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Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles – Easy 20-Minute Recipe)

If you love Thai food, Pad See Ew is one dish you absolutely need to try making at home. This classic Thai noodle recipe features wide rice noodles stir-fried in a rich soy-based sauce with tender beef, eggs, and Chinese broccoli. The result is a dish that is savory, slightly sweet, and full of deep umami flavor.

One of the best things about Pad See Ew is how quickly it comes together. With a hot wok and a few simple ingredients, this delicious noodle dish can be ready in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a quick lunch.

The combination of soft noodles, charred edges from the wok, tender beef, and flavorful sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

What Is Pad See Ew?

Pad See Ew is a traditional Thai stir-fried noodle dish commonly found in Thai restaurants and street food stalls. The name literally means “stir-fried soy sauce” in Thai.

The dish is typically made with:

  • Wide flat rice noodles
  • A protein such as beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu
  • Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
  • Eggs
  • A savory soy-based sauce

Pad See Ew is known for its slightly sweet, salty, smoky flavor, which comes from stir-frying the noodles in a very hot wok.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy
This meal comes together in just 20 minutes.

Restaurant-quality flavor
The sauce combination creates the perfect sweet, salty, and savory balance.

Customizable
You can easily swap proteins or vegetables based on what you have.

Great texture
Soft noodles, tender beef, and crisp vegetables make every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

Noodles

  • 1½ lb fresh wide flat rice noodles, separated

Beef Marinade

  • 8 oz steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Thai soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Thai soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Thai black soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water

Stir Fry

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 4 stalks Chinese broccoli (gai lan), sliced
  • vegetable oil for cooking

How to Make Pad See Ew

1. Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine:

  • sliced beef
  • Thai soy sauce
  • brown sugar
  • vegetable oil

Mix well and allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Noodles

If using fresh rice noodles, gently separate them with your hands.

If the noodles are stiff or cold, run them under warm water to loosen them.

If using dried noodles, cook them according to package instructions.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:

  • oyster sauce
  • Thai soy sauce
  • Thai black soy sauce
  • fish sauce
  • brown sugar
  • water

Stir until the sugar dissolves.

4. Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over medium-high heat.

Add the beef and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked.

Remove the beef and set aside.

5. Cook the Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok.

Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Chinese broccoli and stir fry for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.

6. Scramble the Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the wok.

Add the whisked eggs and let them cook for 10 seconds, then scramble.

Remove everything from the wok and set aside.

7. Cook the Noodles

Add the noodles to the hot wok.

Spread them out and let them cook for about 30 seconds to develop a light char.

8. Add Sauce and Combine

Pour in the sauce and toss the noodles until evenly coated.

Add the cooked beef, broccoli, and eggs back into the wok.

Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Use fresh noodles when possible
Fresh rice noodles give the best texture and absorb the sauce better.

Cook on high heat
A hot wok creates the signature slightly smoky flavor.

Prepare everything ahead
Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all ingredients ready.

Char the noodles slightly
Letting the noodles sit briefly in the hot pan enhances flavor.

Storage Instructions

Pad See Ew tastes best when served fresh, but leftovers can be stored.

Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating
Reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel or reheat quickly in a pan with a splash of water.

Pairing Suggestions

Pad See Ew can be served on its own or with these sides:

Appetizers

  • Thai mango salad
  • Vietnamese spring rolls
  • Crispy egg rolls

Other Thai dishes

  • Thai fried rice
  • Pineapple fried rice
  • Thai basil fried rice

Desserts

  • Mango sticky rice
  • Coconut jelly
  • Cendol

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pad See Ew gluten-free?

Rice noodles are gluten-free, but soy sauce and oyster sauce may contain gluten. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if needed.

What’s the difference between Pad See Ew and Pad Thai?

Pad See Ew uses wide rice noodles and a soy-based sauce, while Pad Thai uses thin noodles and a tangy tamarind sauce.

What is Thai black soy sauce?

Thai black soy sauce is a thick, slightly sweet soy sauce that gives the dish its dark color and signature flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or broccoli work great.

This Pad See Ew recipe is a quick, flavorful Thai noodle dish that delivers authentic restaurant taste in just minutes. Once you try making it at home, it may become one of your favorite go-to noodle recipes.