Pad See Ew Recipe (Authentic Thai Noodles) | Easy, Delicious & Better Than Takeout
If you’ve ever walked into a Thai restaurant and smelled the smoky, garlicky aroma of stir-fried noodles — chances are, you’ve met Pad See Ew.
This authentic Thai noodle dish is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors made with wide rice noodles, soy sauce, garlic, egg, and your favorite protein.
Whether you’re craving the classic beef pad see ew recipe, going vegetarian, or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this guide will show you how to make the best pad see ew recipe right at home — no takeout needed!
What is Pad See Ew?
Pad See Ew (pronounced paht see yoo) means “stir-fried soy sauce noodles.”
It’s a Thai street food favorite — smoky, chewy, and comforting.
Unlike Pad Thai, which is tangy and nutty, Pad See Ew has a deep, caramelized soy flavor from dark soy sauce and the unique “wok hei” (smoky) aroma.
Pad See Ew Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan) — or substitute with regular broccoli
- 200g beef slices (for beef pad see ew recipe)
- 2 tbsp oil (peanut or vegetable)
Vegetarian Version:
- Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms
- Use soy sauce or vegan oyster sauce instead of fish sauce
How to Make Pad See Ew (Step-by-Step)?
🥢 Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Soak dried noodles in warm water until soft. Drain and set aside.
🥩 Step 2: Stir-Fry the Garlic & Protein
Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic — let it sizzle and turn golden.
Add beef slices (or tofu) and stir-fry until cooked through.
🍳 Step 3: Add the Egg
Push meat to one side. Crack an egg into the wok, scramble lightly, and combine.
🍜 Step 4: Add the Noodles & Sauce
Add rice noodles, then pour in dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
Toss everything over high heat until noodles absorb the sauce and get slightly charred for that smoky flavor.
🥦 Step 5: Add Broccoli
Finally, toss in broccoli. Stir-fry just until tender but still crisp.
Pad See Ew Recipe Variations
- Beef Pad See Ew Recipe: Use thinly sliced flank steak marinated in soy sauce and cornstarch for tenderness.
- Pad See Ew Recipe Vegetarian: Skip meat and fish sauce — use tofu and mushrooms instead.
- Pad See Ew Recipe Broccoli: Use regular broccoli florets — they soak up sauce beautifully.
- Easy Pad See Ew Recipe: Use instant rice noodles and pre-made sauce for a 10-minute version.
Pad See Ew vs Pad Thai
| Feature | Pad See Ew | Pad Thai |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Savory, soy-based, smoky | Tangy, sweet, nutty |
| Main Sauce | Dark + light soy sauce | Tamarind + fish sauce |
| Noodles | Wide rice noodles | Thin rice noodles |
| Texture | Chewy & caramelized | Soft & saucy |
| Common Proteins | Beef, chicken, tofu | Shrimp, chicken, tofu |
Try These Thai Favorites Next!
- Pad Kee Mao Recipe (Drunken Noodles Recipe): Spicy and full of basil flavor.
- Pad Thai Recipe: Sweet, tangy, and crunchy — the classic Thai noodle dish.
- Pad See Ew Noodles with Chicken or Beef: Great for meal prepping or family dinners.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this Pad See Ew recipe lies in its simplicity — bold flavors, minimal ingredients, and that perfect restaurant-style taste.
Whether you’re making it with beef, tofu, or vegetables, this dish is all about balance — sweet, salty, smoky, and satisfying.
So next time you’re craving takeout, make this authentic Pad See Ew recipe at home instead.
It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious — your wok (and taste buds) will thank you.
