Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai stir-fried noodle dish that perfectly balances the savory, slightly sweet, and smoky flavors that are typical in many Thai dishes. It’s one of those meals that’s just satisfying, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor. Traditionally, Pad See Ew is made with wide rice noodles, which soak up a rich combination of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and other seasonings, combined with vegetables and meat (usually pork, chicken, or beef). But, for those looking for a vegetarian alternative, Pad See Ew is just as delightful, brimming with fresh veggies and a depth of flavor that’s entirely plant-based. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, while also allowing for endless variations depending on what’s in your fridge.
If you’re new to cooking Thai food or looking to make a more plant-friendly version of this iconic dish, you’re in for a treat. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to make a delicious vegetarian Pad See Ew that rivals your favorite take-out spot. So let’s dive right into how you can make this delicious stir-fry from scratch, using fresh ingredients that are easy to get your hands on.
Pad See Ew Vegetarian Recipe
Making a vegetarian Pad See Ew at home means you get to control the flavor balance, the freshness of ingredients, and even the texture of the noodles. This recipe brings together all those elements in a way that’s vibrant, hearty, and satisfying without relying on any meat.
Ingredients Needed
You’ll need a handful of key ingredients to recreate that authentic Pad See Ew experience in the comfort of your own kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:
- Rice noodles (wide flat variety) – These noodles are the cornerstone of Pad See Ew, soaking up all the rich sauces and becoming slightly chewy and tender once cooked.
- Vegetable oil – For stir-frying the veggies and noodles.
- Garlic (minced) – A small amount of garlic gives the dish its aromatic base.
- Tofu (firm or extra-firm) – Acts as a hearty, protein-packed substitute for meat.
- Chinese broccoli (gai lan) – This leafy green vegetable gives Pad See Ew its signature crunch and slight bitterness.
- Carrots (julienned or thinly sliced) – Adds color, crunch, and a slight sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Egg (optional for non-vegan version) – Provides richness and texture, though you can skip it for a vegan version.
- Dark soy sauce – This thicker, sweeter soy sauce adds deep color and flavor.
- Light soy sauce – Lighter in color but still brings the necessary umami.
- Oyster sauce (vegetarian version, or substitute with mushroom sauce) – Adds a salty, savory depth to the dish.
- Sugar – A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the soy sauces and the bitterness of the greens.
- Black pepper – Adds a touch of spice and depth to the overall flavor.
- Lime wedges (optional for serving) – A squeeze of fresh lime adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking Pad See Ew is easier than it might seem! Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting everything in the pan and onto your plate:
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Prepare Your Ingredients
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Make sure not to overcook them – they should be al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the wok later.
- Slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Press it to remove excess water if you’re using firm tofu to get it crispy.
- Chop your vegetables: slice the Chinese broccoli stems into pieces about 1.5 inches long, and roughly chop the leaves. Julienne the carrots, and mince the garlic.
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Stir-fry The Tofu
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add vegetable oil and fry the tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Once crispy, remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
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Cook The Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the carrots and Chinese broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli starts to wilt but still retains some crunch. You want the vegetables to be tender but not overcooked.
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Combine And Add Sauce
- Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, mushroom sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce), sugar, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and toss everything well to coat. Let the noodles cook for 2-3 minutes so they can absorb the flavors and slightly caramelize.
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Optional Egg Scramble
- Push the noodles and veggies to one side of the pan. Crack an egg (if using) into the empty side of the pan and scramble it until cooked through. Then mix the egg into the noodles.
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Add Tofu Back In
- Finally, return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss everything together. Make sure the tofu gets coated with the sauce.
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Serve
- Serve your Pad See Ew hot, garnished with a wedge of lime for that perfect balance of flavors. Enjoy!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in Pad See Ew plays a vital role in creating that characteristic blend of textures and flavors. Here’s a closer look at the science behind some of the key elements:
- Rice Noodles: These noodles are made from rice flour, which gives them a delicate texture compared to wheat-based noodles. Their porous nature allows them to absorb sauces and flavors, making them the perfect base for stir-fries. They also have a higher glycemic index than wheat noodles, meaning they release energy into the body more quickly, making them a satisfying option.
- Tofu: Tofu is made from soybeans and has a neutral flavor, allowing it to take on the taste of whatever you cook it with. When fried, tofu undergoes a Maillard reaction (the same reaction that gives seared meat its rich color), which creates a crispy golden exterior while retaining a soft interior. This texture contrast is a key component of the dish.
- Chinese Broccoli: Known for its thick stems and dark, leafy greens, Chinese broccoli provides a slight bitterness that complements the salty-sweet sauce in Pad See Ew. The fibrous texture of the stems holds up well in stir-fries, offering crunch and a fresh bite that balances the tender noodles.
Expert Tips
- Noodle texture: If your noodles are sticky after cooking, rinse them in cold water before stir-frying. This will prevent them from clumping together. If you’re prepping ahead, you can even store the cooked noodles in a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat management: Stir-frying requires high heat. Make sure your wok or pan is hot enough to achieve that signature smoky char (called wok hei in Chinese cooking) without burning the ingredients. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the noodles won’t caramelize properly, and the vegetables may become soggy.
- Sauce balance: Taste your sauce mixture before adding it to the noodles. If you prefer a sweeter Pad See Ew, add a bit more sugar. For more saltiness, adjust with extra soy sauce.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap out the Chinese broccoli with other leafy greens like spinach or bok choy if they’re more accessible. You can even add mushrooms for additional umami flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan: Skip the egg and use a plant-based alternative for the oyster sauce (like mushroom sauce or a vegan fish sauce). This makes the dish completely vegan-friendly while maintaining the depth of flavor.
- Noodle choice: If you can’t find wide rice noodles, you can substitute with regular rice vermicelli or even soba noodles, though they won’t have quite the same texture.
- Protein alternatives: Instead of tofu, you could use tempeh or even seitan for a different type of plant protein. Tempeh, in particular, would give the dish a nutty, earthy flavor and a chewy texture.
Final Words
Pad See Ew might just be the perfect weeknight dinner-it’s quick, easy, and deeply flavorful. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is to whatever you’ve got on hand. Whether you stick with the classic vegetarian version or play around with different veggies and proteins, the result will always be a satisfying, hearty meal that’s hard to beat.
FAQs
What Is Pad See Ew?
Pad see ew is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce. Traditionally, it includes meat, but a vegetarian version substitutes protein with tofu or more vegetables.
Can I Make Pad See Ew Vegetarian Without Tofu?
Yes, you can make pad see ew vegetarian by using just vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Tofu is optional and adds extra protein and texture.
What Kind Of Noodles Are Used For Pad See Ew?
Pad see ew uses wide rice noodles, typically labeled as ’sen yai’ in Thai markets. These noodles are chewy and absorb the flavors of the sauce very well.
How Do I Make The Sauce For Vegetarian Pad See Ew?
The sauce for vegetarian pad see ew usually consists of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce (vegetarian version), and a touch of sugar. You can also add some lime juice or chili for extra flavor.
What Vegetables Can I Use In Vegetarian Pad See Ew?
Common vegetables in vegetarian pad see ew include broccoli, baby bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), carrots, and bell peppers. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas.
Is Pad See Ew Vegetarian Recipe Gluten-free?
Pad see ew can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos) and checking that the noodles do not contain gluten. Regular soy sauce and the typical noodles used in the recipe may contain gluten.
Can I Make Pad See Ew With Rice Noodles That Aren’t Fresh?
Yes, you can use dried rice noodles for pad see ew. Just make sure to soak them in warm water according to package instructions before stir-frying them.
What Kind Of Tofu Is Best For Vegetarian Pad See Ew?
Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for pad see ew. You can press the tofu to remove excess moisture before slicing and stir-frying it for a crispy texture.
How Do I Cook Pad See Ew Without A Wok?
While a wok is ideal for stir-frying, you can also use a large skillet or frying pan. The key is to cook the ingredients quickly on high heat to mimic the wok’s effect.
Can I Add Chili Or Spice To Vegetarian Pad See Ew?
Yes, if you like spice, you can add fresh chilies or chili paste to the sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preference by starting with a small amount and tasting.