Easy Vegan Drunken Noodles

Forget paying for takeout when you can enjoy these vegan drunken noodles at home! Packed with veggies and “drunken” with relaxing Thai basil, this is the perfect meal that gives you all those cozy feels. Takes 30 minutes, easy to make, flexible, gluten-free and vegan.

And if you want more takeout-style recipes, be sure to try these loaded ramen noodle bowls, broccoli in garlic sauce, healthy Mongolian “beef”, and vegan fried rice with veggies.

Asian takeout is one of America’s top cuisines, but venturing out to your favorite Thai restaurant isn’t always feasible.

First off, it ain’t always cheap, especially when you have 5 mouths to feed at home. I mean sure, we can all pretend like we’ll share, but once we unbox that delicious smelling Tupperware, everyone’s gripping their cutlery like their own personal pitchfork. BACK AWAY FROM THE NOODLES BRO.

And then there’s the whole issue of health. Asian takeout, while extremely delicious, is many times loaded down with MSG (or chemicals pretty darn close to it), plus overly processed additives that I would never dream of buying at the store.

And that’s why, when you get a hankering for some good ol’ takeout, making it at home is just as good, if not, BETTER. It doesn’t have to take that much time, and you can customize it any way you please.

Why is it called drunken noodles?

Now I know what you’re thinking: you can get drunk on noodles? Well, not exactly, but there’s good reason these are called drunken noodles, and it comes down to the basil you use in this dish.

There are actually a few different types of basil, including regular basil (think Italian dishes), Thai basil, and Thai holy basil. And traditionally in Thailand, drunken noodles are made with Thai holy basil.

Holy basil is a medicinal herb that has many natural benefits. It is considered an adaptogen, possessing antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties, which is why holy basil is a herb that is generally recommended for those with anxiety and/or depression. Consuming a lot of it can cause a drug-like calming affect, hence the use of it in drunken noodles will make you feel, well, drunk.

I can personally attest to the powers of holy basil, since I helped one of my herbalist friends process large amounts of fresh holy basil a few years ago on her farm. I’m telling you, the room got really quiet and chill, since not only were the natural oils from the leaves soaking into our fingers, but we were also sipping on holy basil tea.

It was a lovely afternoon to say the least!

Outside of Thailand, Thai basil is what’s most commonly used in restaurants and for homemade takeout, simply because it’s easier to find. But I tell you, while you may not be getting “drunk” off it, you certainly will fall in love with the taste!

What are the best noodles for vegan drunken noodles?

When you go to any Thai restaurant, one of the highlights of the menu is their noodles. But what kind of noodles DO they use, and what’s best for drunken noodles?

Luckily, many Asian dishes call for rice noodles, which are naturally gluten-free (bonus!) and easy to find. For drunken noodles, you typically will see this dish made with wide rice noodles, but you can use any rice noodles you can find, including:

• any variety of wide or thin white rice noodles
• any variety of wide or thin brown rice noodles

These noodles are typically pretty easy to find at most major chain grocery stores in the Asian/International section. However, if you’re having a really hard time tracking down rice noodles, you can always try substituting with lo mein or even ramen noodles.

Where can you find Thai basil?

Thai basil is one of the key notes in these vegan drunken noodles, and for good reason: they bring the flavors that make this dish pop (and make you go back for seconds).

As mentioned above, traditionally in Thailand, holy basil is used for drunken noodles (hence the drunk feeling), but that can be hard to find for most of us in the United States. At many Thai restaurants, Thai basil is used and it totally works.

Thai basil is similar to regular basil, only with a stronger basil taste + aniseed flavor that to me feels a little sharper than your average basil. Luckily, this is easily found in most major chain grocery stores in the produce section, or at Asian farmers markets (for a hell of a lot cheaper + higher quantity too).

If you’re really in a pinch though, it’s okay if you have to use regular basil; just remember to always use FRESH as opposed to dried- the dried will definitely fall flat and give it more of an Italian feel than an Asian feel.

Recipe ingredients

• Rice noodles.
• Bell peppers. I use yellow and orange, but red and/or green will work here too.
• Mushrooms. I use Portobello, but shiitake would also work nicely here.
• Oil. Olive oil, canola, or coconut all work here.
• Thai basil.
• Green onions.
• Vegan bouillon cube. I use Not Chicken to add a little extra flavor, but this is totally optional.
• Tamari sauce or soy sauce. Use tamari to keep this gluten free.
• Rice vinegar.
• Brown sugar. You can also use coconut sugar or a liquid sweetener of choice, such as maple syrup.
• Chili garlic sauce.
• Sriracha sauce.
• Cornstarch. For thickening.

How to make it

1. First, bring a large pot of filtered water to a boil on the stove. Cook noodles according to package directions; about 5-9 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, prepare the sauce by whisking sauce ingredients together. Set aside.
3. Next, add peppers and mushrooms to a large frying pan and add oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat, until mushrooms start to release their juices. Pour sauce in frying pan and stir. Sauce will thicken; turn heat down to low. Toss in green onions and Thai basil and stir again.
4. Once noodles are finished cooking, drain well. Add to sauce mixture and toss to coat. Adjust seasonings if necessary (I do not usually add salt because the tamari and other sauces are salted, but you can do so now if you like). Serve with chopsticks and extra sriracha, if desired.

Allergy Information + Notes

• These Thai drunken noodles are 100% vegan, meaning they are meat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free. They are also naturally gluten-free (when using tamari sauce) and nut-free.
• Can’t find Thai basil at your grocery store? Try checking farmer’s markets or Asian grocery stores. As a last resort, you can use regular *fresh* basil, but keep in mind this will alter the flavor, making it feel more Italian than Thai.
• For those that can’t do soy, switch the tamari sauce out for coconut aminos.
• BULK this meal up with vegan meat alternative, such as vegan chicken strips or vegan beef strips. you can also add other vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.

More Asian-style vegan dinners:

• This Gluten Free Broccoli in Garlic Sauce Takes 30 Minutes
• The Most Healthy Recipe for Vegan Mongolian Beef Ever
• This Homemade Vegan Fried Rice is Deliciously Easy
• Easy Vegan Weeknight Dinner: Roasted Cauliflower + GF Sesame Noodles

Thank you for taking the time to invest in your health and happiness!