Vegan Pad See Ew: A Flavor-Packed Noodle Dish You Can Make At Home

Vegan Pad See Ew delivers all the savory, umami flavors of the classic Thai dish, but without any animal products. This recipe guides you through recreating this street food favorite in your own kitchen, using simple substitutions for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pad See Ew Recipe

Pad See Ew, literally translating to “stir-fried soy sauce noodles,” is loved for its rich flavor achieved with just a few key ingredients. This vegan version is:

Easy to make: With readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a delicious plate of Pad See Ew in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level and veggies to your liking.
Budget-friendly: This recipe utilizes affordable pantry staples, making it a great weeknight meal option.

Ingredients for Vegan Pad See Ew

Dried wide rice noodles in a bowl
Chopped broccoli, garlic, and chilies on a cutting board
Vegan fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce in small bowls
Extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed on a plate

Preparing Your Ingredients for Vegan Pad See Ew

Soak the Noodles: Place the dried wide rice noodles in a large bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become pliable but still firm to the bite. This ensures the noodles cook evenly in the stir-fry.
Prep Your Veggies: While the noodles soak, chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and thinly slice your chilies (if using).
Press the Tofu: Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up nicely in the pan. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top (like a cast iron skillet or heavy cookbook). Press for at least 15 minutes. Once pressed, cube the tofu.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan fish sauce substitute, light soy sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce.

How to Make Vegan Pad See Ew

Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chilies (if using) and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Cook the Tofu: Add the cubed tofu to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy on the edges.
Add the Noodles and Sauce: Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the pan, followed by the prepared sauce mixture. Toss everything together to evenly coat the noodles.
Wilt the Greens: Push the noodles to one side of the pan and add the chopped broccoli. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
Combine and Serve: Toss everything together to combine and serve your Vegan Pad See Ew immediately.

Tips for the Best Vegan Pad See Ew

Noodles are Key: Wide rice noodles are traditional in Pad See Ew and provide the perfect texture. Avoid substituting with thin rice noodles, which can become mushy.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will be mushy. Soaking them helps to ensure they cook evenly and quickly in the stir-fry.
High Heat is Essential: A hot wok or skillet is essential for achieving that signature smoky flavor and slightly charred noodles.

A plate of vegan pad see ew with lime wedges and chili peppers for garnish

Flavor Variations

Add Vegetables: Try adding other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.
Spice it Up: Increase the heat by adding more chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and roasted peanuts all add a wonderful finishing touch.

Vegan Pad See Ew: FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

What can I use instead of tofu?
Tempeh, mushrooms, or seitan all make great substitutes for the tofu.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

This Vegan Pad See Ew recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!

For more tasty and easy vegan thai drunken noodles, check out our recipe! And if you’re looking for more inspiration, explore our collection of easy asian vegetarian or vegan recipes.