If you’re craving an authentic taste of Thailand but short on time, this 15 Minute Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) Recipe is your new best friend. Featuring wide rice noodles, vibrant Chinese broccoli, and a perfectly balanced sauce that blends sweet and savory notes, this dish comes together in no time yet delivers maximum flavor. Whether you choose chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, the stir-fry technique gives it a satisfying char that makes every bite utterly addictive. Get ready to whip up a classic street food favorite right in your own kitchen, faster than you can say Pad See Ew!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the heart and soul of your 15 Minute Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) Recipe. Each one is essential for creating the perfect harmony of textures and flavors—from the tender noodles to the crisp Chinese broccoli and the zing of the sauce. Together, they create a dish that’s bright, savory, and downright delicious.
- 8 oz dried wide rice noodles: The signature chewy texture that defines Pad See Ew.
- 6 oz chicken (or beef, shrimp, tofu): Your choice of protein to personalize the dish.
- 1 ½ cups Chinese broccoli (gai lan), cut into bite-sized pieces: Adds crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 large eggs: For a rich, silky scramble mixed through the noodles.
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil, divided: High smoke point oil perfect for stir frying.
- 2 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet soy sauce: Sweet depth is the soul of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: Adds umami punch and authentic Thai flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances richness and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce: Gives the noodles their signature dark color and slight smokiness.
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper powder: A gentle heat that wakes up your palate.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides fragrant sharpness stirring up the senses.
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional): Balances out the salty and savory elements perfectly.
How to Make 15 Minute Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining the Thai sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, white pepper powder, minced garlic, and the optional sugar in a small bowl. This sauce is the heartbeat of your Pad See Ew, offering a beautiful mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that will coat the noodles perfectly. Set it aside while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your dried wide rice noodles just shy of fully done—about one to two minutes less than the package suggests. This ensures they stay pleasantly chewy after stir-frying. Once cooked, rinse the noodles with cold water and drain well to stop cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Protein and Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your choice of protein and stir fry until it’s nearly cooked through. Push the protein to one side of the pan, add the eggs to the empty side, and scramble them gently until just set. This layering technique keeps the textures distinct and luscious.
Step 4: Add the Veggies, Noodles, and Sauce
Throw in the Chinese broccoli, drained noodles, the prepared sauce, and the remaining oil. Turn the heat up to high, then quickly stir fry until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce has been fully absorbed. If things get too sticky, splash in a tablespoon of water to help everything glide smoothly.
Step 5: Create That Iconic Char
To mimic the restaurant-style Pad See Ew, resist the urge to toss the noodles continuously. Instead, let them sit for 15 to 30 seconds to caramelize and develop a slight char on the bottom. Then carefully flip or stir to spread out the flavor and texture before serving immediately.
How to Serve 15 Minute Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness shines with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime to add a tangy brightness that complements the sweet-salty balance. Chopped cilantro or sliced green onions also bring a burst of vibrant color and herbaceous aroma.
Side Dishes
To elevate your meal, pair this Pad See Ew with light sides like a cooling cucumber salad or a simple miso soup. These options help balance the bold, savory flavors while keeping your dinner feeling fresh and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve your Pad See Ew in individual small woks or classic Thai-style banana leaf plates to create an immersive dining vibe. Garnishing with edible flowers or thinly sliced chilies heightens visual appeal and adds a subtle punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Pad See Ew will stay tasty for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners during busy weeks.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the noodles and Chinese broccoli may suffer slightly. If you prefer to freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 1 month. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Pad See Ew in a hot skillet with a splash of oil or water to revive that fresh stir-fried flavor and avoid drying out. Keep the pan warm and toss gently until heated through, preserving the delightful chew and slight char you love.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice noodles instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh wide rice noodles make the stir fry even quicker since they only need a brief warm-up in hot water or direct stir frying. Just be gentle when cooking as they can be more fragile than dried noodles.
What if I can’t find Chinese broccoli (gai lan)?
No worries. You can substitute with regular broccoli florets, baby bok choy, or even kale for a similar texture and flavor profile. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The 15 Minute Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) Recipe itself is mild and naturally sweet-salty. If you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies as a garnish or stir them in during cooking.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Use tofu as your protein, and swap fish sauce and oyster sauce with soy sauce or vegan versions to keep that depth of flavor while making it plant-based friendly.
How important is the stir-fry heat level?
High heat is key for achieving that slight caramelized char on the noodles, which gives Pad See Ew its signature smoky flavor. Work quickly, and preheat your pan well before adding ingredients to mimic restaurant-style results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about pulling together a restaurant-worthy dish in just fifteen minutes, and this 15 Minute Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) Recipe does exactly that. With its beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, along with satisfying textures, it will quickly become one of your go-to dinners for busy nights or anytime you want a taste of Thailand at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
15 Minute Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Description
A quick and delicious 15-minute Thai stir-fried noodle dish featuring wide rice noodles, savory and sweet soy-based sauce, Chinese broccoli, scrambled eggs, and your choice of protein such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz dried wide rice noodles
- 6 oz chicken (or beef, shrimp, tofu)
- 1 ½ cups Chinese broccoli (gai lan), cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided
Pad See Ew Sauce
- 2 ½ Tablespoons Thai sweet soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine the Thai sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, white pepper powder, minced garlic, and optional sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the dried wide rice noodles for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions so they remain slightly firm. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to drain completely.
- Stir Fry Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your choice of protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) and stir fry until nearly cooked through.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the cooked protein to one side of the pan, add the eggs to the empty side, and scramble until just cooked.
- Add Vegetables and Noodles: Add the Chinese broccoli, drained noodles, the prepared sauce, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Turn the heat to high and stir fry quickly to combine everything and allow the noodles to absorb the sauce.
- Caramelize the Noodles: For authentic texture and flavor, allow the noodles to caramelize and slightly char on the bottom by not stirring for 15 to 30 seconds, then flip and stir to finish cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Add a tablespoon of water if the noodles begin to stick or appear dry. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use Thai sweet soy sauce for the signature sweet and savory flavor; if unavailable, a mix of regular soy sauce and sugar can substitute.
- Boil the noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during stir frying.
- Caramelizing the noodles on the bottom of the wok adds a smoky depth typical of restaurant-style Pad See Ew.
- You can substitute proteins or make this dish vegetarian by using tofu and omitting fish sauce.