20-min Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, chewy, and utterly satisfying noodle dish that whips up in no time, this 20-min Easy Pad See Ew recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken, silky eggs, crisp-tender Chinese broccoli, and wide rice noodles all coated in a savory-sweet sauce, this dish captures the heart of Thai street food right in your kitchen. It’s a perfect weeknight winner that proves fast can be fabulous without compromising on flavor or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this pad see ew plays a starring role in creating authentic taste and perfect texture. From the chew of fresh rice noodles to the bright crunch of Chinese broccoli, these simple essentials come together easily to build a dish full of balanced flavor and satisfaction.

• Fresh wide rice noodles: The foundational chewy delight, providing the perfect canvas for the sauce and other ingredients to shine.
• Skinless boneless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they absorb the marinade beautifully for maximum flavor.
• Large eggs: Add silkiness and a bit of body to the stir fry, rounding out each bite.
• Chinese broccoli: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter crunch that contrasts wonderfully against the soft noodles.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the oil with that aromatic punch Thai dishes are known for.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that allows the ingredients to sizzle perfectly without overpowering flavors.
• Oyster sauce: Used both for marinating chicken and as part of the noodle sauce, giving a savory depth and subtle sweetness.
• Soy sauces (regular and dark): Introduce layers of umami and the characteristic color of pad see ew.
• White sugar: Balances the salty and savory elements with just a touch of sweetness.
• Vinegar: Brings brightness to cut through the richness and elevate all the flavors.
• Water: Helps to thin and blend the sauce evenly over the noodles.

How to Make 20-min

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by tossing the thinly sliced chicken thighs with 2 teaspoons of oyster sauce in a large bowl. This quick marination step, even just a few minutes while prepping, ensures the chicken soaks up that rich umami flavor, making every bite tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodle Sauce

Mix oyster sauce, soy sauces, sugar, vinegar, and water in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. This simple but perfectly balanced sauce is what gives the dish its signature savory-sweet tang, infusing the noodles with vibrant flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat, then quickly stir-fry the marinated chicken for 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked and lightly caramelized. Removing the chicken now prevents overcooking and keeps it juicy for the final toss.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Chinese Broccoli

Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the same pan, followed by minced garlic and chopped Chinese broccoli stalks and leaves. Cook just until the greens soften, about 30 to 60 seconds, which keeps their vibrant color and fresh crunch intact.

Step 5: Cook the Eggs

Push the veggies to one side of the pan, then pour in the beaten eggs along the empty space with 2 teaspoons of oil. Let them set briefly, then scramble gently into bite-sized pieces, mixing them with the veggies for that silky-yet-light texture.

Step 6: Toss the Noodles

Now, add more oil along with the fresh wide rice noodles and pour in the prepared noodle sauce. Toss everything vigorously until the noodles are evenly coated in the glossy sauce, making sure the noodles soak up every bit of that delicious mixture.

Step 7: Combine and Char

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing it all together for a final mix. For that perfect charred flavor reminiscent of street stalls, let the noodles sit undisturbed for 30 to 60 seconds, allowing the bottom layer to crisp ever so slightly before serving.

How to Serve 20-min

Garnishes

Pad See Ew tastes incredible on its own, but you can enhance the experience with simple garnishes like fresh lime wedges for a zesty contrast, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat, or chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness.

Side Dishes

This stir-fried classic pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides such as a cucumber salad or a spicy papaya salad to add crunch and balance. For a heartier meal, steamed jasmine rice or a bowl of clear vegetable soup makes excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to elevate your weekday meal, try layering this pad see ew over a bed of sautéed kale, or top it off with crushed peanuts and a fried egg for added texture and indulgence. Serving it in small bowls garnished with colorful herbs also makes for a welcoming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of this quick 20-min pad see ew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid soggy noodles.

Freezing

While fresh pad see ew tastes best right away, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent clumping. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, stir-fry the noodles in a hot pan with a splash of water or oil until warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent the noodles from turning mushy and losing their characteristic chew.

FAQs

Can I use dry rice noodles instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dry rice noodle sticks are a fine substitute. Just boil them until al dente, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little oil to keep them from sticking before stir-frying. This works great when fresh noodles aren’t available.

Is there a vegetarian way to make this dish?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables and use vegetarian oyster sauce to keep the flavor rich without meat. It is easy to adapt and still enjoy an authentic pad see ew experience.

How spicy is this dish?

Traditional pad see ew is mildly sweet and savory rather than spicy. However, you can control the heat by adding chili flakes or fresh chilies according to your taste while serving.

What is the secret to chewy rice noodles?

Using fresh wide rice noodles is key for that chewy, satisfying bite. If you’re using dried noodles, be careful not to overcook them during boiling—just until al dente—then shock them in cold water with oil so they don’t become mushy when stir-fried.

Can I make this recipe in less than 20 minutes?

This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, and experienced cooks might shave off a few minutes. However, 20 minutes from start to finish ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked, veggies stay crisp, and the noodles are well coated in sauce.

Final Thoughts

This 20-min Easy Pad See Ew is a delightful, fuss-free way to bring bold Thai flavors into your home any day of the week. It’s that rare sort of meal that’s fast to make but absolutely satisfying, comforting, and impressive. Trust me, once you cook up this noodle dish, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites, and you’ll love how effortlessly it fits into your busy life. Give it a try, and let the delicious, saucy noodles transport you!