noodles real Thai food? ›

Drunken noodles or drunkard noodles is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish similar to phat si-io but spicier.

What noodles to use for Drunken Noodles? ›

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are a Thai favorite made with wide rice noodles, Thai basil and vegetables.

Why are drunken noodles so good? ›

The Thai dish also known as pad kee mao, consists of wide rice noodles, an array of vegetables, meat (or plant-based alternatives), soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and chili peppers. This combination of ingredients and flavors is a like party in your mouth. It's spicy, sweet, salty, and has pops of umami.

What is the healthiest type of noodle? ›

Rice noodles are often considered one of the healthiest options available. They are naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and easy to digest. P'Nut Asian Kitchen incorporates rice noodles into many of their dishes, including the popular Pad Thai and Wonton Noodle Soup.

Are Thai noodles healthy? ›

Healthy Thai Food: The Noodles

One popular healthy Thai food dish is Pad Thai, which is made with rice noodles, veggies, eggs, and often shrimp or chicken, all stir-fried together with a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is a great source of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious option.

Which is healthier, Thai or Chinese food? ›

Thai food is often healthier than Chinese food. Thai food puts a focus on balance and variety. They are often light and the aromas are just as important as the taste of the food. Thai food uses less heavy sauces and oils than Chinese food uses that are healthier for you, if any oil at all.

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