Pad See Ew

Story behind the dish

Growing up in Southeast Asia, I always cherished the fragrant aroma and vibrant flavors of Pad See Ew. It’s a comforting dish that brings together tender rice noodles, crispy stir-fried chicken, and crunchy Chinese broccoli—an ode to home-cooked warmth and bustling street markets. This recipe captures the heart of those bustling food stalls, transforming simple ingredients into a savory, satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 6 oz (170 g) rice stick noodles
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp white vinegar
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp peanut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (5 oz) cooked chicken, sliced
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups Chinese broccoli, cut into pieces (including stems and leaves)

Step-by-step

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, white vinegar, sugar, and water to make the sauce mixture. Set aside.
2. Heat the peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the sliced chicken and Chinese broccoli stems to the wok. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is lightly golden and the stems start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Push the chicken and broccoli to one side of the wok. Crack the egg into the empty side and scramble it, allowing it to cook until just set. Don’t worry if it sticks slightly—that will add authentic flavor.
5. Add the rice noodles, Chinese broccoli leaves, and the prepared sauce mixture to the wok. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are coated in a dark hue and the leaves are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Chinese broccoli or chili flakes if desired.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of fish sauce or a dash of chili oil before serving.
• This dish pairs beautifully with a cold Thai beer or jasmine tea—perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Closing thoughts

There’s something truly magical about taking humble ingredients and turning them into a dish full of bold, nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re recreating a street-food favorite or discovering it for the first time, Pad See Ew is a delicious reminder that comfort can be found in a simple skillet of stir-fried noodles. Happy cooking!