Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe

Sizzling Pad See Ew: The Irresistible Thai Noodle Recipe

Discovering pad see ew transports you straight to bustling Bangkok street corners, where sizzling woks create magic with each toss of silky rice noodles.

Fragrant garlic and tender chicken dance together in a symphony of savory flavors.

Wide, flat noodles capture rich soy sauce like delicate silk absorbing sunlight.

Crisp vegetables add vibrant colors and textural contrast to this classic Thai dish.

Regional chefs have perfected this recipe over generations, blending sweet, salty, and umami notes.

Charred edges and glossy surfaces hint at the culinary artistry waiting on your plate.

You’ll want to master these noodles and impress everyone at your next dinner gathering.

Ingredients Needed for Quick Thai Pad See Ew

Main Ingredients:
  • Wide Rice Noodles: Soft, flat noodles that form the hearty base of this classic Thai stir-fry dish.
  • Chicken or Tofu: Protein that adds substance and flavor to the noodle dish.
  • Kai Lan or Other Vegetables: Green vegetables that provide freshness and nutritional balance.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Sauces that deliver deep, rich umami flavor to the dish.
  • Brown Sugar: Sweetener that balances the savory notes and creates a glossy sauce coating.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for high-heat stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a pungent and robust flavor to the noodle dish.

Making Pad See Ew: Simple Stir-Fry Guide

Step 1: Prepare Noodle Base

Grab wide rice noodles and submerge them in steaming hot water.

Let them sit and soften for around 30 minutes until they become flexible yet maintain a slight firmness.

Drain and set aside when ready.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Low-sodium soy sauce
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Brown sugar

Blend until sugar dissolves completely, creating a rich, glossy sauce that will coat the noodles beautifully.

Step 3: Sear Protein

Heat vegetable oil in a spacious wok or large skillet over medium-high flame.

Add sliced chicken or tofu, cooking until edges turn golden and crispy.

Once perfectly seared, transfer protein to a separate plate.

Step 4: Awaken Aromatics

In the same pan, toss minced garlic and let it dance and release its fragrant essence for about one minute.

Introduce Kai Lan or alternative green vegetables, stir-frying until they become vibrant and maintain a delightful crisp texture.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Return seared protein back to the pan.

Add softened rice noodles and pour prepared sauce over everything.

Toss and stir-fry vigorously, ensuring each noodle gets embraced by the delectable sauce, cooking for approximately two minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Devour

Transfer the steaming, glossy noodles to serving plates.

Grab chopsticks or a fork, and dive into this authentic Thai street food experience right in your kitchen.

Noodle Know-How: Pad See Ew Success Tips

  • Ensure perfect texture by soaking rice noodles in hot water just until they're pliable but maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushiness during cooking.
  • Create a balanced sauce by combining low-sodium and dark soy sauces with brown sugar, which adds complexity and caramelization to the dish.
  • Cook chicken or tofu separately first to achieve a golden-brown exterior, locking in flavor and preventing overcrowding in the wok.
  • Stir-fry Kai Lan or your chosen vegetables quickly to maintain their bright color and crisp texture, preserving nutritional value and adding visual appeal.
  • Toss noodles rapidly in the pan to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent sticking, keeping the dish hot and well-coated for maximum flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pad See Ew Noodles

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Transfer cooled Pad See Ew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place noodles in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil or water. Gently stir noodles to prevent sticking, cook for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly. This method helps restore the original texture and prevents sogginess.

Delicious Sides for Pad See Ew Perfection

Boost Thai Noodle Harmony: Perfect Pairings

  • Crisp Lager Companion: Light Thai beer like Singha or Chang cuts through the rich, savory noodle flavors, refreshing the palate with its clean, hoppy profile.
  • Bright Citrus Spritzer: Chilled lemongrass-infused sparkling water or Thai iced tea balances the dish's umami depth, offering a zesty, cooling counterpoint.
  • Tangy Green Papaya Sidekick: Fresh som tam (green papaya salad) provides a crunchy, acidic contrast that elevates the pad see ew's smooth, silky noodle texture.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or Thai basil on top to add a bright, aromatic layer that enhances the stir-fry's complex flavor profile.

Pad See Ew Noodle Variations for Every Mood

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or seitan, ensuring protein-packed and meat-free version. Swap dark soy sauce for tamari for gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash strands. Use cauliflower instead of Kai Lan for reduced carbohydrate intake.
  • Seafood Lover's Choice: Switch chicken with shrimp, scallops, or a mix of fresh seafood. Add a splash of fish sauce for deeper umami flavor profile.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Incorporate sriracha or chili flakes directly into sauce. Include sliced red chili peppers during stir-frying for additional heat and complexity.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for authentic pad see ew?

The key ingredients include wide rice noodles, dark and light soy sauce, chicken or tofu, Kai Lan (Chinese broccoli), garlic, and brown sugar for that classic sweet and savory Thai flavor profile.

  • Is pad see ew spicy?

Traditional pad see ew is not spicy. It’s known for its rich, slightly sweet, and umami taste from the soy sauce and caramelization of ingredients during stir-frying.

  • Can I make pad see ew vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken with tofu or add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or bamboo shoots for a delicious vegetarian version.

  • Why is wok cooking important for this dish?

Wok cooking provides high heat and quick stir-frying, which helps develop a signature “wok hei” flavor and prevents noodles from becoming soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and caramelization.

Why You’ll Want Seconds of This Pad See Ew Noodle Dish

  • Easily swap proteins like chicken or tofu, and choose your favorite vegetables to personalize this versatile dish that adapts to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • From preparation to plate, this stir-fry comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Combining low-sodium and dark soy sauces with brown sugar creates a rich, balanced sauce that delivers genuine Thai street food taste right in your home kitchen.
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Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe

Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Savory Pad See Ew dances with silky rice noodles and tender chicken, blending classic Thai street flavors into a comforting meal. Hearty wok-kissed ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky that will transport you straight to Bangkok’s bustling food stalls.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 cup boneless chicken breast or tofu, sliced

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups Kai Lan (Chinese broccoli) or regular broccoli, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Noodles and Seasonings:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) wide rice noodles
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Transform dried wide rice noodles into pliable strands by immersing them in piping hot water for approximately 30 minutes, ensuring they maintain a slightly firm texture.
  2. Craft a harmonious sauce by blending low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, then set aside for later use.
  3. Ignite a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with vegetable oil, and expertly sear sliced chicken or tofu until achieving a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
  4. Carefully extract the browned protein from the pan, preserving its temperature and texture.
  5. Within the same scorching pan, release the aromatic essence of minced garlic for roughly 60 seconds, then introduce Kai Lan or alternative vegetables, stir-frying until they radiate a vibrant, tender-crisp appearance.
  6. Reunite the previously cooked protein with the vegetables in the pan, gently fold in the softened rice noodles, and cascade the prepared sauce over the ingredients.
  7. Vigorously stir-fry the entire mixture for approximately two minutes, ensuring each component is luxuriously coated and thoroughly heated.
  8. Transfer the steaming, fragrant Pad See Ew directly onto serving plates, presenting a tantalizing Thai culinary masterpiece ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

  • Choose wide rice noodles carefully, ensuring they are fresh or properly soaked to prevent breaking during stir-frying.
  • Pat protein and vegetables completely dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization and prevent steaming.
  • Use high heat and a well-seasoned wok or cast-iron skillet to create authentic wok hei flavor and prevent noodles from sticking.
  • Adjust sauce sweetness and saltiness by tasting and modifying soy sauce and brown sugar ratio for personalized flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: SautĂ©ing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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