Delicious Pad See Ew: Easy Thai Stir-Fried Noodles Recipe

This Delicious Pad See Ew is your answer to a weeknight craving for Thai takeout—minus the delivery wait and the price tag. It’s a bold, savory, slightly smoky noodle dish that comes together in no time at all. With chewy wide rice noodles, crisp-tender Chinese broccoli, and perfectly seared meat or tofu, every bite is pure comfort. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make at home, even if you’ve never tried Thai cooking before!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fuss-Free: From chopping board to plate in under 30 minutes—yes, seriously.
• Restaurant Flavor at Home: With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll be amazed how close this tastes to your favorite Thai place.
• Customizable: Choose your protein, adjust the sweetness, and control the heat—it’s your stir-fry, your way.
• Minimal Cleanup: One wok or skillet, and you’re done. No mountain of dishes waiting for you after dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this street food classic at home:

• Wide Rice Noodles: Fresh wide rice noodles are ideal for the chewy, silky texture. If using dry, soak them until pliable—don’t boil.
• Soy Sauce (Light and Dark): Light soy sauce seasons, while dark soy sauce brings the deep color and caramelized flavor. Don’t skip either.
• Garlic: Adds the base layer of savory aroma that makes every stir-fry irresistible.
• Eggs: Scrambled into the noodles for richness and a soft, custardy bite.
• Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan): Classic to this dish for its slightly bitter bite and crunch. Broccoli florets or bok choy work in a pinch.
• Protein of Choice: Thinly sliced beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu all shine here—just cook it quickly and don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Oyster Sauce: Delivers umami depth and a hint of sweetness. Vegetarian oyster sauce works well if going meatless.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness and gives that signature Thai sweet-savory profile.
• White Pepper: Offers a gentle heat that’s essential to authentic Pad See Ew flavor.
• Oil: Use a neutral high-heat oil like canola or peanut oil for stir-frying.

Variations

• Vegetarian Pad See Ew: Skip the meat and double up on veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Use vegetarian oyster sauce.
• Spicy Version: Add a spoonful of Thai chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes while stir-frying.
• Low-Carb Twist: Substitute noodles with zucchini ribbons or shirataki noodles for a lighter option.
• Different Greens: Kale or spinach can stand in for Chinese broccoli when needed.

How to Make Delicious Pad See Ew

Step 1: Prep Everything First

Stir-frying goes fast, so have all ingredients sliced, measured, and ready. If using dry noodles, soak until just pliable and drain well.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet until very hot. Add your protein, season lightly, and sear until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Add a little more oil if needed. Crack in the eggs, scramble gently, and push to one side of the pan.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Toss in the garlic and Chinese broccoli. Stir-fry briefly until the stems are crisp-tender.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Add the soaked and drained noodles to the wok. Drizzle in the soy sauces, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss everything quickly but gently to coat.

Step 6: Caramelize

Let the noodles sit for 20–30 seconds without stirring to develop that signature char. Flip and repeat. This adds smoky wok flavor.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Return the protein to the pan, toss everything to combine well, and finish with a pinch of white pepper. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use High Heat: Crank up the heat to get that restaurant-style sear. A wok works best, but a large skillet will do.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Stir-fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan steams the ingredients instead of searing them.
• Soak, Don’t Boil: If using dried noodles, soak them until pliable. Boiling makes them mushy, which ruins the dish.
• Dark Soy Sauce = Color + Flavor: Don’t skip it. It’s what gives Pad See Ew its rich mahogany color and depth.

How to Serve

Serve Pad See Ew piping hot right out of the pan. Garnish with:

• Fresh lime wedges: Adds brightness to balance the richness.
• Chili vinegar or Thai chili flakes: For an optional heat boost.

Pair it with a light cucumber salad or Thai iced tea for a refreshing contrast. It also works beautifully with a simple fried egg on top for added indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more flavor as they sit.

Freezing

Not ideal for freezing, as the noodles may break or become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil over medium heat. Microwave works too, but the skillet gives better texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce is key to getting the authentic color and flavor. If you must substitute, add a bit of molasses to regular soy sauce, but it won’t be quite the same.

Can I make Pad See Ew gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative. Double-check your rice noodles to ensure they’re safe.

Why are my noodles breaking apart?
This often happens if the noodles were overcooked or stirred too aggressively. Be gentle when tossing and avoid over-soaking.

What’s the difference between Pad See Ew and Pad Thai?
Pad See Ew is savory, soy sauce–based, and smoky, while Pad Thai is sweeter and tangier with tamarind sauce and crushed peanuts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving bold, comforting flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Delicious Pad See Ew will absolutely hit the spot. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable—exactly what a good weeknight dinner should be. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your meal rotation! Give it a try tonight and taste the magic for yourself.

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