Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew is one of Thailand’s most beloved stir-fried noodle dishes, known for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Made with wide rice noodles, fresh Chinese broccoli, and your choice of protein, this dish is wok-fried to perfection with a slightly charred, caramelized aroma. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and just a hint of sugar creates an irresistible taste that keeps you coming back for more. What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or tofu, Pad See Ew is a customizable dish that suits every palate. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can recreate this street food favorite in your own kitchen. Serve it up for a quick weeknight meal or impress your guests with an authentic Thai culinary experience!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

8 oz wide rice noodles
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz chicken, beef, or tofu (sliced)
1 egg
1 cup Chinese broccoli (gai lan), cut into 2-inch pieces
½ tsp white pepper

Directions:

Soak or cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, fish sauce, and white pepper. Set aside.
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
Add the protein of choice (chicken, beef, or tofu) and stir-fry until fully cooked.
Push the protein to the side of the wok and crack in the egg. Scramble lightly, then mix with the protein.
Add Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Add the drained noodles and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, ensuring the noodles absorb the sauce and develop a slight char.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

Pad See Ew: The Ultimate Thai Stir-Fried Noodles You Can Make at Home

Pad See Ew is one of Thailand’s most popular street food dishes, beloved for its smoky, slightly sweet, and savory flavor. This dish is made with wide rice noodles, a dark soy-based sauce, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of protein. It’s a well-balanced meal that brings together chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a delicious caramelized wok-fried aroma. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Pad See Ew, its nutritional benefits, why it stands out among Thai noodle dishes, and how you can make an authentic version at home.

A Brief History of Pad See Ew

The name Pad See Ew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว) translates to “stir-fried soy sauce” in Thai. It originated in China and was brought to Thailand by Chinese immigrants, much like many other stir-fried dishes. The use of dark soy sauce gives it a signature deep brown color and slightly sweet taste. Over time, Pad See Ew has evolved into a staple of Thai cuisine. It’s commonly sold by street vendors and found in restaurants across Thailand. While it shares similarities with Chinese chow fun or Cantonese soy sauce noodles, Pad See Ew is distinctly Thai due to its unique seasoning and balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Why Pad See Ew is One of the Best Thai Noodle Dishes

Bold Flavor with Minimal Ingredients

One of the reasons Pad See Ew is so popular is its complex flavor despite using simple ingredients. The rich, smoky depth of flavor comes from wok-frying the noodles at high heat, a technique known as “wok hei” (breath of the wok). This imparts a slightly charred aroma that makes the dish irresistible.

Perfect Balance of Textures

Chewy rice noodles absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully.
Crisp-tender Chinese broccoli adds a slight crunch.
Soft, seared protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
Egg binds everything together while adding richness.

Versatile and Customizable

Pad See Ew is an adaptable dish. You can make it vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed, depending on your preferences. Here are some variations:

Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the fish sauce for soy sauce and use tofu.
Spicy Kick: Add Thai chilies or chili flakes.
Extra Protein: Use shrimp, pork, or beef for a richer dish.

Healthier Than Takeout

Many restaurant versions use excessive oil and sodium. When you make Pad See Ew at home, you control the ingredients—using less oil, high-quality sauces, and fresh vegetables. It’s a much healthier alternative to fast food or takeout.

Health Benefits of Pad See Ew

Nutrient-Rich Vegetables

The main vegetable in Pad See Ew is Chinese broccoli (gai lan), which is high in:

Vitamin A and C: Supports immune function and skin health.
Iron and Calcium: Important for strong bones and blood health.
Antioxidants: Help fight inflammation and free radical damage.

Lean Protein Options

Pad See Ew can be made with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, providing a great source of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, metabolism, and overall energy levels.

Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates

Rice noodles provide a quick source of carbohydrates, making this dish a great post-workout meal or a satisfying lunch or dinner that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Gluten-Free Option

Pad See Ew can be naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. This makes it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pad See Ew at Home

While Pad See Ew is easy to make, there are some key tips to ensure your dish turns out just like the ones from a Thai street vendor.

Use Fresh Wide Rice Noodles (If Available)

Fresh sen yai (wide rice noodles) are ideal because they have the best chewy texture.
If using dried rice noodles, soak or boil them according to package instructions before stir-frying.

Get the Right Sauces

The key to an authentic Pad See Ew is the sauce. Here’s what you need:

Dark soy sauce: Gives the dish its signature deep brown color and slightly sweet flavor.
Regular soy sauce: Adds saltiness.
Oyster sauce: Provides umami depth.
Fish sauce: Enhances the savory taste (skip for vegetarian versions).
Sugar: Balances the saltiness.

Cook Over High Heat for “Wok Hei”

The best Pad See Ew has a slightly charred taste from high-heat wok frying.
If using a non-stick pan, let it get very hot before adding ingredients to mimic wok hei.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Cooking in batches ensures your noodles don’t become mushy. If the pan is too crowded, the noodles will steam instead of fry.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with chili flakes or fresh lime wedges for extra flavor.
Serve with a Thai iced tea for an authentic experience.
Pair with a light soup or Thai papaya salad for a complete meal.

Common Questions About Pad See Ew

What is the difference between Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)?

Pad See Ew is sweeter and uses Chinese broccoli, while Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) is spicier, with Thai basil and more chili.

Can I make Pad See Ew without a wok?

Yes! Use a large skillet, but make sure to preheat it well to get a good stir-fry texture.

What’s the best way to reheat Pad See Ew?

Reheat in a pan with a little oil over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the noodles soggy.

Conclusion

Pad See Ew is the perfect combination of comfort food and bold Thai flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Thai cuisine. Now that you know how to make the best homemade Pad See Ew, why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!