Name: 15 Minute 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· 4.7 from 39 reviews

If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that tastes like you ordered from a Thai street vendor, you’re in the right place. This 15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe is my go-to for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a ton of fuss. The wide rice noodles, savory sauce, and charred edges come together so perfectly—it’s a real crowd-pleaser and honestly, one of the most satisfying dishes you can make in under 20 minutes. Stick with me, and I’ll share every tip so you can nail that authentic flavor right at home.

💚

Why This Recipe Works

Fast & Flavorful: You get an authentic-tasting Thai stir fry in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Balanced Ingredients: The combination of Thai sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce creates a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and umami.
Charred Noodles: Leaving the noodles undisturbed to lightly caramelize gives you that signature restaurant-style crunch and depth of flavor.
Versatile Protein Options: Whether you prefer chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or pork, this recipe works beautifully with your choice.

15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry, Thai stir fry recipes, quick Thai dinner ideas, authentic Pad See Ew, easy Thai noodle recipes - 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

These ingredients come together to create an unmistakable Pad See Ew experience. The wide rice noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, the Chinese broccoli adds a crisp freshness, and the mix of sauces balances sweet, salty, and savory notes. When you shop, opt for fresh garlic and good-quality sauces—they really make a difference here.

15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry, Thai stir fry recipes, quick Thai dinner ideas, authentic Pad See Ew, easy Thai noodle recipes - 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: Look for dried flat rice noodles in Asian markets; they cook quickly and absorb sauce well without getting mushy.
Chicken or choice of protein: Thinly sliced chicken breast works great, but beef, shrimp, tofu, or pork are fantastic swaps.
Chinese broccoli (gai lan): Adds crunch and bitterness that balances the rich sauce perfectly; if unavailable, broccoli florets are a decent stand-in.
Eggs: Scrambled into the dish, they provide a silky texture and extra protein.
Avocado oil: It has a high smoke point perfect for stir frying at high heat without burning.
Thai sweet soy sauce: This thick, molasses-like sauce gives Pad See Ew its signature sweetness and depth.
Fish sauce: Adds umami and saltiness; choose a tamarind flavor that’s not overpowering if you can.
Oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity—don’t worry, it’s not overly “fishy”.
Dark soy sauce: Provides the dark, glossy color on the noodles that make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Garlic: Essential for that fragrant, savory base flavor.
Sugar (optional): Just a pinch to balance acidity and enhance caramelization if needed.

📝

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.

Make It Your Way

I absolutely encourage you to tweak this 15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe to match your tastes or what’s in your fridge. I’ve made it with everything from shrimp to tofu, and sometimes I swap the Chinese broccoli for bok choy or kale just to keep things interesting. Don’t be shy about adjusting the sauce too—some days I like it sweeter, others with a bit more kick.

Vegetarian Variation: When I go meatless, I swap fish sauce for vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce and use mushroom oyster sauce—it’s surprising how flavorful it stays!
Spice It Up: Occasionally, I add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh sliced Thai bird’s eye chilies for a little heat without overpowering the sweet sauce.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas for more color and crunch.
Protein-Free: Simply skip the protein and load up on vegetables for a lighter meal that still feels indulgent.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Before You Start

I can’t stress this enough—get everything chopped, sliced, and measured before turning on the stove. Once the pan’s hot, this dish moves fast! Soak or boil your rice noodles briefly (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions), drain, and rinse with cold water right away to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Have your sauces combined, garlic minced, and protein sliced thinly—it’s all about being ready to stir fry without hesitation.

Step 2: Stir Fry Protein & Eggs

Heat your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in your chicken or chosen protein and cook until it’s almost done but not fully cooked through. Push it to one side, crack in the eggs, and scramble them gently until soft but cooked. This takes just a few minutes and creates that rich texture that makes Pad See Ew so comforting.

Step 3: Stir Fry Veggies, Noodles & Sauce

Throw in the Chinese broccoli and give it a quick toss with the eggs and protein. Add the drained noodles and pour in your prepared Pad See Ew sauce along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Crank the heat to high and stir rapidly, coating every strand with sauce. If it gets too dry, splash in a tablespoon of water to loosen things up. Then here’s the magic: let the noodles sit undisturbed on the hot pan for 15-30 seconds to get those signature caramelized, slightly charred bits. Resist the urge to stir constantly—you want that slight crust for restaurant-style flavor.

Step 4: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Once your noodles have that beautiful sear and everything is heated through, transfer it immediately to plates. Pad See Ew dries out fast once off the heat, so quick serving is key to enjoying its silky, smoky goodness.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook Noodles: Undercooking them just a bit before frying keeps them firm and prevents mushiness.
Use a Very Hot Pan: A super hot wok or skillet helps you get those crisp, caramelized edges with minimal sticking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Stir fry in batches if needed so the ingredients get seared, not steamed.
Let Noodles Sit to Char: Resist stirring every second—30 seconds of stillness brings that classic Pad See Ew flavor.

How to Serve 15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe

15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry, Thai stir fry recipes, quick Thai dinner ideas, authentic Pad See Ew, easy Thai noodle recipes - 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 love topping this dish with a wedge of lime for brightness and some freshly ground white pepper if you like a little heat. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped scallions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of crushed peanuts or fried garlic chips adds a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this Pad See Ew with a simple cucumber salad or Thai-style pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. Steamed jasmine rice isn’t necessary but can be nice if you want extra carbs for a crowd. A light soup like tom yum or a quick miso is also lovely alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving individual portions in shallow bowls placed on banana leaves for an authentic touch. Using edible flowers or fresh herbs as decoration makes it feel extra special. You can even serve the stir fry wrapped in lettuce cups for a fun finger food twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pad See Ew in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry a couple of times when meal prepping. It freezes okay, but the texture of the noodles softens a bit after thawing. I recommend freezing only if you plan to reheat it in soups or casseroles, not as a standalone stir fry.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer tossing the leftovers back into a hot skillet with a splash of water or oil to bring back some moisture and crispness. Microwaving tends to make the noodles gummy. High heat and quick tossing bring it back to life best.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice noodles instead of dried for this 15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe?

Yes, fresh wide rice noodles work wonderfully and actually cook faster. Just be careful when stir frying because fresh noodles can break apart more easily if overhandled, so fold gently and avoid excessive stirring.
What’s the best substitute for Thai sweet soy sauce if I can’t find it?

If you can’t find Thai sweet soy sauce, a mix of regular soy sauce with a bit of molasses or brown sugar can mimic the sweetness and thickness. Keep the proportions small and adjust to taste, but I highly recommend seeking out the authentic sauce for best results.
How do I prevent my noodles from sticking together in this stir fry?

Rinsing cooked noodles in cold water immediately after boiling stops cooking and washes away excess starch that causes sticking. Also, stir frying on high heat with plenty of oil helps separate noodles and keep everything slick and glossy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the fish sauce for vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce, and use a vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce. Load up on your favorite veggies to keep it hearty and delicious.
Why do my noodles sometimes turn mushy when I make Pad See Ew?

Most likely, the noodles were overcooked before stir frying or stirred too much during cooking, causing them to break down. Be sure to cook noodles just until al dente and rinse with cold water immediately. Also, avoid constant stirring once in the wok to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

This 15 Minute Thai Pad See Ew Stir Fry Recipe is one that’s genuinely close to my heart because it captures so many delicious memories of quick dinners and shared weekday meals. It’s simple but impressive, fast but full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly you can bring a taste of Thailand into your kitchen without spending all night cooking. I promise, once you get that caramelized char and perfect sauce balance, it’ll become a staple you keep coming back to.