Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan

This Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan is packed with chewy rice noodles, crispy tofu, and a flavorful sauce—authentic Thai taste, 100% plant-based!

Why You’ll Love This Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan

• AUTHENTIC THAI FLAVORS, 100% PLANT-BASED: Get the same bold, smoky, and savory taste of traditional Pad See Ew—without any animal products!
• EASY & QUICK WEEKNIGHT DINNER: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy night.
• ADAPTABLE & FLEXIBLE: Use your favorite vegetables and protein substitutes to make it your own.

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How can you make Pad See Ew Vegan?

Pad See Ew is a classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish known for its delicious balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.

Traditionally made with eggs and oyster sauce, this Pad See Ew Vegan version swaps out the egg and meat protein with crispy tofu and instead of oyster sauce uses Thai mushroom soy sauce while keeping all the rich, smoky Pad See Ew goodness intact!

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Sherri’s Story

When I lived in Thailand, I didn’t expect to find much vegan food since Thai food is packed with flavors from fish sauce, shrimp paste, or meat-based broths.

But as I spent more time there, I discovered something incredible: Thailand has a deep-rooted plant-based food culture that goes way beyond just a few vegetarian options on a menu.

One of my favorite memories is walking through Bangkok’s Chinatown during Tesagan Gin Jay (เทศกาลกินเจ) the annual Thai Vegetarian Festival. It’s a nine-day event rooted in Chinese Taoist traditions, particularly among Chinese-Thai communities.

During the festival, many people adopt a strict Jay (เจ) diet, which is similar to veganism, but goes beyond just avoiding meat, dairy, and eggs—it also excludes pungent vegetables like garlic, onions, chives, leeks, and shallots, as they are believed to stimulate strong emotions and desires in Buddhist and Taoist traditions.

The streets were lined with stalls selling sizzling tofu stir-fries, crispy fried mushrooms, and bright yellow banners, which show that everything was 100% vegan.

I watched as vendors tossed rice noodles in bubbling woks, caramelizing them in thick, sweet soy sauce—just like Pad See Ew, but completely plant-based. That’s when I realized: Thai food doesn’t need fish sauce or meat to be bold, rich, and satisfying.

That’s exactly how this Vegan Pad See Ew came to be! It has all the deep umami flavors and chewy noodles of the original, but without any animal products. I hope you love it as much as I do and my vegan friends!

Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan Ingredient Notes

Don’t have all these ingredients? No worries! Check my Additions & Substitutions section for alternatives!

• 2 tbsp Thai dark soy sauce – Gives the noodles their signature deep color and caramelized flavor.
• 2 tbsp Thai light soy sauce– Adds the salty, savory notes that you love in Pad See Ew.
• 1 tbsp Thai mushroom soy sauce – Gives a great umami depth that replaces what you’d find with using oyster sauce.
• 3 tsp sugar – Balances the savory elements.
• 4 servings of flat, wide rice noodles (dry or fresh) – Essential for that classic chewy texture.
• 2 cups or so Chinese broccoli (or substitute with broccoli florets or kale) – Adds crunch and slight bitterness to balance the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds aromatic depth.
• 2 tbsp cooking oil – Any neutral oil works that can handle a high heat like coconut oil, avocado oil or peanut oil.
• 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, cubed – A great plant-based protein with a crispy outside.
• 1 tsp white pepper – Adds a subtle warmth.
• Thai Sriracha (optional)- In Thai Hubby’s hometown of Sukhothai, they love putting Thai Sriracha on their Pad See Ew, and you would too!
• Thai chili flakes (optional)- Pad See Ew is usually not spicy, but feel free to make it spicy with Thai chili flakes if you want!

Additions & Substitutions

• Tofu Substitute: Tempeh, seitan, or plant-based chicken alternatives.
• Chinese Broccoli Substitute: Kale, bok choy, or regular broccoli.
• Sweet Soy Sauce Substitute: Mix regular soy sauce with a little molasses.
• Mushroom Sauce Substitute: ½ tbsp hoisin sauce, ½ tbsp soy sauce mixed together.
• White Pepper Substitute: Black pepper.

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How to Make Pad See Ew Vegan: Step by Step

Make the Pad See Ew Vegan sauce:

• Mix 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mushroom soy sauce, 2 tablespoon Thai light soy sauce, and 3 tsp sugar in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. 
• You might not use all of it, or you might need to make more depending on how many noodles you end up using.

Prep the Noodles:

• If using dry rice noodles, soak the 4 servings for an hour in room-temperature water, or until you can wrap the noodle easily around your finger.
• If using fresh noodles, microwave the 4 servings in the bag for a few minutes to loosen them. Gently separate the noodles.

Prepare the Chinese Broccoli:

• Peel the 2 cups or so of Chinese Broccoli stalks and slice into 2-inch pieces. Keep stalk pieces separate from the leaves.

Stir-Fry the Aromatics & Crisp the Tofu and Veggies:

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the 3 tablespoons of minced garlic to the wok, and stir-fry for a few seconds until it smells amazing.
• Add 1 package of sliced tofu cubes and pan-fry until golden brown.
• Add the Chinese broccoli stalks stir-fry until softened and then take out everything that’s in the pan and set it aside.

Toss in the Noodles & Sauce:

• Add a few more tablespoons of oil to the wok if needed, and put in the noodles and Pad See Ew Vegan sauce.
• Stir gently to coat the noodles without breaking them until they are softened and have soaked up the sauce.

Finish it up:

• Add back in the tofu, Chinese broccoli stalks, and now also add in the Chinese broccoli leaves and stir-fry until just wilted. Don’t touch the noodles for about 30 seconds to let them get a smokiness to them. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon or so of white pepper, mix it up, and turn off the heat.

Serve & Enjoy!

• Plate the noodles, sprinkle with chili flakes or Thai Sriracha sauce to taste if you want, and enjoy!

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Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan Tips & Tricks

• Use High Heat: Helps get that signature smoky flavor (wok hei).
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed to avoid mushy noodles.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Check out my Gluten-Free Pad See Ew post if you’d like to make it Vegan and Gluten-Free!

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Storage & Reheating

Fridge: According to the USDA, leftovers are still good after 3-4 days of being in the fridge, but Pad See Ew noodles are really best eaten day of since the noodles start to harden up as they sit in the fridge.

Freezer: I wouldn’t recommend freezing leftover Pad See Ew since the cooked noodles don’t do well in the cold for long periods of time, and it would be difficult to soften them up.

Reheat: Warm the noodles in the microwave or a hot skillet. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen them up.

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Your Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan Questions Answered

What’s the best way to get that smoky wok flavor at home? 

Use a well-heated wok or cast-iron pan, let it sit for a bit untouched over the high heat, and cook in small batches over high heat!

Can I make this oil-free? 

Yes! Use a non-stick pan and a splash of water or vegetable broth for stir-frying.

What other proteins work well in Vegan Pad See Ew? 

Besides tofu, try mushrooms, tempeh, or a plant-based chicken alternative. Let me know in the comments your favorite Pad See Ew vegan protein!

What are some good substitutes for Thai rice noodles in Pad See Ew?

If you can’t find Thai wide rice noodles, try bean vermicelli, or thinner rice noodles like those used for Pad Thai, or even try my Pad See Ew Spahetti recipe.

What is the difference between Pad See Ew and Pad Kee Mao?

Great question! Check out my Pad See Ew vs Pad Kee Mao post to learn what’s the difference and which one is best for you!

Where did Pad See Ew originate?

Pad See Ew has Chinese origins, brought to Thailand by Teochew immigrants from Southern China. Their stir-frying technique influenced many Thai noodle dishes and stir-fries. Similar to Cantonese Chow Fun, Pad See Ew’s name means “stir-fried with soy sauce.

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Other Posts You’ll Love

• 5 Best Thai Cooking Books for Authentic Thai Recipes
• How to Make Thai Vegetable Stir-Fry | Pad Pak Ruam
• How to Make Pad Woon Sen | Recipe for Glass Noodles
• Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew: Which Thai Noodle Dish Is Right for You?

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If You Make It, Tag Me!

I’d love to see your Pad See Ew Vegan! Take a pic and tag me on Instagram @thaifoodie so I can share your amazing creation!

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