Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe

Irresistible Pad See Ew: Thai Stir-Fried Noodles Recipe

Noodle enthusiasts adore pad see ew for its rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

Thai street food culture inspired this beloved dish with its simple yet incredible combination of ingredients.

Chewy rice noodles get beautifully caramelized in a hot wok, creating those signature crispy edges we all crave.

My grandmother first taught me this recipe during a summer visit to bangkok, sharing secrets passed through generations.

Wide, silky noodles soak up savory sauce like little flavor sponges, promising a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Each bite tells a story of traditional cooking techniques blended with modern culinary passion.

Grab chopsticks and dive into this delicious adventure that connects you directly to the heart of thai cuisine.

Common Questions About Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

  • What makes Pad See Ew different from other Thai noodle dishes?

Pad See Ew stands out because of its unique dark soy sauce coating that gives the noodles a rich, slightly caramelized flavor, and its focus on creating a signature wok hei (smoky) taste through high-heat stir-frying.

  • Can I use a different type of protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! While traditionally made with chicken or pork, you can easily substitute with beef, shrimp, or tofu to suit your preference or dietary needs.

  • Why is high heat so important when cooking Pad See Ew?

High heat is crucial for achieving the classic Thai stir-fry technique called wok hei, which creates those delicious slightly charred edges on the noodles and helps prevent them from becoming soggy.

  • Is this dish spicy by nature?

No, Pad See Ew is not inherently spicy. It’s a savory, slightly sweet noodle dish that you can customize with chili flakes or pickled chili vinegar if you want to add some heat.

Why Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Hits The Spot

  • Whip Up a Quick Weeknight Dinner: This Pad See Ew recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving delicious Thai cuisine without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Master Authentic Thai Flavors at Home: By using simple ingredients like dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese broccoli, home cooks can easily recreate a traditional street food experience without traveling to Thailand.
  • Customize for Every Palate: The recipe offers flexible protein options, allowing you to swap meat for tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp, ensuring everyone at the table gets their favorite version of this classic stir-fry.
  • One-Pan Wonder with Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in a single wok or large pan, this dish minimizes kitchen mess while maximizing flavor, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike extensive post-cooking cleanup.

All The Ingredients For Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

Main Protein and Noodles:
  • Chicken, Beef, or Pork: Tender meat that adds protein and flavor to the dish, choose a cut that's lean and easy to slice.
  • Rice Noodles: Wide, flat noodles that soak up the sauce and provide a soft, chewy texture, fresh or dried work well.
Sauce Components:
  • Dark Soy Sauce: Rich, deep flavor that gives the dish its signature dark color and umami depth.
  • Light Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and enhances overall seasoning of the dish.
  • Oyster Sauce: Thick, sweet-savory sauce that provides a complex flavor base.
  • Fish Sauce: Brings authentic Thai umami and depth to the overall taste.
  • Sugar, White Vinegar: Balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
  • White Pepper: Adds a subtle, warm heat to the background of the dish.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan): Slightly bitter green vegetable that adds nutrition and traditional flavor.
  • Egg: Provides protein and creates a creamy texture when scrambled in the stir-fry.
  • Garlic: Aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with its signature pungent flavor.
Garnish and Optional Add-ins:
  • Chili Flakes, Pickled Chili Vinegar, Lime Wedges: Fresh, spicy elements to customize heat and brightness.

How To Cook Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

Step 1: Soften Noodles and Season Protein

Fresh or dried rice noodles work perfectly for this dish. Dried noodles need a warm water bath until they become pliable but retain a slight bite. Gently separate fresh noodles to prevent sticking. Toss your chosen protein (chicken, beef, or tofu) with a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of cornstarch, letting it marinate and absorb flavors for a quick 10-minute rest.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Combine these liquid magic makers in a small bowl:
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Light soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Sugar
  • Rice vinegar
  • White pepper

Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves, creating a sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Sizzle the Protein and Egg

Fire up your wok or large skillet with a glug of oil until it shimmers. Toss in the marinated protein, letting it sear and develop a gorgeous golden crust. Once cooked, transfer to a waiting plate. In the same pan, crack an egg and scramble it quickly, creating soft, billowy curds.

Step 4: Build the Noodle Symphony

Introduce minced garlic to the pan, letting its aroma bloom for half a minute. Slide in the noodles, followed by your carefully crafted sauce. Toss and turn with rapid wrist movements, ensuring every strand gets a glossy coating. Tumble in crisp Chinese broccoli, wilting it just enough to retain a tender crunch.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked protein to the pan, mixing everything in a final flourish of heat and flavor. The noodles should glisten with sauce, the vegetables bright and tender.

Plate immediately and serve with optional garnishes:
  • Chili flakes
  • Lime wedges
  • Pickled chili vinegar

Enjoy your homemade street food adventure straight from the heart of Thailand!

Top Tips For Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

  • Noodle Softening Secret: Achieve the perfect texture by soaking dried noodles in warm water just until they're slightly firm, preventing mushy results.
  • Marinade Magic: Let meat absorb soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor and create a tender, silky coating.
  • Wok Heat Wisdom: Use high heat and keep ingredients moving quickly to develop that classic Thai street food char and prevent sticking.
  • Veggie Variation Hack: Swap Chinese broccoli with regular broccoli, bok choy, or spinach to match your dietary preferences or pantry availability.
  • Protein Flexibility: Easily substitute chicken with tofu, beef, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives to create a personalized stir-fry experience.

How To Store Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

  • Refrigerate leftover pad see ew in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
  • Store the noodles within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring the best quality and taste.
  • Reheat gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to revive the noodles' moisture and prevent sticking.
  • Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the noodles soggy and tough.
  • Never freeze this dish, since fresh noodles lose their texture and become mushy when thawed.
  • Always check for any unusual smell or appearance before consuming refrigerated leftovers.
  • Consume reheated noodles immediately for the most authentic and delicious pad see ew experience.

What Goes With Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

  • Sip Thai Iced Tea: Pair this savory pad see ew with a classic Thai iced tea. Its sweet, creamy flavor beautifully balances the rich, slightly charred noodles and cuts through the dish's umami profile.
  • Crunch Fresh Spring Rolls: Serve alongside light, crisp spring rolls with a tangy dipping sauce. The fresh herbs and light wrapper provide a delightful contrast to the hearty, robust noodle dish.
  • Toast Cold Singha Beer: Grab a chilled Singha beer to complement the stir-fried noodles. Its crisp, light taste refreshes the palate and stands up perfectly to the bold Thai flavors.
  • Brighten Cucumber Salad: Add a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and chili. Its cool, zesty notes help cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, saucy noodles.

Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe Variations

  • Veggie Lover's Pad: Replace meat with tofu, tempeh, or a medley of mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for more nutrition and color.
  • Seafood Celebration: Swap protein with shrimp, scallops, or a mix of fresh seafood. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate seafood and maintain its tender texture.
  • Spicy Thai Kick: Increase heat by adding fresh bird's eye chili during stir-frying or mix sriracha into the sauce. Sprinkle extra chili flakes on top for those who love intense spiciness.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use rice noodles instead of wheat noodles. Replace regular soy sauce with tamari to ensure completely gluten-free preparation while maintaining authentic Thai flavor profile.
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Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe

Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling Pad See Ew brings Bangkok street flavors directly to your kitchen with wide rice noodles dancing in a rich, caramelized sauce. Savory, smoky wok-charred edges and tender proteins create a classic Thai comfort dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Noodles:

  • 8 oz (226 g) chicken, beef, or shrimp, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (226 g) wide rice noodles (fresh or dried soaked per package instructions)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (adds color & depth)
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (for saltiness)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds richness)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for umami)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for tender meat, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar (balances flavors, optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan), cut into 2-inch pieces (or regular broccoli, bok choy, or kale)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles by immersing dried varieties in tepid water until they reach a pliable yet resilient texture, then thoroughly drain. For fresh noodles, delicately separate the strands to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a flavor-enhancing marinade for the protein by coating it with soy sauce and cornstarch, allowing the mixture to penetrate for approximately 10 minutes.
  3. Construct the signature sauce by blending dark and light soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and a whisper of white pepper in a small vessel. Set the aromatic mixture aside.
  4. Ignite a wok or expansive skillet over intense heat, introducing a splash of oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
  5. Introduce the marinated protein, rapidly stirring until it achieves a perfectly cooked state. Transfer the protein to a temporary holding area.
  6. Crack an egg into the same heated cooking vessel, gently scrambling until just barely set. Nudge the egg to one side of the pan.
  7. Infuse the pan with minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom for a brief moment.
  8. Cascade the prepared noodles into the pan, immediately followed by the premixed sauce. Execute rapid, precise movements to ensure complete coating.
  9. Incorporate Chinese broccoli, vigorously tossing for a concise 1-2 minutes until the leaves display a subtle wilting.
  10. Reunite the previously cooked protein with the noodle mixture, stirring comprehensively for an additional minute to marry the flavors.
  11. Present the dish piping hot, accompanied by optional garnishes like fiery chili flakes, zesty lime wedges, or tangy pickled chili vinegar to elevate the dining experience.

Notes

  • Select wide, flat rice noodles for authentic texture and traditional street food experience.
  • Opt for high heat when stir-frying to achieve that signature wok-charred flavor called “wok hei”.
  • Prep all ingredients beforehand since this dish cooks extremely quickly, typically under 5 minutes.
  • Keep noodles slightly firm during initial soaking to prevent mushiness during final stir-frying.
  • Use a carbon steel or cast-iron wok for best heat distribution and authentic caramelization.
  • Substitute protein with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian/vegan versions without compromising flavor.
  • Reduce sugar content for healthier option or replace with coconut sugar for lower glycemic impact.
  • Ensure high heat prevents noodles from sticking and creates delicious crispy edges.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts for increased nutrition and personal variation.
  • Pat meat and vegetables completely dry before cooking to guarantee proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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