Chicken Pad See Ew
This beloved Thai street food classic features wide, chewy rice noodles stir-fried with tender chicken and crisp Chinese broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet soy sauce. A satisfying and flavorful one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Ingredients (Mise en Place)
- b.If using fresh noodles, gently separate the strands. If using dried, soak in hot water until pliable but still firm, then drain completely.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together the dark sweet soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, palm sugar, and white pepper until the sugar is dissolved. This is your stir-fry sauce.
- d.Prepare the gai lan by separating the leaves from the stems. Slice the stems diagonally into 1/4-inch pieces and roughly chop the leaves. Keep them separate.
- e.Ensure your chicken is thinly sliced and garlic is minced. Lightly beat the eggs in a separate small bowl.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Chicken and Aromatics
- b.Place a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Allow it to get smoking hot, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- c.Add 2 tablespoons of oil and swirl to coat the surface. Carefully add the sliced chicken in a single layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes without moving to develop a brown crust.
- d.Stir-fry the chicken for another 1-2 minutes until it's just cooked through. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Eggs and Gai Lan Stems
- b.Push the chicken to one side of the wok. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the empty side.
- c.Pour the beaten eggs into the oil. Let them set for about 30 seconds, then gently scramble them into large, soft curds.
- d.Add the sliced gai lan stems to the wok. Stir-fry with the chicken and eggs for 1-2 minutes until the stems are bright green and crisp-tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Noodles and Sauce
- b.Add the prepared rice noodles to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles.
- c.Using two spatulas, gently toss everything together, lifting from the bottom to coat the noodles without breaking them. Spread the noodles out across the surface of the wok.
- d.Let the noodles cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to allow them to caramelize and get a slight char. Toss again and repeat once more.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Add the chopped gai lan leaves to the wok and toss for 30-60 seconds, just until they are wilted.
- c.Remove the wok from the heat. Give everything one final toss.
- d.Serve immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of white pepper. For a traditional accompaniment, serve with Prik Nam Som (chilies in vinegar).
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1High heat is non-negotiable for authentic Pad See Ew. It creates the 'wok hei' (breath of the wok) smoky flavor and chars the noodles perfectly.
- 2Have all ingredients prepped and within arm's reach before you start cooking. The stir-frying process is extremely fast.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. If your wok isn't large enough, cook in two separate batches to ensure the noodles fry rather than steam.
- 4To prevent noodles from sticking, make sure they are well-drained and at room temperature. A light toss in a teaspoon of oil after draining can also help.
- 5Use two spatulas to gently lift and fold the noodles with the sauce. This prevents them from breaking apart.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef (flank steak), pork loin, shrimp, or pressed firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
VegetableVegetable
If you can't find Gai Lan, broccolini is the best substitute. You can also use regular broccoli florets, bok choy, or sliced carrots.
SpicySpicy
For a spicy kick, add 1-2 finely chopped Thai bird's eye chilies along with the garlic in step 2.
SauceSauce
For a deeper flavor, add 1 teaspoon of fermented soybean paste (taucu) to the sauce mixture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken and eggs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining satiety.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Gai Lan (Chinese broccoli) is packed with Vitamin K for bone health, Vitamin C for immune support, and Vitamin A for vision.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the rice noodles are easily digestible, providing a quick source of energy for your body and brain.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh, wide rice noodles (Sen Yai) are the most authentic and provide the best chewy texture. If you can't find them, dried wide rice noodles are a good alternative. Just be sure to soak them according to package directions until they are pliable but not mushy.