Beef Pad See Ew is a delicious blend of tender beef and stir-fried flat noodles in a sweet soy sauce, mixed with crisp vegetables. This homemade pad thai pad see ew is quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a thai-themed meal prep.
Pad See Ew was one of the first thai recipes I had (although I had a chicken variety). Since then, I've noticed the cost of takeaway becoming way too expensive to justify, so I decided to make my own (you can see it here: Tofu Pad See Ew).
Obviously not everyone loves tofu, so I've made this Beef version for my red-meat loving friends (my partner included).
I have plenty of other thai-inspired recipes throughout my website like my Chicken Pad Thai that are also a must-try!!
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Why you'll love this recipe
Packed with Flavour: The beef combined with thai stir fry noodles creates an irresistibly delicious Beef Pad See Ew.
Quick and Easy: This homemade pad see ew recipe is simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adapt with chicken or a Tofu Pad See Ew.
Authentic Taste: Enjoy the authentic flavours of homemade pad thai pad see ew right at home without the price tag!
Ingredients
Pad See Ew Stir Fry
Beef. Thinly sliced beef (flank steak or sirloin is best for a thai stir fry). This allows it to absorb the flavours from the pad see ew sauce whilst remaining tender.
Cornflour. Cornflour helps to coat the beef (this is called velveting). It helps give the tender texture and glossy finish you would find in the thai restaurants.
Wide flat rice noodles. Traditionally pad see ew recipes have really wide noodles. I regularly use pad thai noodles which are the largest you can find in the grocery store. You can go to an Asian grocer for the larger varieties if you have one convenient!
Bok choy (or other Asian Greens). Bok choy adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the Beef Pad See Ew; alternatives include gai lan (Chinese broccoli) or spinach.
Zucchini. Zucchini adds a subtle sweetness and extra nutrition to the stir fried flat noodles. You can substitute it with other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Eggs Whisked eggs are stirred into the noodles to add richness and bind the ingredients in the Thai stir fry noodles.
Pad See Ew Sauce
Dark soy sauce or kecap manis. Dark soy sauce adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the Beef Pad See Ew. Kecap manis offers a sweeter, more intense alternative.
Oyster sauce. Oyster sauce imparts a deep, umami richness to the homemade pad see ew sauce. For a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce.
Soy sauce. Soy sauce balances the flavors in the Thai stir fry noodles, adding the perfect amount of salty depth. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free alternative.
White wine vinegar. White wine vinegar provides acidity to balance the richness in the Beef Pad See Ew sauce. Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also be used.
Brown sugar. Brown sugar sweetens the sauce, adding a caramel-like note that enhances the flavours in the stir fried flat noodles. Substitute with honey or maple syrup if needed.
Garlic. Garlic adds a pungent, savory aroma to the homemade pad see ew sauce. For a milder flavor, try using shallots or ginger.
Please check the recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantity. See below for substitutions and variations.
How to make beef pad see ew
- Prepare the noodles
Start by cooking the wide flat rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Prepare vegetables and sauce
While the noodles are becoming tender, prepare your vegetables, meat, and mix sauce ingredients. This is important as once you begin cooking, everything will move very quickly.
- Tenderise the beef
Toss the beef slices in cornflour until evenly coated. This step helps tenderize the beef and gives it a slightly crispy texture when stir-fried.
- Cook the beef
Heat olive oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, moving it constantly in the pan so it only changes colour rather than browning. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. It will continue to cook when added again later.
- Stir fry vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and stir-fry the onion with a little bit of brown sugar (this helps caramelise) for 2 minutes, then add zucchini for another 4 minutes. Add the beef back in and push everything to the side of one pan.
- Cook the eggs
Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side (or if you're lazy like me, whisk the eggs in the pan). Scramble the eggs until just set, then mix them with the vegetables.
- Combine and season
Add the pad see ew sauce mixture, the noodles and bok choy into the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles and beef are well-coated with the sauce and everything is heated through.
- Serve
Transfer the Beef Pad See Ew to plates and enjoy your homemade take on this classic Thai stir fry noodle dish.
Top Tip
Make sure the wok or large skillet is hot before adding the ingredients. This helps achieve the characteristic slightly charred flavour and ensures even cooking. You can test this by sprinkling a few water drops onto the surface of the pan; if they sizzle and evaporate almost immediately, the pan is ready.
Substitutions and variations
Protein. This pad see ew recipe uses beef and egg. You can substitute any protein such as chicken, pork or tofu. Egg is used in a lot of authentic thai dishes, but you can omit if you're not a fan. I have my Pad See Ew with Tofu recipe you can also try.
Noodles. I've used noodles that are listed as "Pad Thai noodles". These are the thickest you can find in a normal grocery store. If you want thicker noodles (which is what authentic pad see ew recipes use), go to an Asian grocer (although sometimes thicker versions can be difficult to find).
Meal prep and leftovers
Thai recipes are great meal prep options because the flavours mature after a day and taste even better!
Storing
Allow the stir fried noodles with beef to cool completely at room temperature (no more than 2 hours) then add to an airtight container. This can help keep the texture of the noodles. Eat within 4-5 days (best texture experience is in the first 2-3).
Reheating
To reheat beef pad see ew, add a tablespoon of water across the dish beforehand and pop straight into the microwave on 1 minute intervals. Stir only after the first minute (this allows the stir fry noodles to loosen and not break apart). Repeat until heated through (approx 3 minutes).
Freezing
While you can freeze pad see ew, Asian greens (such as Bok choy) don't tend to freeze well due to the high water content. If you omit this ingredient, it will have more success freezing.
If you want more meal prep information, check out my Meal Prep for Beginners post and my Meal Prep Basics E-Book.
FAQs
Pad See Ew traditionally uses wide, flat rice noodles. These noodles, often labelled as "sen yai" in Thai markets, have a chewy texture and are perfect for soaking up the savory flavours of the sauce. They are wider than other rice noodles like those used in Pad Thai, which allows them to hold up better to stir-frying and gives them a delightful texture.
Pad See Ew can be part of a balanced diet, but its healthiness depends on the ingredients and preparation methods. Here are a few factors to consider:
Nutritional Balance: Pad See Ew typically contains vegetables, protein (like chicken, beef, or tofu), and rice noodles. If you use lean proteins and load up on vegetables, it can be a nutritious meal.
Sauce: The sauce, made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sometimes sugar, can be high in sodium and sugar. Using reduced-sodium soy sauce and moderating the amount of sugar can make it healthier.
Portion Control: Like many dishes, portion control is key. While Pad See Ew can be made healthier, consuming it in moderation is important to balance your overall diet.
To reheat Pad See Ew while preserving its texture and flavour:
Stovetop Method: Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the leftover Pad See Ew and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps. Cook until heated through. This method helps retain the noodles' texture.
Microwave Method: Place the Pad See Ew in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Pad See Ew in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do - Love & Pasta, Lauren x
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Recipe
Beef Pad See Ew Noodles
Ingredients
Stir fry
- 500 g beef thinly sliced
- 30 g (¼ cup) cornflour
- 200 g wide flat rice noodles See Note 1
- 20 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 1 bunch bok choy or other Asian Greens
- 1 zucchini sliced
- 2 large eggs lightly whisked
Sauce
- 10 ml (2 tsp) dark soy sauce or kecap manis
- 40 ml (2 tbsp) oyster sauce subs note 2
- 20 ml (1 tbsp) soy sauce subs note 3
- 10 ml (2 tsp) white wine vinegar subs note 4
- 15 g (1 tbsp) brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic crushed or grated, subs note 5
Instructions
Prepare ingredients
- Cook the wide flat rice noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain, rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- While the noodles cook, chop the vegetables, prepare the sauce, and marinate the beef slices in cornflour for a tender and slightly crispy texture when stir-fried.
Cook
- Heat olive oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the beef for 1-2 minutes, just until it changes color, then set aside.
- In the same pan, stir-fry the onion with a pinch of brown sugar for 2 minutes, then add zucchini for another 4 minutes. Return the beef to the pan and push everything to one side.
- Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side of the pan. Scramble them until just set, then mix them with the vegetables.
Combine and finish
- Add the sauce, noodles, and bok choy to the pan. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through.
- Plate your Beef Pad See Ew and enjoy this flavorful Thai stir fry noodle dish!
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