Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

Pad See Ew is a classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish featuring wide rice noodles, tender meat, and crisp Chinese broccoli, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet soy sauce. This dish is quick, flavorful, and easy to make at home—better than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Thai Flavor – A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable – Use chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
• Great for Meal Prep – Reheats well for easy lunches.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes just like your favorite Thai restaurant version!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce:

• Dark soy sauce (for color and deep flavor)
• Light soy sauce (for saltiness)
• Oyster sauce
• Fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• Brown sugar (or palm sugar)
• White vinegar (or rice vinegar)

For the Noodles & Stir-Fry:

• Wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
• Protein of choice (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu)
• Chinese broccoli (or regular broccoli, bok choy, or kale)
• Garlic (minced)
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil (or neutral oil for stir-frying)
• White pepper (optional, for authentic Thai flavor)

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles & Sauce

1. Soften the Noodles – If using dried rice noodles, soak in hot water until softened (about 8-10 minutes), then drain. If using fresh noodles, separate them carefully.
2. Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, mix dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

1. Heat Oil in a Wok – Over medium-high heat, add oil and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant.
2. Cook Protein – Add your choice of meat or tofu and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Noodles

1. Scramble the Eggs – Push the protein to one side of the pan, crack in eggs, and scramble.
2. Add Noodles & Sauce – Add the softened noodles and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
3. Add Vegetables – Stir in Chinese broccoli and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Plate the Noodles – Serve immediately, garnished with white pepper and extra soy sauce if needed.
2. Optional Garnishes – Add crushed peanuts, lime wedges, or chili flakes for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Pad See Ew – Add Thai chili flakes or Sriracha.
• Vegetarian Version – Use tofu and replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce.
• Beef Pad See Ew – Use thinly sliced flank steak for a rich, meaty flavor.
• Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for more color.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Stir-fry with a splash of water or soy sauce to freshen up the noodles.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as rice noodles can become mushy.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Pad See Ew and Pad Thai?

Pad See Ew is a savory, soy sauce-based noodle dish, while Pad Thai is slightly sweet, tangy, and nutty with tamarind sauce.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes! While wide rice noodles are traditional, you can use fettuccine-style rice noodles or even udon.

How do I keep my noodles from sticking?

Use fresh noodles if possible, and toss them with a little oil before cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.

What’s the best way to get restaurant-style smoky flavor?

Use a very hot wok and stir-fry quickly for a slight char.

Can I use regular broccoli instead of Chinese broccoli?

Yes! Regular broccoli, bok choy, or kale all work well.

What type of meat works best?

Thinly sliced chicken, beef, or shrimp cook quickly and absorb the sauce well.

How do I add more umami flavor?

A splash of fish sauce and a little extra oyster sauce boost the savory taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the sauce and chop ingredients in advance for a quick stir-fry.

What sides go well with Pad See Ew?

Serve with Thai cucumber salad, spring rolls, or a spicy papaya salad.

Conclusion

This Pad See Ew recipe is the perfect homemade alternative to your favorite Thai takeout! With chewy noodles, tender meat, and a savory sauce, it’s a flavorful and easy dish to make in under 30 minutes. Try it today for a satisfying meal that’s simple, delicious, and packed with authentic Thai flavors!

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