Pad See Ew Recipe (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Soy Sauce) – Authentic Street Food

What is Pad See Ew?

If you’re craving authentic Thai noodles, look no further than Pad See Ew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว). This savory stir-fried noodle dish is a favorite on the streets of Bangkok, featuring wide rice noodles, soy sauce, eggs, and Chinese broccoli.

Unlike Pad Thai, which is tangy and nutty, or Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), which is fiery and spicy, Pad See Ew is smoky, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. It’s comfort food at its best, and the good news? You can easily make it at home in under 20 minutes.

🛒 Ingredients for Pad See Ew (2 servings)

Noodles & Protein

• 200g wide fresh rice noodles (sen yai)

• 200g protein of choice (chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu)

Vegetables & Egg

• 2–3 stalks Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped

• 2 large eggs

Sauce (mix in a bowl)

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce (adds sweet rich color & flavor)

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tsp sugar (palm sugar if possible)

• 1 tbsp white vinegar (optional)

• 1 tbsp water

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• A pinch of white pepper

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Noodles

If using fresh noodles, separate gently. If dried, soak until soft.

Step 2: Make Sauce

Mix soy sauces, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, vinegar, and water in a small bowl.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Protein

Heat oil in a wok on high. Add protein and stir-fry until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook Veggies & Eggs

Add Chinese broccoli stems first, then leaves. Push aside, crack in eggs, scramble lightly.

Step 5: Add Noodles & Sauce

Toss in rice noodles. Pour sauce over. Stir-fry quickly over high heat until noodles are evenly coated and slightly charred.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Return protein, mix well, sprinkle with white pepper, and serve hot.

📌 Quick Recipe Card

Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 2

Ingredients: Rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, protein, egg, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar.

Instructions:

1. Prep noodles & sauce.

2. Stir-fry protein, remove.

3. Cook veggies & egg.

4. Add noodles + sauce, toss.

5. Return protein, finish with white pepper.

💡 Tips for Authentic Pad See Ew

• Use a carbon steel wok for real wok hei (smoky char).

• Don’t stir too much — let the noodles sear for flavor.

• If noodles clump, add a splash of water.

• Vegetarian version → swap oyster sauce for mushroom sauce.

🥢 Pad See Ew vs Other Thai Noodles

• Pad Thai → Sweet, tangy, peanuts, tamarind.

• Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) → Spicy, garlicky, with holy basil.

• Pad See Ew → Savory, smoky, with soy sauce & Chinese broccoli.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (SEO FAQ for Google)

Q1: What does Pad See Ew taste like?
Pad See Ew is savory, slightly sweet, and smoky with deep soy sauce flavor. It’s not spicy by default, making it a family-friendly Thai noodle dish.

Q2: Can I use regular broccoli instead of Chinese broccoli?
Yes! While Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is traditional, regular broccoli or even broccolini makes a good substitute.

Q3: What’s the difference between Pad See Ew and Pad Thai?
Pad See Ew is soy sauce–based and smoky, while Pad Thai is tangy, nutty, and stir-fried with tamarind and peanuts.

Q4: Can I make Pad See Ew vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce and skip the egg for a vegan version.

Q5: How do I keep noodles from sticking?
Cook over high heat, don’t overcrowd the wok, and add a splash of water if needed to loosen noodles.