Kitchies! If there’s one dish that takes me right back to the bustling streets of Bangkok, it’s Pad See Ew—the smoky, sweet, and savory stir-fried noodle dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Picture chewy wide rice noodles, golden seared chicken (or tofu!), crisp Chinese broccoli, and a perfectly balanced sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect mix of salty, slightly sweet, and umami-packed goodness.
I remember the first time I made this at home—I was skeptical. Could I really recreate that deep, almost caramelized flavor you get from a high-heat wok? The answer? Absolutely. And now, it’s a staple in our household. My husband swears it’s better than takeout, and my little one? Let’s just say, if I let him, he’d slurp up every last noodle straight from the pan.
If you’re looking for an easy, foolproof Thai noodle dish that’s packed with flavor, this is it. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, I’ll walk you through the best substitutions so you can make it your own. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Thai Pad See Ew is a Must-Try
This homemade Pad See Ew tastes just like (or even better than) what you’d get from a Thai street vendor. The secret? A smoky, charred flavor from high-heat cooking and a deeply savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness.
✔ Better Than Takeout: No more waiting for delivery—this is just as good, if not better!
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with just one pan.
✔ Customizable: Use chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu—whatever you love.
✔ Authentic Flavors: A perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and smoky.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly: It tastes even better the next day!
Exciting Story: A Family Favorite
I can’t even count how many times I’ve made this dish! My husband loves when I serve it with extra chili flakes, while my little one prefers his noodles extra saucy. The first time I made it, I was so worried about getting that authentic Thai street food flavor. But after a few tweaks and a little practice, I nailed it!
Now, every time we make Pad See Ew, it turns into a full-on family event. My son helps break apart the noodles (his favorite job!), and my husband always requests “just one more plate.” We’ve even had friends over who swear they’d never order it from a restaurant again. That’s how good it is!
Why This Thai Pad See Ew Stands Out
What Makes It Special?
Pad See Ew is all about the perfectly balanced sauce and that irresistible smoky char on the noodles. Unlike Pad Thai, which is tangy and nutty, Pad See Ew leans towards savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami.
The Key Ingredients:
- Wide rice noodles (the chewy texture is everything!)
- Chinese broccoli (gai lan) for that crisp-tender bite
- A rich, caramelized sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness
- High-heat cooking for that signature smoky wok flavor
Cuisine: Thai 🇹🇭
Tips for the Best Pad See Ew
✔ Use a high-heat pan or wok – This gives you that restaurant-style charred flavor.
✔ Let the noodles sit in the pan before stirring – This helps develop that slightly caramelized, smoky taste.
✔ Adjust the sweetness & saltiness – If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. If you like it saltier, add extra soy sauce.
✔ Don’t overcook the noodles – They should be chewy, not mushy.
✔ Use fresh wide rice noodles if possible – They absorb the sauce better and taste more authentic.
Substitutions & Variations
✔ Vegetarian Pad See Ew: Skip the fish sauce & oyster sauce, and use mushroom soy sauce for umami flavor.
✔ Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
✔ Protein Options: Try shrimp, beef, tofu, or even mushrooms!
Make It Healthier
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt.
- Swap the sugar for honey or coconut sugar.
- Load up on extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots.
Closing Thoughts
And there you have it—the ultimate Thai Pad See Ew! Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a quick meal prep, this dish never disappoints. Try it out and let me know how it turns out! 🍜💛
Recipe Categories:
Dinner | Asian Cuisine | Stir-Fry | 30-Minute Meals
Tags: #ThaiFood #PadSeeEw #EasyRecipes #BetterThanTakeout #Noodles
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Better-Than-Takeout Thai Pad See Ew
Description
If there’s one dish that takes me right back to the bustling streets of Bangkok, it’s Pad See Ew—the smoky, sweet, and savory stir-fried noodle dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and deep flavor)
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or extra soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tbsp sugar (or brown sugar for a richer caramelized taste)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles (soaked or boiled per package instructions)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or peanut oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 8 oz chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for extra color)
Instructions
Start by soaking or boiling your wide rice noodles according to the package. They should be soft but not mushy—you want them chewy! Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, water, and white pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add your sliced chicken (or protein of choice) and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s slightly tender. Remove from the pan.
Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan, then toss in the garlic. Once fragrant, push it to one side and crack in an egg. Scramble it lightly, then mix it with the garlic.
Add the cooked noodles and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry on high heat to coat the noodles. Let them sit for 30 seconds without stirring—this creates that signature smoky char.
Toss in the seared protein and broccoli, then stir everything together for another minute.
Plate up your delicious homemade Pad See Ew, and enjoy it hot off the pan! Serve with chili flakes or extra soy sauce on the side.
