Here’s a bold, flavorful twist on a Thai-inspired favorite — Crispy Crock Pot Drunken Noodles! This version brings together tender, slow-cooked protein, rich savory sauce, and pan-fried noodles for that signature crispy texture — all with minimal hands-on time.
🍜 Crispy Crock Pot Drunken Noodles
A fusion-style dish with slow-cooked meat and crispy-edged noodles tossed in a spicy Thai-style sauce.
🕒 Prep: 20 min | Crock Pot: 4–6 hrs | Finish: 10 min | Serves: 4–6
📝 Ingredients
For the Crock Pot:
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1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or flank steak, sliced
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian)
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2 tbsp fish sauce (or extra soy sauce if omitting)
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp sriracha (or more to taste)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 onion, sliced
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1/4 cup water or chicken broth
For the Noodles:
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12 oz wide rice noodles (or lo mein-style egg noodles)
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2 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil (for pan-frying)
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1–2 tbsp soy sauce (to finish)
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Fresh Thai basil or regular basil
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Optional toppings: lime wedges, green onions, chili flakes, crushed peanuts
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Slow Cook the Protein
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In your crock pot, combine chicken or beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, peppers, onion, and broth.
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Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until meat is tender and flavorful.
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Shred or slice meat slightly once done, and keep it in the sauce to stay moist.
2. Prepare the Noodles
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Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and let them dry slightly.
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Heat a large skillet or wok with 1–2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
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Add the noodles in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
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Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until crispy on the bottom, then toss and crisp the other side.
3. Toss Everything Together
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Add the shredded slow-cooked meat and veggies from the crock pot to the crispy noodles.
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Toss to combine and let everything heat through.
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Add a splash of soy sauce or more sriracha to taste.
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Toss in fresh basil just before serving.
4. Serve
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Garnish with lime wedges, scallions, chili flakes, or crushed peanuts.
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Serve immediately for best crisp texture.
🔁 Variations
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Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh and substitute sauces with plant-based versions.
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Extra Veggies: Add snow peas, baby corn, or mushrooms in the last 30 mins of slow cooking.
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Noodle Alternatives: Use pad Thai rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch.