Pad Naam Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Basil and Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick Thai stir-fry featuring wide rice noodles tossed with garlic, fresh basil, chili, and a savory sauce. This thai-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 32 minutes pairs wide rice noodles, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 7 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz wide rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until soft but still slightly firm. Drain well.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced fresh red chili, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles and stir-fry for 2 minutes, tossing constantly to separate them.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes until the noodles are coated in sauce and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 chopped green onions until wilted and aromatic.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately while hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pad Naam Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Basil and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (25 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pad Naam Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Basil and Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep wide rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pad Naam Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Basil and Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pad Naam Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Basil and Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pad Naam Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Basil and Chili vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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