Pad See Ew – the popular Thai stir fried noodles straight from the streets of Thailand made at home! While Pad Thai is sweeter and nuttier, Pad See Ew is salty, balanced with a touch of sour and a wonderful chargrilled flavour which you can create at home!
This is a reader-favourite recipe included by popular demand in my debut cookbook “Dinner”!
Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew, which means “stir fried soy sauce noodles”, is an extremely popular Thai street food meal and one of the most popular noodles dishes at Thai restaurants here in Australia.
Making a great Pad See Ew at home simply comes down to two things:
The right sauce. Basic recipes online will instruct you to use little more than just soy sauce and sugar. It takes a little more than that!
Caramelising the noodles – Getting a little caramelisation on the noodles makes all the difference between an “ok” and “wow, it’s JUST like you get at restaurants!”.
The trick? Remove the stir fry ingredients. Cook the noodles with sauce separately. Less stuff in the wok (or skillet) = easier to caramelise the noodles. At least, at home. If you’ve got a giant restaurant wok burner, you don’t need to do the noodles separately!
What goes in Pad See Ew
I can’t remember where I originally got the recipe from. Probably from David Thompson, the famous Australian chef who has dedicated his life to mastering the art of Thai cooking. I’ve made it so many times over the years, I can almost make it with my eyes closed. (Not really….but you know what I mean!)
So I had to actually measure the ingredients properly to share the recipe!
1. Pad See Ew Sauce ingredients
Pad See Ew has a sweet-savoury-touch-of-sour flavour, and this is made with a combination of the following ingredients:
Dark soy sauce – For flavour and staining the noodles a dark brown.
Ordinary or light soy sauce – For seasoning (salt) and a bit of flavour. Most of the flavour comes from the oyster sauce and dark soy sauce. More on different soy sauces and when you can substitute with what in this About Soy Sauces post.
Oyster sauce – Key ingredient, it’s like 10 difference sauces mixed up in one bottle!
Vinegar – To balance the sweet and savoury. Some form of sour is a key ingredient in South East Asian cooking!
Sugar – For sweetness.
2. Pad See Ew ingredients
And here are the other ingredients for Pad See Ew:
Noodles – Pad See Ew is traditionally made with Sen Yai, which are wide, thin fresh rice noodles that are not easily accessible. Even most Asian stores in Sydney do not sell them – you usually need to go to a Thai grocery store.
So it is perfectly acceptable, and just as delicious, to make them with any wide flat rice noodles. I use dried rice noodles labelled as “Pad Thai” Rice Noodles (pictured below) because they are the widest available at the supermarket.
Once rehydrated, they’re essentially Sen Yai Noodles – just not quite as wide.
Chinese Broccoli / Gai Lan – This is a key authentic ingredient in Pad See Ew. Otherwise known as Gai Lan or Kai lan, it’s leafy and looks quite different to broccoli, but you’ll notice a similarity in the texture of the stems (hence the name).
If you can’t find it, just sub with other Asian greens, or a combination of broccoli or broccolini + spinach.
Chicken and egg – Feel free to use other proteins if you wish. But chicken is by far the most popular.
How to make Thai Stir Fried Noodles
Usually when making stir fried noodles, we toss everything together in one big pan or a wok.
But for Pad See Ew made at home, I do things differently to best replicate a restaurant flavour and minimise noodle breakage:
Cook chicken and vegetables first, then remove
Add noodles and sauce, toss to caramelise (just 15 seconds), then add chicken and vegetables back in.
Reason: A signature flavour in Pad See Ew is the caramelisation of the noodles. Restaurants and street vendors achieve this with super powered gas stoves with fiery heat that you’ll never find in a home kitchen. The only way to replicate that caramelisation on the noodles on a home kitchen stove is to declutter the wok and cook the noodles separately – the noodles will caramelise in 15 seconds.
The other reason is that rice noodles break if you toss them too much. Doing the two-stage toss makes it much easier and faster to disperse the sauce and bring the Pad See Ew together.
Trust me on this point. I’ve made a LOT of Pad See Ew at home in my time, and the two-stage toss it the easiest and most effective technique!
Garlic, chicken and Chinese broccoli STEMS first – Using either a wok or large skillet set over high heat, heat the oil then sauté the garlic until it goes light golden. Add the chicken then once it mostly changes from pink to white, add the Chinese broccoli stems which take longer to cook than the leafy part.
Once the chicken is cooked (it should only take 2 to 3 minutes), toss the Chinese broccoli leaves in and cook for 30 seconds or so just until wilted.
Push everything to the side to make room to scramble the eggs on the side. This is the traditional Thai way of scrambling eggs in Pad See Ew!
Crack egg straight into the wok.
Scramble egg – Then mix to scramble it. Speed is of the essence here – we want scrambled egg not a sunny side up egg!
Empty wok – Remove the chicken and vegetables onto plate. As mentioned above, the best way to cook Pad See Ew at home is to cook the noodles separately so we can get some nice caramelisation on them. If we don’t do this, then the noodles just stew instead of caramelising.
Add noodles and sauce into the wok.
Toss quickly for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until the sauce is dispersed throughout the noodles and you see some caramelisation on the edges.
PRO TIP: You want to be quick here because the longer and more you toss, the more noodle breakage you have. You’ll notice restaurants typically toss the noodles in the wok without using a wooden spoon or other tool for stirring – this too helps to minimise noodle breakage.
A note on Noodle Breakage – That said, you WILL get some noodle breakage, and that is normal / perfectly acceptable. Ever notice how the wide, flat noodles in Pad See Ew served at Thai restaurants are not long strands? That’s just the way it is. In fact, traditionally, Pad See Ew is served in Thailand with a FORK or spoon instead of noodles for ease of eating.
Add chicken and veg back in – Once the noodles are caramelised, add the chicken and vegetables back in. Give it a quick toss just to disperse, then serve!
As with all stir fries, once you start cooking, it moves very fast! So have everything prepared and ready to throw into the wok because there’s not time to be scrambling around the kitchen!
If you want to add a fresh side, try this Asian Slaw – it’s a great all rounder that goes with all Asian foods. – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!
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Pad See Ew – Thai Stir Fried Noodles
Ingredients
Noodles
- 200g / 7 oz dried wide rice stick noodles , or 15 oz / 450g fresh wide flat rice noodles (Sen Yai) (Note 1)
Sauce
- 2 tsp dark soy sauce (Note 2)
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (or all purpose, Note 3)
- 2 tsp white vinegar (plain white vinegar)
- 2 tsp sugar (any type)
Stir Fry
- 3 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil , separated
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, very finely chopped
- 1 cup / 150g / 5oz chicken thighs (boneless, skinless), sliced (Note 4)
- 1 large egg
- 4 stems Chinese broccoli (Note 5)
Instructions
Preparation:
- Chinese Broccoli – trim ends, cut into 7.5cm/3" pieces. Separate leaves from stems. Cut thick stems in half vertically so they're no wider than 0.8cm / 0.3" thick.
- Noodles – Prepare according to packet directions and drain. Time it so they’re cooked just before using – do not leave cooked rice noodles lying around, they break in the wok.
- Sauce – Mix ingredients until sugar dissolves.
Cooking:
- Heat oil: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a very large heavy based skillet or wok over high heat.
- Cook garlic and chicken: Add garlic, cook 15 seconds. Add chicken, cook until it mostly changes from pink to white.
- Chinese broccoli STEMS: Add Chinese broccoli stems, cook until chicken is almost cooked through.
- Chinese broccoli LEAVES: Add Chinese broccoli leaves, cook until just wilted.
- Scramble egg: Push everything to one side, crack egg in and scramble.
- REMOVE chicken from wok: Remove everything in the wok onto a plate (scrape wok clean).
- Caramelise noodles: Return wok to stove, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat until it starts smoking (HOT is key!). Add noodles and Sauce. Toss as few times as possible to disperse Sauce and make edges of noodles caramelise – about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
- Add chicken back in: Quickly add chicken and veg back in, and toss to disperse. Serve immediately!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Originally published 2014, updated 2016. Updated over the course of the years with improved photos, the addition of ingredients and process photos as well as a recipe video. Recipe also updated with a more effective cooking method – cooking the ingredients in two batches. No change to ingredients, but yields a better caramelisation and easier to cook – read in post for explanation.
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re: Pad See Ew recipe
Sounds fantastic. I’m going to try it out. I have a question, re: soy sauce, your recipe indicates dark soy sauce or Kecap Manis, I have Chinese Black Soy Sauce and a bottle of Sweet Soy Sauce, which should I use? I also saw that sugar was ion the ingredient list, so wanted to be sure the dish didn’t come out too sweet.
If I use fresh rice noodles, should I stir fry the vegetable first to avoid overcooking the rice noodles when heating it up. So glad I discovered your website. Love the pictures, detailed info and hints that makes it alot easier for the cook.
Thank you.
Hi Kathy! Thanks for the question! I would use the Chinese Black Soy Sauce, it is the dark soy sauce that is listed in the ingredients. I definitely would not say this is too sweet, not like cheap take out places. Pad See Ew IS supposed to be a bit sweet – a balance with salt and sour from the vinegar. So I do encourage you to use the sugar but if you prefer, you could leave it out!
Hi Nagi,
Thank you for the quick reply.
How about my questions about using fresh rice noodles and stir frying the vegetables?
Can’t wait to try the recipe out!
Kathy
Sorry missed that! Whether using fresh or cooked dry noodles, the veggies go in first 🙂 This is really delish with fresh noodles, you are going to love it!
This was truly delicious, a kind of comfort food, and came together very quickly.
Made this as directed with the substitute for the dark/sweet soy sauce, swapped in broccolini and bok choy for the Chinese broccoli, added sliced carrots from my garden, used tofu and fresh wide rice noodles. Topped with Sirracha, of course.
When cooking the vegetables, I covered the pan with a lid for a few minutes in order to cook the firmer carrots and broccolini.
So yummy. I can see how this could be very versatile too. My husband asked me to make it again next week. Thank you!
That’s so wonderful that you enjoyed this Barbara! Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know! N x
I tried it today and it was so delish. Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Thanks for trying my recipe Anna! So glad you enjoyed it – and thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know! N x
Fantastic recipe!!! I added some Thai pepper sauce, sliced jalapeños and carrots
Thanks so much for trying my recipe Bryan, and I’m SO GLAD you enjoyed it!!! Thank you for letting me know! N x
Really delicious. My family enjoyed it.
I’m so glad to hear that Grace! Thanks for letting me know! N x
I’ve tried to make Pad See Ew at home several times, but have never felt very happy with the results. But I made your recipe last night and loved it! Now I can get my favorite meal without having to go out to eat. Thanks Nagi!
Thanks Alexa! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Looks delicious. Making it tonight.
Ooh, hope you do! 🙂
just the recipe i was looking for. thanks heaps!
yay! Hope you try and love it! 🙂
I am trying to learn how to cook for my hubby and son. I tried your flat noodle recipe and it was successful. I am so excited to learn more of your other recipes. Expecting to receive your free cookbook. Thanks a lot. God Bless and more power! . Belle
Oooh! I’m so glad you enjoyed the noodles!! N x
Yes! finally i have been looking all over for this since i had in in New York last week! it was one of the best things i ha ever eaten but did not remember the name. I made it tonight and wow was it just as i remember (I did use pork since i had it like that back in NY, but next time i am going to try it with chicken or tofu). Took me right back to that wonderfull city. Thank you so much!
Fantastic to hear Lis! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know! N x
Made this tonight and my boyfriend and I loved it!!! I couldn’t find Chinese broccoli so I used bok choy instead and I also added baby corn and it was fantastic. We love spicy food so we also put a bit of sriracha over the noodles, YUM! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!
Thank you Chelsea! I’m so glad you enjoyed this!! N x
This recipe looks great. I will try this for my menu this saturday. I have a house party and im cooking. : )
Thanks for the ideas
Chris
Hi Chris! Hope you LOVE it! If you’re cooking ahead, I suggest making 50% more sauce and increasing the oil to keep the noodles nice and moist. 🙂 This recipe is for consuming straight away so the noodles don’t have that beautiful sheen on it if left for a while. Have a great party! 🙂
Hi Nagi, a big thank you for such an awesome blog, my kind of food. I just made the Pad See Ew. It was quick, easy and very tasty. I will definitely add this to my repertoire.
Yesssss!!! So glad you enjoyed it Ray, thanks for letting me know! N x
Hi Nagi,
I have never commented on a website before, but had to tell you how much I am enjoying cooking your recipes!! I discovered your website a couple of months ago and have now tried quite a few! I love the variety to choose from and am confident that my dinners will be a success every time following your instructions. I find the additional notes you include very helpful 🙂
I am just about to try a few of your Asian recipes and am going to buy myself a wok. Do you have any hints or suggestions as to what type or brand I should buy?
Tatiana
Hi Tatiana! I am so glad you like my recipes, thank you! 🙂 Definitely worth investing in a wok for Asian recipes. The good news is that they aren’t expensive!! Head to an Asian store and get one that is carbon steel – I would be surprised if the Asian store sold anything other than carbon steel ones. They are anywhere between $25 and $40. Don’t bother with non stick ones, they are expensive and unnecessarily fancy! The wok will be grey new but eventually will turn black. Happy stir frying!!
I made this last night, and I just have to share! I’ve followed countless pad see ewe recipes for years and have been disappointed with every single one, until I found this! I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally have a go-to recipe to use. I added chicken, orange and red peppers, half an onion, and thai basil. Next time, I will lessen the amount of noodles I use because I would like it to be a bit saucier. I had the leftover for lunch today and it was even better than last night! So impressed. Thank you!
I’m so excited to hear that you enjoyed it Kelli! Thank you for letting me know! N x
Well done Nagi! Another dish that kept me drooling 🙂 and I like when you give a substitute, maybe I should do the same, it makes reader’s life easy 🙂
Thanks Muna! Yes providing substitutes is definitely helpful 🙂
I had to jump back a few posts and read this, Nagi, because I love having a go at traditional Asian stir fry recipes. I’m always interested to read what makes up the sauce. This is actually quite similar to the mee goreng I make (which is not totally authentic but I’ve taken bits and bobs from different recipes to get something I like).
So I know I’d like this – thank you!
P.S. No, not coming back to Oz in 2 months, but hopefully before the end of the year. Just a little thing called a Visa for me that we need to get sorted 😉
Damn those legalities ?
This dish looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it! One problem, I’m allergic to shellfish. Is there something you would suggest to substitute the oyster sauce? Thanks!
Hi Kristina! Substitute it with hoisin sauce. 🙂 You’ll get a mild five spice flavour in it but other than that, it’s a pretty close substitute!
Hi Nagi I have a quick question… Do I need to add salt to the dish or are the sauces mentioned salty enough ?
Definitely no need to add salt! 🙂 The sauces have plenty of salt and flavour in them!
Oh, this looks fantastic, Nagi. It looks like it’s straight from a restaurant, and I live in San Francisco where we have loads of amazing Asian restaurants! I have never known quite what to do with Chinese broccoli in my recipes, but I want to try your version of rice noodles. Such a great dinner!!
I miss San Fran…..I might have to visit sometime this year!!