Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai street food classic known for its bold flavors and satisfying textures. This vegetarian version brings all the savory goodness of the original dish without any meat, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, plant-based meal.
Using wide rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a rich soy sauce blend, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of salty, sweet, and umami notes that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to try a new twist on a popular dish, this Pad See Ew recipe is easy to make at home and sure to impress.
In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to create authentic vegetarian Pad See Ew step-by-step, along with tips and variations to customize it to your taste. So grab your wok and get ready to dive into one of Thailand’s most flavorful noodle dishes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian Pad See Ew recipe is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly, requiring just a handful of accessible ingredients.
The dish uses fresh vegetables and wide rice noodles, which soak up the savory sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Another reason to love this recipe is its balance of textures: tender noodles, crisp broccoli, and caramelized soy sauce that adds a hint of smokiness. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet without sacrificing taste.
Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 8 oz wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup baby bok choy, chopped (optional)
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Colander or strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes until softened but still firm. For fresh noodles, separate them gently and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables and tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and baby bok choy (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Add the cubed tofu and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking the tofu.
- Cook the noodles: Push the vegetables and tofu to one side of the wok. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the empty side, then add the noodles.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Using your spatula, toss everything together to combine and coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Let the noodles sit for about 1-2 minutes undisturbed to allow a slight caramelization to form on the bottom of the wok, then stir again.
- Add the chopped green onions and give everything one final toss.
- Remove from heat and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
“For the best Pad See Ew, use fresh wide rice noodles if you can find them. If not, dried noodles soaked until just pliable will work well too.”
Feel free to swap or add your favorite vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for more variety. If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil when tossing the noodles.
For extra protein, pan-fried tofu is a great addition. You can also try tempeh or seitan for different textures.
To keep it completely vegan, ensure your oyster sauce is mushroom-based and avoid fish sauce.
Want a smoky flavor? Try cooking the noodles over very high heat and avoid overcrowding the wok to achieve that perfect wok hei (breath of the wok).
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 50g |
Protein | 12g |
Fat | 8g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sodium | 700mg |
Serving Suggestions
Pad See Ew is delicious on its own as a filling meal, but you can elevate it by serving alongside some fresh cucumber slices or a crisp Asian slaw. Adding a wedge of lime on the side adds a bright contrast that enhances the flavors.
For a complete Thai-inspired dinner, pair your vegetarian Pad See Ew with appetizers like Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe or a refreshing dessert like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. For a savory twist, try the Cheese Penny Recipe to round out your meal.
Conclusion
This vegetarian Pad See Ew recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of Thai street food without any meat. The combination of wide rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sauce creates a comforting yet vibrant dish that’s great for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and authentic taste.
With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of room for customization, it’s a versatile addition to your recipe collection. So next time you crave something flavorful and satisfying, give this vegetarian Pad See Ew a try — your taste buds will thank you!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Pad See Ew
Description: A flavorful and easy-to-make vegetarian version of the classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish. It features wide rice noodles, tofu, and fresh vegetables in a savory soy sauce glaze.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
- 200 g firm tofu, cubed
- 2 cups Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add tofu cubes and stir-fry until golden on all sides.
- Add Chinese broccoli and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add noodles, soy sauces, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
- Pour in water and stir-fry everything together until noodles are soft and sauce is absorbed.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 40 g
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