Make Healthy Pad See Ew at Home - Easy & Tasty

Name: Make Healthy Pad See Ew at Home - Easy & Tasty
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) fresh rice noodles (or 4 oz/110g of the dry ones); 2 teaspoons oil (olive, sesame, or any other oils you prefer); 7 oz (200g) chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced; 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup (100g) stem broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 2 large eggs, whisked; white pepper and salt to taste; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce low sodium; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce for a plant-based option); 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons honey (or your preferred sweetener); 1 tablespoon water; chili flakes, green onion, or lime wedges for garnish

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Craving takeout but want to keep it wholesome? This healthy Pad See Ew brings all the bold, smoky flavors you love in a lighter, balanced version. Packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and rice noodles coated in a savory sauce, this Pad See Ew recipe is a satisfying and balanced way to fuel your day.

pad see ew noodles in a bowl with lime wedges.

Why cook these Thai stir fried noodles at home when you can just order them? Well, let’s be real—takeaway can be a bit of a gamble. You never really know how much oil, sugar, or salt they’re throwing in, and the portion sizes? They’re not exactly designed with balance in mind.

It’s your chance to create a healthy fakeaway loaded with fresh veggies, lean protein, and just the right balance of smoky, savory goodness. Plus, you can make it as light or hearty as you need—perfect for weight loss and feeling good without sacrificing flavor!

I love cooking fakeaways at home! For example, this Asian Buddha Bowl is also a great choice for a light and healthy meal.

Jump to:

What is Pad See Ew?
Ingredients
Pad See Ew nutrition facts
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Alternative Sauces and Seasonings for Pad See Ew
Equipment
Storage
Top Tip
FAQ
Related

What is Pad See Ew?

It’s a classic dish in Thai cuisine, known for its rich, smoky flavors and satisfying bite. Pronounced "pad see you," this Thai stir-fried noodle dish combines chewy rice noodles with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a savory-sweet soy-based sauce.

Oh, the eternal noodle debate: Pad Thai vs. Pad See Ew! Both are staples of Thai cuisine, but they’re like two totally different personalities:

Pad Thai is the vibrant, tangy one in the room—made with thin rice noodles tossed in a tamarind-based sauce that’s sweet, sour, and just a little nutty.
Pad See Ew, on the other hand, is the cool, smoky cousin. It uses wider rice noodles, coated in a savory soy-based sauce that’s sweet but more understated.

So, which one wins? If you’re all about bold, bright flavors, Pad Thai is your jam. But if you’re in the mood for something smoky, savory, and just a touch sweet, Pad See Ew will hit the spot!

Ingredients

Let’s break down the essential ingredients for making an authentic Pad See Ew recipe.

Wide rice noodles (sen yai): Fresh is best, but dried rice noodles work if soaked properly. These chewy noodles are the star of stir-fried noodles and are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Broccolini (tenderstem broccoli) - add that great crunch and freshness. Chinese broccoli (kai lan) is actually the correct option but it is not always easy for me to find them.
Chicken, beef, or shrimp: Your protein of choice, stir-fried until tender.
Eggs: Stirred into the noodles for added richness and texture.
Light soy sauce: For a salty, umami-rich base in the Pad See Ew sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to balance the flavors.
Dark soy sauce: For a smoky flavor and that signature caramelized color.
Vegetables: carrots or bell peppers are great for extra crunch and color if you want to make a more veggie-packed version.
Olive oil: for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the dish.
Garlic: A must for that aromatic base in any good stir fry.
Seasoning: salt, black or white pepper.
Garnishes: add chili flakes, fresh Thai chilies, lime wedges, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and a vibrant look. Optional add-ons like crushed peanuts, fried shallots, or sesame seeds can add texture and a nutty twist to your dish!

You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, but Asian grocery stores are your best bet for fresh rice noodles and authentic sauces. With everything prepped, this becomes a quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying dish!

See the recipe card for quantities.

Pad See Ew nutrition facts

A typical serving has 400-800 calories, depending on oil and sauce amounts.

Protein: 20-30g from chicken, beef, or shrimp.
Carbs: 40-60g from wide rice noodles.
Fat: 15-20g, depending on the oil used.
Fiber: 4-6g from veggies.

Homemade versions are lighter, letting you cut calories and boost veggies for a balanced, flavorful meal!

Instructions

Follow these instructions for an easy Pad See Ew recipe!

Step 1: Make the Sauce and Prep the Noodles - In a small bowl, mix light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, your preferred sweetener, and one tablespoon of water. Stir until combined, taste, and adjust as needed. Soak your noodles as per package instructions.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken - Heat the oil, in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced chicken breast and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables - In the same wok, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic (about two cloves) and stir-fry for about 20 seconds, until fragrant. Add chopped broccoli, sliced bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

poured eggs to half of the wok for thai noodles.

Step 4: Combine Chicken Vegetables and Eggs - Return the cooked chicken to the wok, mixing it with the stir-fried vegetables. Toss everything together to distribute the flavors evenly, and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Push everything to one side of the skillet, add ½ tablespoon oil (if needed), and add beaten eggs.

mixing rice noodles in a wok with eggs and veggies.

Step 5: Add the Noodles and the Sauce - Add the soaked rice noodles to the wok and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Gently toss everything together to coat the noodles and evenly distribute the eggs and sauce.

Step 6: Stir-Fry and Serve - Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, letting the noodles absorb the sauce and develop a slightly smoky flavor. Serve and enjoy!

Add chili flakes or lime on the side for extra flavor!

Hint: Soak dried rice noodles just until tender and slightly firm—they’ll soften more during stir-frying. Over-soaked noodles can break apart or turn mushy!

Substitutions

If you’re looking to adapt Pad See Ew for dietary preferences or restrictions, here are some great alternatives:

Vegetable Swaps: If you can’t find broccoli stems, use broccolini, kale, or even snap peas as a substitute..

Noodles: Swap traditional wide rice noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.

Oyster Sauce Substitute: Use vegetarian oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and mushroom extract for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.

Vegetarian Pad See Ew: Replace chicken with tofu or double up on vegetables for a plant-based version. Replace oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a plant-based alternative.

Variations

Pad See Ew is a super versatile dish, and there’s a variation for everyone!

Vegetarian Pad See Ew: Skip the meat entirely and load up on tofu or mushrooms for protein. Use soy sauce instead of oyster sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Shrimp Pad See Ew: Swap chicken for shrimp or prawns adding them near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. Their briny flavor balances the sweet soy sauce beautifully.
Seafood Pad See Ew: Mix it up with shrimp, squid, or scallops. Cook them separately before adding them to avoid overcooking in the stir-fry.

Pork Pad See Ew: Use thinly sliced pork instead of chicken. Marinate it lightly in soy sauce for added flavor before stir-frying.
Duck Pad See Ew: Replace chicken with sliced cooked duck for a rich, savory variation. The duck pairs especially well with the smoky sauce.

Spicy Pad See Ew: Add fresh chili, chili flakes, or chili oil directly to the sauce. If you like it fiery, you can even toss in some Thai bird’s eye chilies while stir-frying.

Alternative Sauces and Seasonings for Pad See Ew

If you want to adjust the flavor of your Pad See Ew, try these sauce and seasoning swaps:

Sweetness: Use honey, brown sugar, or coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Soy Sauce Substitute: For a richer flavor, use dark soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, chili garlic paste, or a splash of chili oil for more heat.
Umami Boost: Incorporate a dash of fish sauce or miso paste for a deeper, savory profile.
Tangy Notes: A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice adds brightness and balances the savory flavors.

Equipment

Wok: Essential for even heat distribution and achieving the smoky "wok hei" flavor. A large skillet can work as a substitute.
Tongs or spatula: For tossing noodles and mixing ingredients evenly.
Sharp knife: To slice chicken and vegetables thinly for quick cooking.
Mixing bowl and measuring spoons: For preparing the sauce accurately.
Heatproof bowl: Necessary for soaking dried rice noodles, if using.

With these tools, you’ll have everything you need to make a perfect Pad See Ew at home!

Storage

Storing:
Leftover Pad See Ew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some sauce as they sit, so it’s best to eat it fresh if possible. Freezing is not recommended because the rice noodles can become mushy and lose their chewy texture after thawing.

Reheating:
To reheat, use a skillet or wok on medium heat rather than a microwave. Add a splash of water or a touch of soy sauce to loosen the noodles and stir-fry until heated through.

If using a microwave, reheat in short intervals (30 seconds) and stir to ensure even heating, but the texture may not be as good.

Make-Ahead Tip:
If you plan to make it ahead, keep the sauce, noodles, and stir-fried components separate in the fridge. Combine and stir-fry everything just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture!

Top Tip

Use a super-hot wok or skillet and work quickly to achieve that smoky, charred flavor (wok hei). It’s the secret to making your Pad See Ew taste like it came straight from a Thai street vendor!

pad see ew noodles in a bowl with chopsticks.

FAQ

Is Pad See Ew healthy?

Pad See Ew can be a healthy option when made at home. By using lean protein, and fresh veggies, and controlling the oil and sauce, it becomes a balanced, nutritious meal. Traditional versions from restaurants may be higher in calories and sodium due to added oil and sauces, but homemade versions give you complete control.

How many calories are in Pad See Ew?

Calories in Pad See Ew vary depending on portion size and ingredients. A typical serving can range from 400 to 800 calories. Homemade versions, like this recipe, tend to be on the lower end, especially with less oil and extra veggies.

Is Drunken Noodle or Pad See Ew healthier?

It depends on how they’re prepared. Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are often spicier and use more oil, while Pad See Ew has a milder, soy-based sauce. If you prioritize lower calories and less spice, Pad See Ew might be the better choice, especially when made at home with lighter ingredients.

What is Pad See Ew sauce made of?

Pad See Ew sauce is a simple, savory mix of light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (optional for color), sugar, and a bit of water. This blend gives the dish its signature smoky-sweet flavor.

Is Pad Thai or Pad See Ew healthier?

Both can be healthy depending on the preparation, but Pad See Ew is often lower in sugar compared to Pad Thai, which has a sweeter tamarind-based sauce. Pad See Ew focuses on savory flavors and includes more vegetables like broccoli, making it a slightly more balanced option when prepared at home.

How does Pad See Ew compare in calories to other Thai noodle dishes?

Pad See Ew typically has 400-800 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients. This is similar to Pad Thai but usually lower than Drunken Noodles, which often include more oil and spice. Homemade versions allow you to control calories by reducing oil and adding extra vegetables.

What are common misconceptions about preparing healthy Pad See Ew?

Many believe you need a lot of oil for stir-frying, but a small amount in a hot wok is enough to achieve the smoky "wok hei" flavor. Another misconception is that you can only use Chinese broccoli—stem broccoli or other greens work just as well for a healthy, flavorful dish. Homemade versions also prove that you can enjoy this classic with less sodium and sugar without sacrificing taste!

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