If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and a bit of sweet-savory magic, the Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe is your next kitchen hero. This classic Thai street food favorite features wide rice noodles stir-fried with succulent shrimp, crispy Chinese broccoli, and eggs, all enveloped in a dark soy and oyster sauce glaze that is pure umami heaven. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home or spending hours cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is easier than you might think. Each one plays a starring role, from the chewy yet tender rice noodles to the savory depth of the dark soy sauce. The shrimp add a fresh ocean touch, while Chinese broccoli brings vibrant color and a crisp bite, making this dish well-rounded and visually inviting.
- Fresh wide rice noodles (500 g): These form the hearty base of the dish, delivering the signature chewy texture that makes Pad See Ew so loved.
- Dark soy sauce (15 ml): This sauce provides the rich, caramelized color and a slightly sweet depth that clings to every noodle.
- Vegetable or neutral oil (30 ml): Essential for stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (10 medium): Adds delicate seafood sweetness and protein.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Eggs (3 large): Scrambled in for creaminess and binding texture.
- Oyster sauce (30 ml): Brings an umami-rich, slightly salty punch that enhances the noodles.
- White sugar (20 g): Balances out the savory with a hint of sweetness.
- White pepper (2 g): Offers just a gentle heat without masking other flavors.
- Seasoning powder (10 g): Typically umami bouillon or a seasoning blend for that extra flavor boost.
- Chinese broccoli, roughly chopped (100 g): Adds freshness, crunch, and a mild bitterness that complements the sweet and savory sauce.
- Onion, chopped (½): Provides a subtle, natural sweetness and textural contrast.
How to Make Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Noodles
Start by tossing your fresh wide rice noodles with dark soy sauce until they’re evenly coated. This step not only adds beautiful color but also ensures each bite is bursting with savory flavor. Set these aside so the sauce can soak in while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Blanch the Chinese Broccoli
Quickly blanch the chopped Chinese broccoli in boiling water for about 30 seconds. This technique brightens the greens and softens their edges just enough, while keeping their signature crunch intact. Drain well and set aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat, then add the shrimp. Sauté them until they turn pink and opaque, signaling they’re perfectly cooked. Remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking while you work on the rest of the dish.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Scramble Eggs
Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then crack in the eggs, scrambling them gently until fully cooked. Push the eggs to one side of the skillet to make room for the noodles in the next step.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauces
Place the marinated noodles into the skillet with the eggs. Add oyster sauce, white pepper, white sugar, and your seasoning powder. Stir-fry everything together until the sauce has coated the noodles fully and the sugars have melted into a glossy sheen.
Step 6: Reintroduce Shrimp and Vegetables
Return the cooked shrimp, blanched Chinese broccoli, and chopped onion back into the pan. Toss everything together on the heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the ingredients are heated through and flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, this dish is best enjoyed hot. Plate your Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe without delay to preserve its fresh textures and vibrant flavors, making every bite a delight.
How to Serve Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of freshly crushed red chili flakes for some heat or fresh lime wedges to brighten the flavors. A scattering of chopped scallions or crispy fried garlic can add that extra special finish and invite everyone around the table to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe shines on its own, but if you want a fuller meal, serve it alongside a light Thai cucumber salad or some fragrant jasmine rice. These sides balance the rich, savory noodles and offer refreshing contrasts that keep your palate happy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe in individual hot stone bowls or on banana leaves to give it an authentic street-food vibe. It’s a great way to impress dinner guests or turn a family meal into a memorable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover Pad See Ew Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays good for up to two days, during which the noodles might soak up some sauce, so stir gently when reheating to redistribute flavors evenly.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for this dish because the noodles and vegetables can become mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, ensure it’s tightly sealed in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to loosen the noodles if they’ve clumped together. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the texture of noodles and shrimp intact.
FAQs
Can I use dried rice noodles instead of fresh for this Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to soak dried rice noodles in warm water until they are pliable before stir-frying. Fresh noodles create a more authentic chewy texture, but dried can work in a pinch.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Cook the shrimp separately first and remove them once they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so removing them early prevents toughness when you toss everything together at the end.
Is there a vegetarian version of Pad See Ew?
Absolutely! You can swap shrimp for firm tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms, and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Can I adjust the spiciness in this recipe?
Yes, the classic Pad See Ew is not inherently spicy, but you can always add chili flakes, fresh sliced chili, or serve with chili paste on the side to control the heat level to your liking.
What makes the dark soy sauce different from regular soy sauce in this dish?
Dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter than regular soy sauce, adding both color and a deeper flavor complexity that is essential for authentic Pad See Ew’s signature taste and appearance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about whipping up a warm plate of Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe at home. It’s a recipe that marries fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and that satisfying noodle texture you crave from Thai street food. I encourage you to try making it yourself — the delicious results will never disappoint and might just become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation!
Print
Pad See Ew Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Pad See Ew Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful Thai stir-fried noodle dish featuring fresh wide rice noodles, succulent shrimp, Chinese broccoli, and a savory mix of dark soy and oyster sauces. Perfect for a satisfying 20-minute meal that balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Sauce
- 500 g fresh wide rice noodles (separated before stir-frying)
- 15 ml dark soy sauce
- 30 ml oyster sauce
- 20 g white sugar
- 2 g white pepper
- 10 g seasoning powder (umami bouillon or blend)
For the Protein and Vegetables
- 10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 100 g Chinese broccoli, roughly chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs
For Cooking
- 30 ml oil (vegetable or neutral oil)
Instructions
- Marinate the Noodles: Toss the fresh wide rice noodles with 15 ml of dark soy sauce in a bowl until they are well coated. Set aside to absorb the flavor.
- Blanch the Chinese Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the roughly chopped Chinese broccoli for 30 seconds. Drain immediately and set aside to keep them tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 30 ml of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and sauté until they turn pink and are fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Scramble the Eggs: Crack the eggs directly into the skillet and scramble them gently until fully cooked. Push the scrambled eggs to one side of the pan to make space for the noodles.
- Stir-Fry the Noodles: Add the marinated rice noodles into the skillet along with 30 ml oyster sauce, white sugar, white pepper, and seasoning powder. Stir-fry everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp, blanched Chinese broccoli, and chopped onion to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until evenly mixed and piping hot.
- Serve: Transfer the Pad See Ew Shrimp to serving plates immediately and enjoy while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh wide rice noodles if possible for the best texture; if using dried noodles, soak or blanch according to package instructions before cooking.
- Blanching the Chinese broccoli briefly helps retain its vibrant color and crispness.
- Adjust the seasoning powder and sugar to suit your taste preferences for sweetness and umami.
- For spicier variations, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies when stir-frying.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the pan to allow even cooking and avoid soggy noodles.
