Low Carb Keto Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) (2024)

Scratch the itch to travel with this version of a classic Thai hangover remedy, keto drunken noodles! Slurp these refreshing and delightfully spicy noodles and wash ‘em down with an ice cold beer.

Hungry for more Asian-inspired low carb pasta recipes? Try this keto pad thai, or this keto ramen.

Taste the World, at Home.

2020 was going to be my year for world travel. I had visions of far-off beaches and misty mountains and lively, bustling night markets. And oh baby, I was going to eat so much street food! But for reasons I won’t mention,those plans have been put on hold. I believe in making the best out of a situation though, and so I thought…

Even if I can’t see the world right now, I can still taste it! And the silver lining is, I can make it low carb.

So I made these low carb drunken noodles! They were inspired by pad kee mao, a popular Thai dish that’s often eaten as a hangover remedy (kinda funny since they’re usually served with a cold brew). I replaced the rice noodles with Shirataki noodles which are well suited to this and other Asian dishes. The sauce and veggies work together with the noodles to create a spicy, flavorful balance.

You don’t need a hangover to enjoy these keto drunken noodles! Try them anytime you start dreaming of that trip you want to take and pair them with an ice cold beer.

What to Expect From Keto Pad Kee Mao:

Trust me when I tell you, this isn’t one of those low carb dinners that resembles a meal you crave. It is a meal you’ll crave. And you’ll hardly notice (if at all) the rice noodle to shirataki swap! Before you grab your chopsticks, here’s what you can expect:

• No special techniques
• Ready in 25 minutes
• Thick + saucy noodles
• Great for meal prep

Ingredient Notes

• The sweetener – These keto drunken noodles have a traditional sweet and salty sauce, but instead of adding brown sugar, opt for erythritol-based golden keto sweeteners such as Swerve or Lakanto.
• The heat – You can usually find Thai chilis at the grocery store, raw or dried. They pack quite a flavor punch! If you can’t find them, spice up your low carb Thai noodles with jalapenos instead.
• Thai fish sauce – this sauce, made from fermented fish, gives an amazing umami flavor to our dish. It’s hard to replicate and one of the key flavor components. You can find this in the grocery store near the soy sauce.
• Xanthan gum is used to thicken the sauce, so it efficiently coats the noodles. Very little is needed! Xanthan gum has a tendency to clump when added to liquids, so be sure to sprinkle over the top, and whisk to fully incorporate.

What Are Shirataki Noodles?

Shirataki noodles are made from the konjac plant, and are often called “miracle noodles”. They have virtually no taste when prepared properly, making them the perfect noodle to soak up your favorite flavors.

Now, if you’ve tried them, you may not have liked the taste. Or, you may have heard some nasty rumors. So, let me share the secret to actually enjoying shirataki noodles:

1. Prepare them properly. By thoroughly rinsing and drying them. For bonus points, I always like to pan-sear them with oil and aromatics to infuse a bit of flavor–I find this is the best way to make shirataki noodles less rubbery.
2. They aren’t great substitutes for every dish. Truthfully, I find shirataki noodles work best with Asian-inspired dishes, vs. Italian pasta dishes.

🤔 What is the Best Brand of Shirataki Noodles?

I haven’t found a huge taste or texture difference from one brand to another, really, it’s all in the preparation. That said, I find Miracle Noodles are usually the easiest to find.

🤔 Are Miracle Noodles Good for Keto?

YES! Miracle noodles are mostly water, and a little fiber, with zero digestible carbs.

More Options for Keto Noodles

If shirataki noodles will never be your thing, try enjoying your keto drunken noodles with one of these options instead. NOTE: you’ll want to remove as much liquid from these noodles before adding them in.

• Zucchini noodles
• Spaghetti squash
• Edamame noodles

Recipe Variations

Make these keto drunken noodles your way! Here are some potential variations:

• Swap the protein. Try thinly sliced pork or beef, or even just a different cut of chicken (hello, chicken thighs! yum!). Check out my keto beef and broccoli for some tips for stir-frying other meats.
• Add more keto vegetables. Just saute your favorites.
• Vegetarian drunken noodles. The great news about low carb chicken recipes like this one is you can skip the protein for a vegetarian option, or sub in shrimp without blinking an eye.
• Adjust the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat to your liking. You can always crank it up by adding more chilis.

More Asian-Inspired Keto Recipes

• Keto Chicken Stir Fry
• Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Chicken Curry Soup
• Thai Chicken Salad
• Egg Roll in a Bowl