Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Pad See Ew (and You Should Be Too)
Pad See Ew is that one dish. You know the one—it’s comforting, smoky, and somehow both simple and bold.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just love Thai takeout, mastering Pad See Ew is a must.
But here’s the catch: getting those perfect chewy noodles and that caramelized, smoky flavor can feel impossible.
Don’t worry—we’ve cracked the code. Let’s turn your kitchen into a Thai street food stall!
What Is Pad See Ew?
Pad See Ew, translating to “fried soy sauce,” is a classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish. It’s the ultimate blend of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Made with wide rice noodles, tender protein (like chicken or beef), Chinese broccoli, and a sauce that hits every taste bud, it’s Thai street food at its finest.
The dish is stir-fried in a blazing hot wok, creating that slightly charred, irresistible flavor.
Ingredients That Make Pad See Ew Shine
Rice Noodles
Wide rice noodles are the foundation of Pad See Ew. Their chewy texture absorbs the sauce beautifully, giving the dish its signature bite.
Alternative: If wide rice noodles are hard to find, flat egg noodles or even fettuccine can work in a pinch.
Soy Sauce Duo
This dish relies on both light and dark soy sauces. Light soy sauce adds saltiness, while dark soy sauce brings a hint of sweetness and deep color.
Oyster Sauce
The umami powerhouse of Pad See Ew. It adds depth and richness.
Alternative: Vegetarians can use mushroom stir-fry sauce instead.
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan)
This bitter green balances the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
Alternative: Regular broccoli or broccolini can be substituted.
Eggs
Scrambled eggs add creaminess and act as a binder for the sauce and noodles.
Protein
Chicken, beef, or tofu are the most popular choices, but shrimp or pork also work beautifully.
A Smoky Sesame Twist
Here’s the original touch: a drizzle of smoky sesame oil at the end. It enhances the wok-charred flavor and adds a nutty aroma.
Alternative: If you can’t find smoked sesame oil, regular toasted sesame oil works just find or, add a drop of liquid smoke to it!
Struggling with sticky ingredients like oyster sauce? Our guide on how to measure sticky ingredients will help you handle tricky textures like a pro.
Curious about conversions? Explore our resource on grams-to-cups conversion to simplify your ingredient prep.
How to Make Pad See Ew Like a Pro
1. Prep the Noodles
Soak wide rice noodles in hot water for 8–10 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the Sauce
Combine 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in a small bowl.
3. Cook the Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Toss in your protein and stir-fry until cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in Chinese broccoli and cook until tender-crisp and bright green.
5. Scramble the Eggs
Push the veggies to the side of the wok. Pour beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble lightly.
6. Combine Everything
Add the noodles, cooked protein, and sauce to the wok. Toss well with tongs. Let it sit undisturbed for a minute to develop that coveted wok char.
7. Finish with Smoky Sesame Oil
Drizzle 1 teaspoon of smoky sesame oil over the finished dish. Toss gently to coat.
If you’re new to stir-frying, mastering the basics can make this recipe even better. Check out our detailed guide on the stir-fry cooking method to achieve that perfect caramelized flavor at home.
Why the Smoky Sesame Oil Stands Out
While wok char is the traditional way to achieve smokiness, this oil adds another layer of complexity. It’s especially helpful if you’re using a standard stovetop instead of a high-powered wok burner. Just a teaspoon at the end transforms the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Where to Find Authentic Ingredients for Pad See Ew
One of the challenges of recreating restaurant-quality Pad See Ew at home is finding the right ingredients.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered with some top-quality recommendations to make shopping a breeze.
Each link opens in a new tab, so you won’t lose your place. These are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Wide Thai Rice Stick Noodles
The perfect noodles for Pad See Ew are these Wide Thai Rice Stick Noodles XL (Pack of 2). Their chewy texture and width ensure they absorb all the sauce beautifully while holding their shape during stir-frying.
Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce
To achieve the deep color and slightly sweet flavor that’s essential for Pad See Ew, we recommend Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce, 16.9 Ounces. It’s a trusted brand for authentic Asian cooking.
Lee Kum Kee Panda Oyster Sauce
This Lee Kum Kee Panda Oyster Sauce (18oz, Pack of 1) adds the umami punch that makes Pad See Ew irresistible. It’s rich, savory, and perfect for stir-fry dishes.
Kevala Organic Toasted Sesame Oil
For that original smoky sesame oil drizzle we mentioned, try Kevala Organic Toasted Sesame Oil – 12 oz. Its bold, nutty flavor is a game-changer for finishing your dish.
Each of these ingredients can elevate your Pad See Ew to restaurant-quality results. By clicking these links, you’ll support our efforts to bring you helpful recipes while sourcing the exact ingredients you need to succeed. Happy cooking!
Pad See Ew Recipe Recap
Print
Pad See Ew Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai noodle dish combining the bold flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and oyster sauce with tender rice noodles, crunchy Chinese broccoli, and a protein of your choice. This recipe includes an original addition of a smoky sesame oil drizzle for an added layer of complexity. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or recreating your favorite street food experience at home.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or mushroom stir-fry sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Stir-Fry:
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces chicken breast or tofu, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Chef Ryan’s Touch:
- 1 teaspoon smoky sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
Seasoning:
- Ground white pepper to taste
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
Soak the rice noodles in hot water until pliable but not fully cooked (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside. - Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Set aside. - Cook the Protein:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the chicken or tofu and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside. - Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry until it turns bright green and tender (about 2 minutes). - Scramble the Eggs:
Push the broccoli to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until just set. - Combine Ingredients:
Add the soaked noodles, cooked protein, and sauce to the wok. Toss everything together using tongs to coat evenly. Let the noodles sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to char slightly for that smoky flavor. - Finish with Smoky Sesame Oil:
Drizzle the smoky sesame oil over the noodles before serving to enhance the depth of flavor. - Season and Serve:
Sprinkle with ground white pepper and chili flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
The addition of smoky sesame oil is what makes this recipe unique. While traditional Pad See Ew relies on a smoky flavor from wok char, this drizzle enhances that profile with minimal effort, making it perfect for home cooks who may not have a high-powered wok burner. It’s a subtle touch that elevates the dish without overpowering the classic flavors.
Equipment Needed:
- Wok or large skillet
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Nutritional Insights
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
Common Ingredient Swaps
- Rice Noodles: Flat egg noodles or fettuccine.
- Oyster Sauce: Mushroom stir-fry sauce for a vegetarian option.
- Chinese Broccoli: Broccolini, kale, or spinach.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
FAQs About Pad See Ew
Yes! Use a large skillet. Just make sure it gets very hot before you start cooking.
Pad See Ew is savory and smoky, while Pad Thai is tangy, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Yes, but store the sauce separately to keep the noodles from getting soggy.
They might be over-soaked. Use hot water and stir them gently while soaking.
Traditionally, it’s not. Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
Let the noodles sit undisturbed in the pan for a minute before tossing.
Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes.
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Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.