Authentic Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles)

Wide rice noodles caramelized in a sweet-savory sauce with tender beef, Chinese broccoli, and smoky “wok hei” flavor. Ready in 20 minutes!

📝 Ingredients

Noodles & Protein

• 1.5 lb fresh wide rice noodles (or 14oz dried, soaked)
• 8oz flank steak, thinly sliced (2″ pieces)

Beef Marinade

• 2 tbsp Thai soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp vegetable oil

Sauce

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp Thai soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Thai black soy sauce (for color)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp water

Stir-Fry

• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 4 stalks Chinese broccoli (gai lan), sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)

---

🔥 Key Techniques for Authentic Flavor

1. “Wok Hay” (Breath of the Wok): Use maximum heat to char noodles slightly.
2. Noodle Prep: Fresh noodles should be room temp (microwave 30 sec if stiff).
3. Black Soy Sauce: Essential for signature color & caramelization.

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep (5 mins)

• Marinate beef with soy sauce, sugar, and oil. Set aside 15+ mins.
• Separate noodles (soak in warm water if stuck together).
• Mix sauce in bowl until sugar dissolves.

2️⃣ Cook (12 mins total)

1. Sear beef:
   • Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok on high.
   • Cook beef 1-2 mins/side. Remove and set aside.
2. Stir-fry veggies & eggs:
   • Add 1 tbsp oil, sauté garlic 30 sec until fragrant.
   • Add Chinese broccoli, stir-fry 1-2 mins until bright green.
   • Push aside, scramble eggs in empty space. Remove all from wok.
3. Char noodles:
   • Add noodles to wok, spread evenly. Let sit 30 sec to char.
   • Pour sauce over, toss vigorously to coat.

3️⃣ Combine & Serve

• Return beef, broccoli, and eggs to wok. Toss 1 min until heated through.
• Serve immediately with chili flakes or vinegar.

---

🌟 Pro Tips

✔ No wok? Use a cast-iron skillet on highest heat.
✔ Vegetarian version: Sub beef with tofu + mushroom oyster sauce.
✔ Sticky noodles? Toss with 1 tsp oil before cooking.

---

⏲ Timeline

• 0:00 – Marinate beef, prep sauce
• 0:15 – Cook beef → remove
• 0:18 – Stir-fry garlic, broccoli, eggs → remove
• 0:20 – Char noodles + sauce
• 0:22 – Combine everything
• 0:23 – Serve!

---

FAQ

1. Can I use regular soy sauce?
   Yes, but for authentic taste, use Thai soy sauce (lighter/sweeter).
2. Where to find fresh rice noodles?
   Asian markets (refrigerated section), or sub dried banh pho noodles.
3. How to prevent mushiness?
   Don’t overcook noodles—they should stay chewy (“al dente”).