Name: Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz dried wide rice noodles; 6 oz chicken (or beef, shrimp, tofu, pork); 1 ½ cups Chinese broccoli (gai lan), cut into bite sized pieces; 2 large eggs; 3 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided; 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 40 reviews

If you love bold flavors and quick meals, you’re going to adore this Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s actually ready in about 15 minutes. I remember the first time I made this for friends—they couldn’t believe it was so fast, and now it’s become my go-to when I want something satisfying without a huge time commitment. Trust me, stick around because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic!

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Speedy Prep and Cook Time: From noodle boil to stir-fry, it all comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced Flavors: The sauce blends sweet, salty, and umami perfectly, capturing authentic Thai taste without fuss.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap protein or veggies to suit your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
Restaurant-Style Finish: That slight caramelized char on the noodles brings an irresistible texture and depth.

Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry, Thai noodle stir-fry, easy Pad See Ew recipe, quick Thai dinner, authentic Thai stir-fry - The image shows a pan filled with a stir-fry dish that has several layers and textures. The bottom layer is made of wide, flat noodles cooked to a soft, shiny brown color from the sauce. Mixed throughout the noodles are medium-sized chunks of light brown cooked chicken pieces with slight browning on their edges. Scattered on top and throughout are bright green leafy vegetables and long green beans, adding a fresh look. The sauce gives everything a glossy, slightly oily texture, highlighting the folds and curls of the noodles. The pan is black inside with a white marbled surface underneath it visible at the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe plays a role in layering those classic flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible. Knowing a bit about why they’re chosen makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Plus, I’ve got some practical tips so you can get the best results at home.

Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry, Thai noodle stir-fry, easy Pad See Ew recipe, quick Thai dinner, authentic Thai stir-fry - Flat lay of wide dried rice noodles loosely coiled, fresh raw chicken breast sliced into strips, vibrant green Chinese broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces, two large smooth brown eggs with clean shells, three cloves of fresh garlic unpeeled, small white ceramic bowls containing dark glossy Thai sweet soy sauce, translucent amber fish sauce, thick caramel-colored oyster sauce, dark soy sauce with almost black hue, fine white powder of white pepper, and granulated white sugar, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Wide rice noodles: These are the heart of the dish; their chewy, slippery texture soaks up the sauce beautifully. Look for fresh or dried ones labeled “sen yai” or “pad see ew noodles.”
Chicken (or beef, shrimp, tofu): I love chicken for its quick cooking, but feel free to swap based on what you like or have. Tofu is great if you want a vegetarian version.
Chinese broccoli (gai lan): It has a mild bitter crunch that balances the richness of the sauce. If you can’t find this, broccoli or even kale works as a substitute.
Eggs: They add a lovely silkiness and extra protein, helping to make the dish feel hearty.
Avocado oil: Its high smoke point means you can crank the heat without burning the oil, perfect for stir frying.
Thai sweet soy sauce: This thick, molasses-like soy sauce provides that signature sweet depth. It’s not just soy sauce with sugar; it’s thicker and richer—don’t skip it!
Fish sauce: Adds saltiness and umami; it might smell strong before cooking but the flavor mellows beautifully in the dish.
Oyster sauce: Despite the name, it’s not fishy—more like a sweet, savory punch that rounds out the sauce flavors.
Dark soy sauce: Key for that deep, dark color on your noodles; also adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic depth—don’t replace with powder if you can avoid it.
Sugar (optional): Just a touch to balance acidity and salt, but you can adjust depending on your taste.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making this Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe your own. Whether that’s swapping proteins, adding a veggie or two, or dialing up the spice, these noodles are flexible. I often toss in extra garlic or try it with tofu when I’m craving something meatless—it never disappoints!

Vegetarian version: Use tofu and sub fish sauce with vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce. Mushrooms add a lovely umami touch, especially if you swap oyster sauce for mushroom-based oyster sauce.
Spicy kick: I sometimes add red chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies when stir frying, which gives a nice heat bounce.
Extra veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas work great, just toss them in with the broccoli for a colorful upgrade.
Protein swap: Shrimp is my go-to when I want something lighter and quick-cooking, while beef makes it rich and hearty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Make the flavorful sauce

Before you even touch those noodles, mix your pad see ew sauce ingredients in a small bowl—Thai sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, minced garlic, white pepper powder, and a touch of sugar. Having this ready saves you from scrambling to mix it during the stir fry, and it brings all your flavors together beautifully.

Step 2: Prep and cook your noodles just right

Boil your wide rice noodles but take them off the heat a minute or two before the package says—they’ll finish cooking in the wok. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, then drain well. This tip is a game-changer because soggy or broken noodles can ruin the texture, and nobody wants that.

Step 3: High heat is your best friend for stir frying

Heat your wok or largest pan over medium-high to high heat. Add a tablespoon of avocado oil and toss in your protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu). Stir fry until it’s nearly cooked through—this usually takes just a few minutes. Push the protein to the side, crack in the eggs, and scramble them gently right in the wok.

Step 4: Toss in the greens, noodles, and sauce

Add the Chinese broccoli, drained noodles, the rest of the oil, and pour in your prepared sauce. Turn the heat up to high and stir fry everything quickly, coating the noodles evenly. If it feels a bit dry, splash in a tablespoon of water. Now, here’s the secret: for that restaurant-style char and flavor, resist stirring for about 15 to 30 seconds—letting the noodles slightly caramelize on the bottom before flipping them over.

Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Once your noodles have that gorgeous dark color and a bit of caramelized crust, plate them up right away. Pad See Ew is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so gather your crew or yourself and dig in!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe

Noodle Timing Is Everything: Cook your noodles just shy of al dente because they’ll steam in the wok and absorb flavors without turning mushy.
High Heat to Caramelize: Don’t overcrowd your pan—high heat and space create that sought-after grill-like char on the noodles.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Garlic burns quickly on high heat, so mince it fine and add it to the sauce, not directly frying it.
Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Depending on your Thai sweet soy sauce brand, feel free to tweak sugar amounts to match your palate.

How to Serve Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe

Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry, Thai noodle stir-fry, easy Pad See Ew recipe, quick Thai dinner, authentic Thai stir-fry - A white bowl is filled with wide, flat noodles coated in a shiny dark brown sauce, layered thick, with some noodles lifted by wooden chopsticks to the right side of the image. Mixed in are pieces of light brown cooked tofu and bright green broccolini with textured small florets. The bowl sits on a white cloth with blue stripes on a white marbled surface. The colors show a contrast between the dark noodles, green vegetables, and pale tofu, creating a rich and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—some fresh lime wedges to squeeze over, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if I have it, and occasionally crushed peanuts for a surprising crunch. Fresh chili slices are fantastic if you like the heat. These small touches elevate the dish and let everyone customize their plate.

Side Dishes

Pad See Ew is a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a light cucumber salad for freshness or steamed dumplings if I’m feeling indulgent. A simple miso soup or even some quick pickled veggies also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this dish family-style on a big platter, garnished with brightly colored sliced peppers and fresh herbs. You can also wrap the noodles in lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held treat that’s perfect for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Pad See Ew in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, but the noodles tend to soak up sauce and get softer over time, so I recommend reheating it quickly to retain some texture.

Freezing

Freezing rice noodles is tricky—the texture usually suffers. I don’t typically freeze Pad See Ew, but if you must, freeze the protein and veggies separately and prepare fresh noodles when ready to serve for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a hot pan with a splash of water or oil to bring back that stir-fried texture. Microwave is okay for convenience but can make noodles gummy and lose their delightful bite.

FAQs

Can I make Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the meat for tofu and use vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce instead of the traditional fish sauce. Replace oyster sauce with a mushroom-based alternative to maintain that umami flavor. Adding extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots adds great texture and color.
What’s the difference between Thai sweet soy sauce and regular soy sauce?

Thai sweet soy sauce is thicker and sweeter with a molasses-like consistency, whereas regular soy sauce is thin and salty. This sweet soy sauce is crucial in this recipe because it adds sweetness and helps caramelize the noodles.
How do I get the restaurant-style char on my Pad See Ew noodles?

Use high heat and avoid stirring your noodles for 15 to 30 seconds once in the pan, letting them sit long enough to caramelize on the bottom. This creates that slightly crispy, smoky layer that’s signature to restaurant-style Pad See Ew.
Can I use fresh rice noodles instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh wide rice noodles are ideal and actually easier to work with. Just loosen them up with warm water if they’re stuck, then stir-fry straight away. Dried noodles need boiling first but both work well for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Quick Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe feels like a little secret weapon whenever I want a fast but insanely delicious dinner. It’s a recipe that hits all the right spots—comforting, flavorful, and adaptable. Whether you’re a busy parent, a weeknight warrior, or just craving some Thai street food vibes in your own kitchen, give it a try. I promise you’ll come back to it again and again, just like I do.