Pad See Ew is one of Thailand’s most beloved street-food dishes. Its name means “fried with soy sauce” in Thai. Combining wide rice noodles with crunchy Chinese broccoli, tender slices of meat or tofu, and a perfectly balanced sweet-savory sauce, Pad See Ew offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned fan, this dish is simple to prepare at home or to find at your favorite local Thai restaurant.
Why Pad See Ew Is So Popular
- Balanced Flavors
– Sweetness: From dark soy sauce and a little sugar.
– Umami: From light soy sauce and oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster-style sauce).
– Slight Bitterness: From Chinese broccoli’s stems and leaves. - Textural Contrast
– Soft, slippery rice noodles.
– Crisp, slightly chewy broccoli.
– Juicy meat or tofu. - Customizable
– Swap chicken, pork, beef, or tofu.
– Adjust sauce sweetness or saltiness.
– Add chili flakes for heat or extra garlic for aroma.
Ingredients Overview
| Ingredient | Typical Amount per Serving | Notes |
| Wide rice noodles | 200 g | Soak in warm water until flexible. |
| Protein (chicken, | 100 g | Thinly sliced. |
| pork, beef, or tofu) | ||
| Chinese broccoli | 100 g | Also called gai lan; cut into bite-sized. |
| Eggs | 1 large | Lightly beaten. |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced. |
| Light soy sauce | 1 Tbsp | For saltiness and color. |
| Dark soy sauce | 1 Tbsp | For sweetness and deep color. |
| Oyster sauce | 1 Tbsp | Or vegetarian alternative. |
| Sugar | ½ tsp | Balances flavors. |
| Cooking oil | 1 Tbsp | Neutral oil like canola or sunflower. |
| Chili flakes (opt.) | To taste | For extra spice. |
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
- Prepare Noodles & Veggies
- Soak dry rice noodles in warm water for 20–30 minutes until just pliable (not mushy).
- Drain and set aside.
- Rinse Chinese broccoli; cut stems on the diagonal into 2–3 cm pieces; coarsely chop leaves.
- Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Protein
- Heat a large wok or nonstick pan over high heat.
- Add 1 tsp oil.
- Stir-fry protein slices 1–2 minutes until almost cooked through.
- Push to one side of the wok.
- Cook Garlic & Eggs
- Add remaining oil.
- Toss in garlic; stir 10 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).
- Pour beaten egg into the empty side; scramble lightly.
- Combine Everything
- Add drained noodles and Chinese broccoli.
- Pour sauce mixture over.
- Using tongs or spatula, toss everything quickly to coat and heat through, about 1–2 minutes.
- Final Toss & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning (add more soy or sugar if needed).
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra chili flakes or a wedge of lime if you like.
Tips for Perfect Pad See Ew
- High Heat: Use the highest heat you can safely manage; it gives that slight “wok hei” smoky flavor.
- Don’t Over-Soak Noodles: They should be flexible but still firm. Over-soaked noodles turn mushy when fried.
- Prep in Advance: Have all ingredients measured and ready; stir-frying goes fast!
- Vegetarian Version: Omit meat, replace oyster sauce with a mushroom-based alternative, and consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Bulk Cooking: This dish reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a hot pan with a splash of water or oil.
Health & Nutrition
Pad See Ew can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. By choosing lean proteins and loading up on broccoli, you add vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber. To reduce calories, use less oil or swap dark soy sauce for a low-sodium alternative.
With its satisfying combination of flavors and textures, Pad See Ew is an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Its simplicity and adaptability make it ideal for cooks of all skill levels. Next time you crave Thai food, give homemade Pad See Ew a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite noodle dish!
