National Dish Thailand: Pad See Ew (Recipe)
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Meet Pad See Ew, one of Thailand’s most beloved street-food classics! This speedy stir-fry brings together chewy wide rice noodles, crisp-tender greens and slices of meat, all coated in a glossy, gently sweet soy sauce. Smoky, savoury and satisfying, it is the kind of dish you can throw together on a busy weeknight yet still feel like you have brought a Bangkok food stall right into your own kitchen. Follow these simple steps and you will have a steaming plate ready in no time.
About Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew is a hugely popular Thai noodle dish, often served as street food and prized for its hearty, comforting flavours. It is built around broad rice noodles, fresh vegetables and a fragrant sauce that clings beautifully to every strand. The dish comes together quickly, which makes it an ideal choice for a fast supper without skimping on taste. With its smoky, savoury character and easy preparation, Pad See Ew showcases just how generous and approachable Thai cuisine can be.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200g wide rice noodles
- 100g chicken or beef, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for your Pad See Ew, it pays to choose fresh, good-quality produce. Make sure the meat is fresh and the broccoli is crisp and vividly green. The sauces and oils are easy to find in well-stocked Asian grocers or larger supermarkets, and the same shops are the best place to track down broad rice noodles. A little care at the shopping stage goes a long way towards an authentic result.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, it is well worth getting all of your ingredients ready. Soak the rice noodles in hot water according to the packet instructions, then drain them thoroughly. Slice the meat thinly, cut the broccoli into small florets and chop the garlic finely. Lay everything out within easy reach so that you can stir-fry at a brisk, steady pace once the wok is hot.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and fry until it turns golden brown.
- Add the meat and stir-fry until it is cooked through.
- Push the meat to one side of the pan and crack in the egg, stirring until just set.
- Tip in the drained noodles and the broccoli, then toss everything together well.
- Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar, mixing thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Stir-fry for a few more minutes until the broccoli is tender but still has a little crunch.
- Serve the Pad See Ew piping hot and enjoy.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of Pad See Ew, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, both of which are stocked in better supermarkets or specialist online shops. Because the dish contains no dairy, it is naturally lactose-free. Just double-check that every sauce you reach for really is certified gluten-free so you can serve it confidently to anyone with an intolerance.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To make a vegan version of Pad See Ew, swap the meat for tofu or another plant-based protein. Use a vegan oyster sauce made from mushrooms in place of the traditional one, so the dish keeps its signature savoury depth while staying entirely plant-based. You can either leave the egg out altogether or replace it with a vegan egg substitute. The result is every bit as satisfying as the original.
More tips and tricks
A few extra tips and tricks will take your Pad See Ew up a notch. Make sure the pan or wok is searingly hot before you begin, as this helps the meat and vegetables sear quickly without releasing too much liquid — the key to that prized smoky flavour. A squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds a lovely fresh lift. And if you like a bit of heat, scatter over some chilli flakes or fresh chillies to finish.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Pad See Ew is easy to tailor to your own preferences. If you fancy more vegetables, add carrots, peppers or courgettes to the mix. For a richer flavour, a few drops of sesame oil during the stir-fry work wonders. Prefer things a little saltier? Simply increase the soy sauce. Keep experimenting with the balance until you have hit on the perfect Pad See Ew for your palate.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of easy swaps. The broccoli florets can be replaced with Chinese broccoli or green asparagus. Instead of rice noodles you can use broad egg noodles, as long as gluten is not a concern. Should oyster sauce be unavailable, a little extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar will balance the flavour nicely — the same resourcefulness that makes other stir-fries like Pad Pak Bung so practical. This flexibility is part of what makes the dish so handy.
Drink pairing ideas
Refreshing drinks pair especially well with a savoury dish like Pad See Ew. A chilled green tea or a light jasmine tea rounds off the meal beautifully. If you would rather have something alcoholic, a crisp white wine or an Asian lager such as Singha is a great choice. A fresh lime soda also complements the flavours wonderfully and keeps things lively at the table.
Serving and presentation ideas
We eat with our eyes first, so an appealing presentation matters. Serve the Pad See Ew on a handsome plate and garnish it with fresh lime wedges and chopped coriander. A few slices of red chilli add a welcome splash of colour, while a little dish of extra soy sauce for seasoning at the table is always a thoughtful touch. Pair it with a vibrant salad such as Yam Talay for a fuller spread.
A bit of history
Pad See Ew has its roots in Chinese cooking and, over time, became an integral part of Thai cuisine. The dish established itself firmly in Thailand as a much-loved street food, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Its popularity owes a great deal to its simple preparation and the moreish combination of ingredients. In many ways it reflects the variety and ingenuity that define Thai cooking, much like the slow-simmered richness of Gaeng Massaman.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew is a versatile and delicious Thai dish that is wonderfully easy to make at home. With fresh ingredients and the right technique, you can bring this classic to the table in next to no time. Whether you prefer it vegan, gluten-free or with meat, this recipe has a variation to suit everyone. Give it a go and enjoy a little taste of Thailand in your own kitchen.
