Plate of spicy prawn drunken noodles garnished with herbs and spices

10-minute Spicy Prawn Drunken Noodles

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

10-minute Spicy Shrimp Drunken Noodles is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something tasty yet quick. This dish is quick to make and packs a punch with its spicy flavors. Plus, it’s packed with fresh ingredients like prawns, rice noodles, and greens, making it a satisfying meal that feels restaurant-quality right at home.

how to make 10-minute Spicy Shrimp Drunken Noodles

Ingredients:

  • 5 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 3 birds’ eye chillies, stem removed
  • 1 large red chilli, stem removed
  • 500g (1 lb) fresh rice noodles*
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 250g (8 oz) peeled and deveined prawns
  • 100g (3.5 oz) sliced Asian greens*
  • 4 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • ½ tsp dark soy sauce
  • ½ tsp white sugar
  • 1 heaped cup holy basil (also known as spicy basil or hot basil)*

Directions:

  1. Use a mortar and pestle to pound the garlic and chillies into a rough paste.
  2. Warm the fresh rice noodles in the microwave for about 10 seconds to help separate them. If they are in uncut sheets, slice them into thick strands, like pappardelle.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.
  4. Add the garlic and chilli paste to the hot wok and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  5. Toss in the prawns and stir-fry for about 2 minutes or until they are almost cooked through.
  6. Add the sliced greens and mix them in.
  7. Incorporate the noodles, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry everything until well mixed.
  8. Finally, toss in the holy basil before serving.

*NOTES: Cooked spaghetti, dried rice noodles, or egg noodles can also be used. For Asian greens, feel free to use choy sum, Chinese broccoli, pak choy, or bok choy. If you can’t find Thai holy basil, regular Italian or sweet basil will work too.

how to serve 10-minute Spicy Shrimp Drunken Noodles

Serve your hot and spicy noodles in large bowls. You can garnish them with extra basil or fresh lime wedges for an added kick. Enjoy them right away for the best flavor and texture. This dish is great on its own but pairs nicely with a light salad or some steamed vegetables on the side.

how to store 10-minute Spicy Shrimp Drunken Noodles

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan with a splash of water to keep them moist, or use a microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

tips to make 10-minute Spicy Shrimp Drunken Noodles

  • Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best taste.
  • Adjust the amount of chillies to match your spice level.
  • Make sure the wok or pan is hot before adding ingredients to ensure they stir-fry quickly and don’t steam.
  • If you want more sauce, add a little extra oyster sauce or fish sauce.

variation

You can change the protein by using chicken or tofu instead of prawns. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried rice noodles instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried rice noodles. Just follow the package instructions to cook them before adding them to the dish.

2. What if I can’t find holy basil?
If you can’t find holy basil, regular sweet basil or Thai basil can be good substitutes. The flavor will be slightly different, but still very tasty.

3. Is this dish kid-friendly?
You can reduce the number of chillies if you’re making this for kids to lower the spiciness and make it more kid-friendly.