Delicious and Easy Vegetable Pad See Ew: A Flavorful Thai Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting yet vibrant Thai noodle dish, Vegetable Pad See Ew is an excellent choice. This recipe features stir-fried broad rice noodles tossed with flavorful sauces and fresh vegetables, delivering a savory, slightly sweet, and smoky taste that satisfies every noodle lover’s craving. Best of all, it’s simple and quick to prepare at home—in just about 15 to 30 minutes.

What Is Pad See Ew?

Pad See Ew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว, phat si-io) literally means “noodles fried in soy sauce” in Thai. This classic street food and restaurant favorite consists of wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried with a distinctive combination of soy sauces, vegetables like Chinese broccoli, and eggs. Traditionally, Pad See Ew includes meats such as chicken, beef, or pork, and seafood options like shrimp or squid, but vegetable versions are just as delicious and perfect for those seeking a meatless meal.

Originating from Chinese cooking methods, Pad See Ew was adapted by Thai cooks to cater to local palates, resulting in the sweet and savory version popular today with bold wok-charred flavors.

Key Ingredients for Vegetable Pad See Ew

• Rice Noodles: Wide flat rice noodles (sen yai) are preferred for their texture and ability to absorb sauce well. Fresh noodles are ideal, but dried rice stick noodles, soaked in hot water until softened, work fine too.

• Vegetables: Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is traditional, appreciated for its slight bitterness and crisp texture. Broccoli and shiitake or button mushrooms are excellent substitutes if you can’t find gai lan.

• Egg: Lightly beaten and scrambled into the stir-fry, eggs add richness and texture.

• Sauces: The magic of Pad See Ew lies in its sauce. A trio of:

  • Dark sweet soy sauce (adds color and caramelized sweetness),
  • Regular soy sauce (provides saltiness),
  • Fish sauce (or vegan substitute, for depth and umami).

Optional chili powder and white pepper add mild heat and aromatic spice.

How to Make Vegetable Pad See Ew: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Noodles:
   If using dried noodles, soak according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes in hot water) until soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside. For fresh noodles, gently separate strands to prevent clumping.

2. Make the Sauce:
   Combine the following in a small bowl:

   • 1 tablespoon dark sweet soy sauce
   • 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
   • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or vegan fish sauce)
     Stir until well mixed.

3. Cook the Vegetables:
   Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (~1 minute). Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 2 cups chopped broccoli or gai lan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until vegetables are just tender.

4. Add the Egg:
   Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour in one lightly whisked egg on the empty side and scramble quickly. Once cooked, mix the egg with vegetables.

5. Stir-fry the Noodles:
   Add the noodles and sauce into the wok. Toss continuously to coat everything evenly. Spread noodles flat on the pan to let them develop a slight char for that signature smoky aroma, cooking undisturbed for 1-2 minutes.

6. Season and Serve:
   Sprinkle chili powder and ground white pepper to taste. For extra heat, add fresh chopped Thai chilies or a dash of sriracha. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by pickled chilis or vinegar-based chili sauce.

Tips for Authentic Flavor and Texture

• Use a very hot wok or skillet for stir-frying to achieve the perfect "wok hei" or smoky charred flavor classic to Pad See Ew.
• Avoid over-soaking noodles to prevent a mushy texture.
• If substituting fish sauce in vegan versions, consider using a homemade or store-bought vegan fish sauce made from seaweeds or mushrooms to retain umami depth.
• Let noodles sit flat in the pan to char slightly instead of continuously stirring.

Variations and Comparisons

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use tofu or soy protein instead of egg and fish sauce. Vegan fish sauce and dark soy sauce offer the right balance of savory and sweet.
• Proteins: Traditional versions may include chicken, pork, or beef. Seafood lovers enjoy shrimp or squid additions.
• Related Dishes:
  • Pad Thai: Made with thinner rice noodles and flavored with tamarind, palm sugar, and peanuts.
  • Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles): Similar noodles but spicier, with holy basil and lime leaves.
  • Kuay Teow Kua Gai: Thai-style stir-fried broad rice noodles with chicken and lettuce—related but distinct.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: ~550
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 105 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sodium: 2100-2200 mg (varies based on sauce amounts)
• Sugar: 3-4 g

Final Thoughts

Vegetable Pad See Ew is an easy, flavorful dish bringing the essence of Thai street food to your kitchen. Whether you prefer traditional or vegan versions, this recipe’s balance between savory, sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy notes guarantees a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Thailand’s vibrant noodle cuisine right at home!

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Recipe Summary:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10-15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Main ingredients: broad rice noodles, broccoli or Chinese broccoli, mushrooms, egg, soy and fish sauces
• Cooking style: Stir-fry

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Experiment with ingredients and spice levels to personalize your Pad See Ew experience. Happy cooking!