Easy Pad See Ew Recipe: Authentic Thai Stir Fry
Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai stir fry that’s both comforting and bursting with bold, savory flavors. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Pad See Ew at home, you’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll walk you through an **easy Pad See Ew recipe**—no special wok skills or hard-to-find ingredients necessary. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh veggies, you’ll have an authentic Thai classic sizzling on your stove in under thirty minutes.
Not only will you master the techniques behind this popular street food, but you’ll also learn about its origins and how to make it a bit healthier for everyday meals.
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What is Pad See Ew?
Pad See Ew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว), literally “stir-fried soy sauce noodles,” is a staple of Thai street markets. It’s loved for its wide rice noodles, smoky caramelized flavor, and rich, savory sauce. Chicken, beef, or tofu can be used in Pad See Ew, making it easy to adapt for what you have at home—or for your dietary preferences.
The dish brings together three key elements:
– **Wide rice noodles**: Soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up sauce.
– **Soy-based sauce**: A mix of light and dark soy sauce, giving Pad See Ew its rich color and umami depth.
– **Protein and vegetables**: Commonly Chinese broccoli (gai lan) and a protein like chicken, beef, or tofu.
Pad See Ew traces its roots to Chinese immigrants in Thailand, blending Chinese stir fry tradition with local ingredients and tastes.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Pad See Ew Recipe
– **Quick & beginner-friendly**: Ready in about 30 minutes!
– **Authentic taste**: Just like your favorite Thai restaurant (or better).
– **Customizable**: Swap proteins or veggies for what you have on hand.
– **Healthier at home**: Control the amount of oil, sodium, and portion size.
– **Gluten-free options**: Simple substitutions for gluten-free diets.
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Easy Pad See Ew Recipe: Authentic Thai Stir Fry
Ingredients
– **8 oz (225g) fresh wide rice noodles** (or dried, see tips below)
– **2 tablespoons vegetable oil** (or any neutral oil)
– **2 cloves garlic, minced**
– **6 oz (170g) chicken breast, thinly sliced** (or beef, tofu, or shrimp)
– **1 cup Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped**
– *Substitute:* Broccolini or regular broccoli if gai lan isn’t available.
– **2 large eggs**
– **2 tablespoons dark soy sauce**
– *Substitute:* Double the regular soy sauce and add 1/2 tsp molasses for color.
– **1 tablespoon light soy sauce**
– **1 tablespoon oyster sauce**
– *For vegetarian/vegan:* Use mushroom oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
– **1 teaspoon sugar**
– **1/4 teaspoon white pepper** (or black pepper)
– **Lime wedges & chili flakes**, for serving (optional)
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Ingredient Substitutions Table
| Ingredient | Common Substitution |
|---|---|
| Rice Noodles | Wide fettuccine rice noodles (dried), soak before use |
| Chinese Broccoli | Broccolini or regular broccoli |
| Oyster Sauce | Mushroom oyster sauce or hoisin (vegan) |
| Dark Soy Sauce | Regular soy sauce + 1/2 tsp molasses |
| Chicken/Beef | Firm tofu or tempeh |
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Prep & Cooking Time
– **Prep time:** 10 minutes
– **Cook time:** 15 minutes
– **Total time:** 25 minutes
– **Servings:** 2 generous portions
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Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the noodles:
- If using fresh rice noodles, gently separate them and cut into strips about 1-inch wide.
- For dried noodles, soak in hot water following package instructions until soft, then drain and set aside.
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Mix the sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Stir well and set aside.
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Cook the protein:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken (or other protein), stir fry until just cooked through (about 2-3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
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Stir fry veggies & garlic:
- Add 1 tbsp more oil, then garlic and Chinese broccoli stems. Stir fry for 1 minute, then add the leafy parts and cook until just wilted (1-2 minutes).
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Scramble the eggs:
- Push veggies to the side, crack eggs into the pan, scramble gently, then mix with the veggies.
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Combine everything:
- Add noodles and cooked protein back in. Pour in the sauce. Toss or stir gently, making sure the noodles get evenly coated and slightly browned (about 2-3 minutes).
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Serve:
- Plate your Pad See Ew hot, with a squeeze of lime and chili flakes on the side if you like a spicy kick!
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Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Category | Yield | Diet Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 430 | 28 | 11 | 58 | 10 min | 15 min | 25 min | Main Dish | 2 servings | Gluten-free option, Dairy-free |
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Cooking Tips for the Best Pad See Ew
- **Wok hei (or smoky flavor):** Use high heat for that signature char. Don’t overcrowd your pan—work in batches if needed.
- **Don’t overcook noodles:** Keep them chewy, not mushy. If using fresh noodles, stir gently to avoid breaking.
- **Customize the veggies:** Add bell peppers, snow peas, or carrot strips for extra color and crunch.
- **No Chinese broccoli?** Broccolini or regular broccoli stems and leaves work great and are easy to find.
- **Make it gluten-free:** Choose gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and oyster sauce alternatives.
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Do’s and Don’ts
- Do soak noodles just until pliable—over-soaking leads to mushy noodles.
- Don’t use regular wheat pasta—the texture and flavor won’t be authentic.
- Do prep all ingredients before you start, as stir frying goes quickly.
- Don’t skimp on the dark soy sauce—it gives Pad See Ew its signature flavor and color!
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Pad See Ew Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Pad See Ew vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap in firm tofu for chicken, and use mushroom oyster sauce or hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce for a plant-based dish.
2. Why did my noodles break apart?
Rice noodles are delicate, especially fresh ones. Gently separate them before adding to the pan, and avoid stirring too forcefully. If using dried noodles, don’t over-soak.
3. Can I meal prep Pad See Ew?
Pad See Ew is best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and slice your proteins and veggies in advance. Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
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Final Thoughts: Homemade Pad See Ew Is Comfort Food Perfection
Making authentic Pad See Ew at home is easier than you think! With this easy Pad See Ew recipe, you’ll enjoy all the satisfaction of your favorite Thai stir fry without the takeout wait—or the mystery ingredients. Plus, you get to tweak it based on your cravings and dietary needs.
Cooking should feel approachable, fun, and delicious—exactly what Thai street food is all about!
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Drop your questions or tips in the comments—I love helping fellow food lovers make amazing noodles at home. Happy cooking!
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**Don’t forget to share this easy Pad See Ew recipe with a friend or bookmark it for your next weeknight dinner. Enjoy!**
