Pad See Ew is a classic Thai stir fry featuring wide, chewy rice noodles, tender chicken, vibrant Chinese broccoli, and a savory, caramelized sauce that clings to every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish balances smoky char, sweet and salty flavors, and irresistible textures. If you’re craving a cozy noodle bowl that feels like Thai street food at home, Pad See Ew will absolutely win you over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Pad See Ew are simple, yet each one is essential to capture the dish’s signature flavor and irresistible texture. Let’s take a closer look at why you don’t want to skip any of these stars!
- Wide rice noodles: These chewy, flat noodles soak up the sauce and give the dish its signature texture—fresh or dried, just follow the package instructions.
- Soy sauce: The salty base that balances the sweetness and enhances umami in every bite.
- Dark soy sauce: This sauce is thicker and sweeter—it gives Pad See Ew its gorgeous glossy color and a kick of deep caramel flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Rich, savory, and ever-so-slightly sweet, it rounds out the sauce with mouthwatering depth.
- Fish sauce: Just a dash adds classic Thai funk and tons of complexity—plant-based versions work in a pinch!
- Sugar: A little sweetness balances the salty sauces and brings out the best in the noodles.
- Oil (divided): Used at different stages for stir-frying—the right oil ensures you get that beloved wobble and char.
- Garlic (minced): Delightfully aromatic, garlic builds the base of this delicious stir fry.
- Chicken breast or thigh (thinly sliced): Quick to cook and perfectly tender—sub in tofu if you’re vegetarian!
- Eggs: Softly scrambled eggs become silky morsels tangled within the noodles.
- Chinese broccoli: These emerald-green stalks are crisp-tender and contrast so well with noodles—if not available, broccolini works too.
- Lime wedges and chili flakes: A burst of citrus and a dash of heat let everyone customize their Pad See Ew, street-style.
How to Make Pad See Ew
Step 1: Prep the Rice Noodles
Start by cooking your rice noodles as the package instructs. The key is to get them just tender—too soft, and they’ll break when stir-fried. Once they’re done, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together. Set them aside while you get your other ingredients ready.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce is the heart of Pad See Ew—it’s what gives the noodles all their glorious color and punchy flavor.
Step 3: Stir Fry Aromatics and Chicken
Heat half the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook, stirring often, until the slices are juicy and just cooked through—usually 3 to 4 minutes is perfect.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
Push the chicken over to one side in your pan, then add the remaining oil. Crack the eggs into the empty side and quickly scramble them with your spatula, just until they’re set but still soft. This way, you’ll get delectable ribbons of egg running throughout your noodles.
Step 5: Bring It All Together—Sear and Toss
Add the cooked rice noodles and your prepared sauce to the pan. Toss everything to coat the noodles evenly, then press the mixture against the pan for a minute, allowing the noodles to sear and develop those irresistible charred, smoky bits that make Pad See Ew pop.
Step 6: Add Chinese Broccoli and Finish
Finally, stir in the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes. The stems should be crisp-tender, and the leaves vibrantly wilted, giving your Pad See Ew a satisfying crunch and splash of green. Serve while piping hot!
How to Serve Pad See Ew
Garnishes
Pad See Ew wouldn’t be complete without a shower of chili flakes and a few wedges of lime on the side. The bright acidity from the lime wakes up every flavor, while the chili lets each person dial up their own heat. Try adding a few fresh chili slices or a little crushed peanut for extra flair!
Side Dishes
This dish deserves some Thai friends at the table! Consider serving it with a light cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar, or a bowl of soothing clear soup to balance the richness. A quick papaya salad—or even some crispy spring rolls—pair perfectly with your Pad See Ew feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve Pad See Ew in a sizzling cast iron skillet to bring out even more smoky aroma. Or try a colorful platter, topping each portion with extra Chinese broccoli stems arranged fan-like. Family-style bowls make it fun for everyone to dig in and top their noodles just the way they like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Pad See Ew to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and get even tastier after a night in the fridge!
Freezing
While Pad See Ew is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if you need to. Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the noodles will soften a bit upon thawing, but the dish still makes a satisfying, speedy meal when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, simply toss Pad See Ew in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of water or a drizzle of oil, stirring until heated through. This helps revive the noodles’ texture and keeps things from getting soggy. A quick zap in the microwave also works in a pinch—just cover it to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use beef or shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Pad See Ew is highly adaptable—tender slices of beef, juicy shrimp, or even crispy tofu all work beautifully in place of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for your protein.
What if I can’t find Chinese broccoli?
No problem—broccolini, regular broccoli (especially thin stems), or even baby spinach make delicious substitutes if you can’t source Chinese broccoli. The goal is bright green crunch alongside those silky noodles.
Is Pad See Ew spicy?
Pad See Ew itself is not spicy; it gets its main flavors from the rich, savory sauce. The heat comes from chili flakes added at the table, so everyone can make their bowl as mild or fiery as they like.
How do I make vegetarian Pad See Ew?
Go fully vegetarian by replacing chicken with extra-firm tofu and swapping the fish and oyster sauces for plant-based alternatives. You’ll still get all the sticky-salty-savory flavor with none of the animal products!
Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh?
Definitely! Dried wide rice noodles work just fine for Pad See Ew—just be sure to soak and cook them as directed on the package so they’re just-tender before stir-frying, which keeps them springy and prevents sticking.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate homemade noodle stir fry, Pad See Ew is truly a must-try. It’s quick, comforting, and easy enough for any weeknight, but special enough to share with friends and family. Give it a spin, make it your own, and enjoy every last slurp!
Print
Pad See Ew Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Pad See Ew at home with this easy recipe. This popular Thai stir-fry dish features wide rice noodles, tender chicken, Chinese broccoli, and a savory sauce, all cooked to perfection in a wok.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz chicken breast or thigh (thinly sliced)
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups Chinese broccoli (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- lime wedges and chili flakes for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, then rinse and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk soy sauces, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a skillet, cook garlic, add chicken, scramble eggs, then toss in noodles and sauce. Sear noodles before adding Chinese broccoli.
- Finish and Serve: Stir-fry until greens are tender-crisp. Serve hot with lime wedges and chili flakes.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use tofu instead of chicken and adjust sauces.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
