Authentic Pad See Ew: Classic Thai Stir-Fried Noodles Recipe

Once you try this surprisingly easy Pad See Ew, you’ll want to make it again and again. A perfectly balanced sauce—sweet, salty, and tangy—lifts wide rice noodles, broccoli, and scrambled eggs into a comforting, flavorful meal.

Looking for more Asian-inspired recipes? Try this Easy Pad Thai!

Easy Homemade Pad See Ew

When I want a quick taste of Thailand at home, Pad See Ew is one of my go-to dishes. Pronounced “Pat-See-You,” this pan-fried noodle dish cooks fast in a wok or heavy skillet and delivers big, satisfying flavor. The noodles caramelize slightly in a sauce built around oyster and soy sauces, creating that coveted “wok char” and deep, savory notes.

This recipe is approachable even for picky eaters because it uses familiar ingredients—eggs, noodles, broccoli, and carrots—combined in a deliciously different way.

What is Pad See Ew?

Pad See Ew, a popular Thai street-food dish, literally means “fried with soy sauce.” It features wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried with Chinese broccoli (or regular broccoli), eggs, and a savory-sweet sauce. The hallmark of the dish is the slight caramelization of the noodles against the hot pan, often called “wok char,” which adds a smoky depth.

Traditionally served with a chili vinegar on the side, Pad See Ew can also include thinly sliced meats like chicken, shrimp, or pork if you want extra protein.

What You’ll Need

This dish uses straightforward ingredients commonly available in most grocery stores: wide rice noodles, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of rice wine vinegar. It’s an easy recipe to pull together on a weeknight.

For the Pad See Ew

• Rice Noodles: Wide, flat rice noodles are traditional. Pad Thai-style flat noodles also work in a pinch.
• Olive Oil: Or use avocado or coconut oil for stir-frying.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for aroma and depth.
• Eggs: Two large eggs, beaten, add protein and texture.
• Broccoli: Two cups of broccoli florets, chopped. Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is authentic if you can find it.
• Carrots: Thin slices or matchsticks add color and sweetness.
• Cilantro: Fresh, chopped cilantro for garnish (optional).

For the Sauce

• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, savory umami.
• Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons for the sauce and stir-frying.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos can be used.
• Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar balances the savory elements; honey or maple syrup can substitute.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: A touch of acidity brightens the sauce.
• Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch: Optional, to thicken the sauce slightly.

How to Make Pad See Ew

The method is simple: prepare the sauce, cook the noodles, then stir-fry in this order—vegetables, eggs, and finally noodles with the sauce—so everything finishes hot and glossy.

• Prepare the sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
• Cook the noodles: Boil water and cook the rice noodles according to package directions, then drain.
• Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a wok or large skillet. Sauté minced garlic briefly, then add broccoli and carrots; cook about 8 minutes until tender, stirring often.
• Scramble the eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, add the beaten eggs to the empty side, and scramble until set.
• Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles and the sauce to the pan, tossing to combine. Cook 1–2 minutes more, allowing the noodles to develop some caramelized edges.
• Serve: Transfer to bowls, garnish with cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Pad See Ew is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few sides makes a fuller meal. Try it with crispy shrimp tempura, a soothing egg drop soup, or pan-fried potstickers. Thinly sliced grilled chicken or Cajun-style chicken thighs are also great choices if you want extra protein.