Easy Pad See Ew Recipe for Authentic Thai Noodles
If you crave **takeout-style noodles** with a rich, slightly sweet, and deeply savory flavor, it’s time to try Pad See Ew at home! This classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish is surprisingly easy, absolutely satisfying, and a guaranteed family favorite. Imagine chewy wide rice noodles, golden scrambled egg, tender chicken (or tofu!), and fresh Chinese broccoli—all tossed in a glossy, smoky sauce. Yes, you can get restaurant results in under 30 minutes from your own kitchen.
Pad See Ew (“PAHD see yoo”) translates to “stir-fried soy sauce,” but there’s so much more to love. In Thailand, street vendors cook it over blazing hot woks, creating noodles that are slightly charred and irresistibly flavorful. And while you may not have a street cart, you *can* achieve that same smoky depth and chewy noodle texture at home.
Below, I’ll guide you step-by-step—from choosing ingredients to pro cooking tips—so you can make truly authentic Pad See Ew no matter where you live. Let’s get started!
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**Image:** *Pad See Ew noodles glistening in a dark soy sauce, nestled with bright green Chinese broccoli and golden bites of egg, in a rustic bowl with chopsticks on a wooden table, natural light.*
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What Makes Pad See Ew So Special?
Pad See Ew is beloved for its **bold umami flavor**, just the right touch of sweetness, and chewy, sauce-soaked noodles. It’s a fantastic introduction to Thai cuisine for beginners—less spicy than pad thai, but punchy and unforgettable.
Quick background:
– **Pad See Ew** is a go-to “comfort food” for many in Thailand.
– Originated as street food, it’s now a staple in Thai homes and restaurants.
– Perfect for **weeknight dinners** or meal prep.
You don’t need fancy tools—a non-stick skillet or regular wok will do the trick. The core ingredients are available in many Asian grocery stores, or you can use easy local swaps.
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Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
What you’ll need for **authentic Pad See Ew** (plus substitutions to make things easy):
Ingredient | Authentic Choice | Easy Swap |
---|---|---|
Rice Noodles | Fresh wide rice noodles (“Sen Yai”) | Dried wide rice noodles or fettucine-style noodles |
Protein | Marinated pork, chicken, or tofu | Chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, tempeh |
Chinese Broccoli | Gai lan | Broccolini or regular broccoli + spinach |
Soy Sauce | Dark and light Thai soy sauce | Kecap manis (sweet soy) + regular soy sauce |
Oyster Sauce | Premium oyster sauce | Vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom stir fry sauce |
Egg | Fresh egg | Can omit for vegan |
**High-Value Keywords:** Thai noodles, Pad See Ew recipe, authentic Thai stir fry, easy weeknight dinner, Asian takeout at home, gluten-free noodles (if using GF soy sauce).
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Pad See Ew Sauce: The Secret to Restaurant Flavor
The essence of Pad See Ew is the sauce! It’s a mix of salty, sweet, and umami flavors:
– **Dark soy sauce:** Adds color and deep flavor
– **Light soy sauce:** For saltiness without overpowering
– **Oyster sauce:** For signature Thai umami
– **Sugar:** Just a little, for balance
– **White pepper:** Optional, for gentle warmth
**Tip:** Dark soy sauce is less salty and much sweeter and thicker than regular soy, so don’t skip it if you can help it!
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Pad See Ew vs. Pad Thai: What’s the Difference?
Both are famous Thai noodle dishes, but they’re quite different:
– **Pad See Ew:** Stir-fried in thick soy sauce, not spicy, savory-sweet, chewy rice noodles.
– **Pad Thai:** Tangy, bright, with tamarind and peanuts; thinner noodles, usually sweeter and more citrusy.
Craving a savory, smoky noodle? Pad See Ew is *your* go-to.
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Step-By-Step: How to Make Easy Pad See Ew
Let’s walk through the process together!
- Prep the Noodles
- If using fresh: Gently separate by hand, microwave briefly if needed.
- If using dried: Soak per package instructions until just tender, then drain and toss lightly with oil.
- Slice & Marinate Protein
- Slice your protein thinly for quick cooking.
- Marinate with a bit of soy sauce and oil while prepping everything else.
- Prep Veggies
- Cut Chinese broccoli into bite-sized pieces (include stems and leaves).
- Prepare garlic (chopped) and have everything ready—Pad See Ew cooks FAST.
- Mix Stir-Fry Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set by the stove.
- Stir-Fry!
- Use high heat for best “wok hei”—the signature smoky aroma.
- Quickly sear protein, remove, then scramble egg in the same pan.
- Add noodles, veggies, and protein back to the pan; pour sauce over the top.
- Toss quickly and *let the noodles sit* to lightly char at the edges. Don’t stir too much!
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Cooking Tips for the Best Pad See Ew
- Use the hottest burner you have for that “street food” char.
- Don’t overload the pan—cook noodles in batches if needed.
- Noodles sticking? Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up.
- Want a gluten-free version? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free rice noodles.
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Nutritional Info: Is Pad See Ew Healthy?
Pad See Ew can be a reasonably balanced meal:
Calories (per serving) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Total Fat (g) |
---|---|---|---|
430 | 60 | 18 | 12 |
*(Varies by protein choice and noodle type.)*
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Easy Pad See Ew Recipe (Authentic Thai Noodles)
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes
**Servings:** 2–3
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz (225g) wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
– 6 oz (170g) chicken breast or tofu, thinly sliced
– 2 cups Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped (or broccolini plus spinach)
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom sauce)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Noodles:** If dried, soak in hot water until pliable but still chewy. Drain and toss with 1 tsp oil.
2. **Marinate Protein:** Combine sliced chicken or tofu with 1 tsp soy sauce, let sit while prepping other ingredients.
3. **Mix Sauce:** In a bowl, stir together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
4. **Prep Veggies & Eggs:** Chop Chinese broccoli. Crack eggs into a bowl (for quick scrambling later).
5. **Stir Fry:**
– Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet on high until shimmering.
– Add protein, stir-fry until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
– Add a bit more oil and the chopped garlic, stirring for 15 seconds.
– Add eggs and scramble until just set, then scoot to one side of the pan.
– Add noodles and Chinese broccoli. Pour in the mixed sauce. Toss everything to coat.
– Return protein to the pan. Cook, flipping noodles gently and letting them sit in contact with the pan for 1–2 minutes to develop some char.
6. **Serve:** Enjoy hot with chili flakes, vinegar, or a squeeze of lime.
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**Nutrition (per serving):**
Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
---|---|---|---|
430 | 60 | 18 | 12 |
*Estimated for chicken version.*
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Let’s Make Takeout-Worthy Thai Noodles Together!
You now have everything you need to craft *truly delicious Pad See Ew* at home. Don’t be surprised if it vanishes from plates faster than you expected! Save this recipe on Pinterest or share it to your WhatsApp or favorite cooking group—every home cook deserves a go-to Thai noodle night.
If you try this Easy Pad See Ew Recipe, let us know how it turns out—share a photo, drop your questions, or just spread the noodle love with friends!
**Happy cooking—and don’t forget to pin or share this recipe if you loved it!**
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