EZ-MUD GOLD clay and shale stabilizer provides inhibition of clay and shale formations in water-based drilling fluids without substantially increasing viscosity. EZ-MUD GOLD stabilizer, when added to a QUIK-GEL® or BORE-GEL® slurry, yields an inhibitive drilling fluid system while maintaining manageable and effective fluid properties. EZ-MUD GOLD stabilizer can be mixed easily at minimal shear thereby eliminating the need for liquid emulsions.