Thai Pad See Ew Noodles

When I first made these Thai Pad See Ew Noodles, the kitchen smelled like soy sauce and garlic sizzling in the pan.
The noodles turned glossy and chewy, soaking up that sweet and savory sauce just right.
I remember taking the first bite and feeling like I’d brought a little taste of Thailand home.

This dish is bold, quick, and full of rich flavor.
It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together in minutes.

Let’s stir it up together—you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Thai Flavor: The dark soy sauce creates that signature smoky, slightly sweet taste.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one wok or large skillet for easy cleanup.
• Customizable: Swap proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 4 generous servings. Hungry crowd? Double the recipe and cook in batches to maintain that perfect char.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for experienced home cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls (small and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula for stir-frying
• Colander for draining noodles

Ingredients

These Thai street food noodles come together with fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples that create incredible depth of flavor.

The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, while the dark soy sauce gives the noodles that beautiful caramelized color. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound chicken thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the Noodles and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces fresh wide rice noodles (or 8 ounces dried)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups Chinese broccoli, cut into 2-inch pieces

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced red chilli
• Extra white pepper

Variations for Thai Pad See Ew Noodles

• Protein Swap: Use beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken thighs.
• Vegetable Options: Try bok choy, regular broccoli, or snap peas if Chinese broccoli is hard to find.
• Extra Spice: Add more fresh chillies or Thai bird’s eye chillies for heat.
• Egg Addition: Push noodles to the side and scramble an egg in the wok for traditional style.
• Sauce Adjustment: Add oyster sauce for deeper umami flavor or reduce sugar for less sweetness.

How to Make Thai Pad See Ew Noodles Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken thighs with light soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and chilli powder in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Noodles

If using fresh rice noodles, gently separate them with your hands. If using dried noodles, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes until soft, then drain well.

4. Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in minced garlic and stir for 10 seconds until fragrant. Add Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for 2 minutes until tender but still crisp.

6. Combine Everything

Add the noodles to the wok and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and develop a slight char. Return the chicken to the wok and toss until everything is well combined and heated through.

7. Serve

Transfer to plates and garnish with sliced red chilli and a sprinkle of white pepper if desired.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Thai Pad See Ew Noodles

This satisfying noodle dish works perfectly as a complete meal or alongside other Thai favorites:

• As a Main Dish: Serve hot straight from the wok with lime wedges on the side.
• With Sides: Pair with Thai spring rolls, tom yum soup, or a fresh cucumber salad.
• Street Food Style: Serve on a plate with pickled chillies and extra white vinegar for diners to adjust to taste.
• Family Style: Place the whole wok on the table and let everyone help themselves.
• Garnish Ideas: Top with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, or extra sliced chillies for color and flavor.

Storing Thai Pad See Ew Noodles

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The noodles may stick together slightly when cold.
• Reheating: Warm in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of water or oil to loosen the noodles. Microwave reheating works but may make noodles slightly tough.
• Freezing: Not recommended as rice noodles change texture when frozen and thawed.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prep all ingredients and store separately. Cook fresh when ready to eat for best results.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• High Heat is Key: A very hot wok creates that smoky, charred flavor called “wok hei.”
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat and proper searing.
• Fresh Noodles Are Best: Look for fresh wide rice noodles in the refrigerated section of Asian markets.
• Sauce Prep: Have your sauce ready before you start cooking since stir-frying moves fast.
• Slightly Undercook Broccoli: It will continue cooking when you add the noodles.
• Taste and Adjust: Add more dark soy sauce for color or sugar for sweetness based on your preference.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes.

Thai Pad See Ew Noodles FAQs