Hands down, THE BEST easy Thai noodle bowl recipe, perfect for when you need a quick lunch or dinner that’s packed with flavor. Imagine slippery rice noodles, mixed with crunchy Chinese broccoli, bean sprouts, green onions, and more. Smothered in a savory, spicy, and sweet sauce that’s just irresistible, this noodle dish will have everyone asking for seconds!

Can’t get enough of noodle dishes, just like me? Don’t miss out on my top noodle recipes! Try the rich flavors of my beef pad see ew, the authentic chicken pad Thai, and the Northern Thai chicken khao soi.

What is a Thai noodle bowl

A Thai noodle bowl is a traditional dish featuring cooked noodles combined with other ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and sauces. With a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, it’s a staple in Thai cuisine and a common street food option.

Dry noodle bowl recipe

A dry noodle bowl isn’t something you usually stumble upon at a Thai restaurant, but this recipe is full of authentic flavor. It’s made with Thai ingredients and spices that cling to every strand of noodle.

It’s perfect for when you’re craving something quick yet delish. Whether it’s a speedy lunch or a no-fuss family dinner, this Thai noodle bowl comes together in a snap. It’s Thai food in the best and most delicious way possible.

If you’re a fan of Thai noodle soup, this recipe is perfect for you. It has the same flavors, but it’s made without the broth. My husband likes to call this dish a dry soup.

I tossed in some meatballs, fresh bean sprouts and crunchy Chinese broccoli, and there’s a little zing from green onions. Everything comes together in a spicy pork noodle dish with the most delicious sauce. Feel free to sub the pork with other protein or to throw in your favorite veggies.

Customize this noodle recipe

• Customize the ingredients: Feel free to adjust the amount of rice noodles, vegetables, and fresh herbs.
• Choose your protein: Sub the pork for chicken, beef, shrimp, or even squid. Each protein adds a unique flavor to this Thai dish. Different flavors of meatballs are available at Asian grocery stores.
• Vegetarian noodles: The spicy pork noodles can easily be turned into a vegetarian-friendly dish by swapping the meat for tofu. Add extra veggies like morning glory for more crunch and colors. Substitute the fish sauce with vegetarian fish sauce.
• Make it spicy: Give an extra kick to your Thai noodle bowl by sprinkling in extra Thai chili flakes.

Mastering Thai cooking? This Thai noodle bowl recipe allows you to add ingredients to taste and experiment with flavors – no need for precise measurements! Still learning? The recipe card below the post is your perfect guide.

Ingredients

The ingredients are divided into two sections, ingredients for making the sauce and for the noodle base.

For the sauce

• Golden mountain sauce – This seasoning sauce is made from fermented soybeans and salt, it has a deeper and saltier taste than light soy sauce.
• White sugar – A sweet flavor balances out the spiciness and saltiness.
• Dark soy sauce – Dark soy sauce is a key ingredient for giving the noodles a beautiful dark color.
• Fish sauce – Fish sauce is a key ingredient of Thai cuisine for its savory umami and salty flavor.
• Thai chili flakes – Thai chili flakes are added to the sauce to give this dish a spicy kick.
• White vinegar – Vinegar gives the sauce a sour flavor.
• Water

For the base

• Pork – Feel free to choose your favorite protein for this dish, whether it’s pork tenderloin, pork shoulder, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Also add Thai meatballs, easily found frozen at Asian supermarkets.
• Rice noodles – You have the choice of using either dry or fresh rice noodles for this dish. Dry rice noodles are more commonly found at Asian grocery stores.
• Chinese broccoli – I love using Chinese broccoli for its crisp, fresh taste in this Thai noodle bowl. Feel free to mix it up with your favorite veggies.
• Bean sprouts – To give the dish an extra crunch, I sprinkle more bean sprouts on top just before serving.
• Green onions, coriander – Perfect for garnishing.

Cooking instructions

Kitchen tools

• Cutting board and chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking pot with colander
• Serving bowl

How to serve

In Thailand, it’s common to see noodle soups or dry noodle bowls accompanied by a variety of condiments or other street food.

• Crispy fried garlic: A must-have in any Thai household, crispy garlic adds a delicious crunch and a savory note.
• Thai Chili Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of Thai chili flakes can make all the difference.
• Prik nam pla: A Thai chili condiment with fish sauce and chilies.
• Fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs like coriander, basil, or even mint for freshness and extra flavor.
• Side dishes: Pair your Thai noodle bowl with side dishes like a light Thai salad or some steamed vegetables like Thai eggplants or long beans.

How to store

This meal does not store well, the noodles will become soggy, and the flavors are at their best right after tossing the noodles. If you do have leftovers, store them in your refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frequently asked questions

More Thai noodles recipes you’ll love

• Spicy glass noodles with chicken – A delicious and traditional Isan meal. This authentic recipe is brought to you by my grandmother.
• Dry tom yum noodles – A variation of this recipe with the incredible flavors of the famous tom yum soup.
• Goon ob woonsen – Thai glass noodles with prawns.
• Pad mee korat – Pad mee korat is a spicy version of pad Thai.
• Lad na – Wide noodles with pork gravy.

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