Is Pad See Ew Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know and Recipe

Is Pad See Ew gluten-free? Discover everything you need to know about it plus get a simple gluten-free Pad See Ew recipe!

Is Pad See Ew Gluten-Free?

Pad See Ew is one of Thailand’s most beloved street food dishes. It has flat, wide rice noodles stir-fried with Thai soy sauces, garlic, Chinese broccoli, egg, and your choice of protein.

While Pad See Ew’s rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, traditional Pad See Ew often includes soy sauces containing wheat, making traditional Pad See Ew not gluten-free.

But don’t worry—with a few tweaks, you can enjoy a Gluten-Free Pad See Ew version with my recipe that’s just as satisfying!

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Sherri’s Story

I loved how gentle Pad See Ew is compared to other Thai food. It’s not made with any Thai chilies, so my 4 half-Thai kids can handle it, and those thick noodle are so heart-warming.

But even though I think Pad See Ew is so heart warming, for my dear gluten-free friends, just hearing that Pad See Ew means Stir-Fried Soy Sauce Noodles makes their stomachs start to hurt.

I hate for anyone to miss out on amazing food! My big pet peeve is making sure that everyone at my table has something that they can eat merrily, especially those with different food tolerances like gluten-free diets.

So after asking lots of questions to my gluten-free friends about their favorite soy sauce substitutes, and recipe testing, I’ve perfected my Gluten-Free Pad See Ew recipe that includes a Gluten Free Pad See Ew Sauce made of tamari, soy free soy sauce, molasses, and gluten free oyster sauce.

It’s become a staple in my kitchen that makes everyone happy!

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Gluten Free Pad See Ew Ingredient Notes

Read this to learn about the different soy sauce substitutes I used to make this Gluten Free Pad See Ew.

Don’t have some of these ingredients? No worries! Check out my Additions and Substitutions section below for easy swaps.

• 3–4 servings of flat, wide rice noodles (dry or fresh): Flat, wide rice noodles are naturally gluten-free and the star of Pad See Ew. Look for fresh ones in the refrigerated section at your local Asian market. You can use dry wide rice noodles, but fresh rice noodles are so much easier to work with!
• 2 cups or so of Chinese broccoli (or broccoli florets/kale): Adds a slightly bitter note that balances the dish’s sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons tamari: Tamari is similar to soy sauce since it’s made with soy beans, but tamari has no wheat in it, so it’s a good gluten-free substitute for the light soy sauce that’s usually used in Pad See Ew.
• 1 tablespoon soy-free soy sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon of molasses or brown sugar : to substitute for the typical dark, sweet soy sauce that’s used in Pad See Ew. Soy-free soy sauce is made from seaweed, so it’s gluten-free and soy free. I like that it has a hint of molasses in it, so it tastes more similar to the taste of dark soy sauce, especially if you add in extra molasses.
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free oyster sauce: Adds depth and umami. We like Healthy Boy Gluten Free Oyster Sauce since it’s a Thai brand.
• 3 tsp sugar: Balances the salty and savory flavors.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a savory punch.
• 2 eggs: Scrambled up for extra cozy richness.
• 2 tbsp cooking oil: Use your preferred cooking oil that can handle a higher heat like coconut oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, etc.
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin bite-sized pieces (or tofu or pork): Traditional Pad See Ew usually has chicken or pork, but you can use any protein you want.
• 1 tsp or so of white pepper: Adds a bright, earthy flavor, gentle heat and warmth. White pepper is most often used in Thai cooking, and not usually black pepper.
• Thai Chili Flakes to taste: adds spiciness to it, but you don’t have to use it if you don’t like spicy or aren’t in the mood.
• Thai Sriracha drizzled on top: Thai Hubby is from Sukhothai, Thailand and there they love to put Thai Sriracha on their Pad See Ew, so we like to, but do whatever you prefer!

Additions and Substitutions

• Rice Noodles Substitute: Bean vermicelli is also a great gluten-free substitute.
• Chicken breast Substitute: Pork, tofu, shrimp, really any protein you want. Thai Hubby loves Beef Pad See Ew!
• Tamari Substitute: coconut aminos or extra soy free soy sauce
• Soy Free Soy Sauce Substitute: tamari or coconut aminos with a tablespoon of molasses or brown sugar.
• Gluten-Free Oyster Sauce Substitute: Mushroom broth.
• Chinese Broccoli Substitute: Regular broccoli, kale, or turnip greens.

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How to Make Gluten-Free Pad See Ew: Step by Step

Make the Gluten-Free Pad See Ew sauce:

Mix 2 tablespoons tamari, 1 tablespoon soy-free soy sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon of molasses or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon gluten-free oyster 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 fresh rice noodles, microwave them in the bag for a few minutes until soft. Gently separate the noodles. If using dry noodles, soak them in room temperature water for around an hour or so. You know they are ready when you can wrap the noodle around your finger easily.

Prepare the Chinese Broccoli: Peel the stalks, slice them into 2-inch pieces, and keep the stalks separate from the leaves.

Cook the Garlic and Egg: Heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry until it smells amazing. Push the garlic aside, crack in the 2 eggs, and scramble until just set.

Add the Protein: Turn the heat to high, add the 2 thinly sliced chicken breasts (or your choice of protein), and stir-fry until almost cooked through.

Cook the Broccoli Stalks: Add the Chinese broccoli stalks and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften. Once the chicken and broccoli stalks are cooked, take them out and add them to a plate.

Stir-Fry the Noodles: Add a few tablespoons of oil back to the wok, and then the noodles, and the Gluten Free Pad See Ew Sauce. Stir-fry until the noodles absorb the sauce and have softened.

Finish with Broccoli Leaves: Add back in the chicken, Chinese broccoli, 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.

Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust with more soy sauce or sugar as needed.

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

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Gluten Free Pad See Ew Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Cook in Batches: For the best results in any noodle stir-fry, cook your protein first and then take it out before cooking the noodles, and cook no more than two noodle servings in the wok at time. This helps reduce the moisture in the pan that could cause the noodles to clump up.
• Taste as You Go: Be like Thai Hubby’s grandma, and most Thai cooks, add what I suggest, but really taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

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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 Questions Answered

Why is soy sauce not gluten-free?

Soy sauce is traditionally made by fermenting soybeans and wheat with water, salt, and a fermenting agent. The presence of wheat introduces gluten, which makes most regular soy sauces not gluten-free.

What gives Pad See Ew its smoky flavor?

The smoky flavor comes from cooking the noodles in a hot wok and letting it sit there at the end to soak in the smokiness. The caramelization of the soy sauces adds that signature taste.

Can I make Pad See Ew vegan?

Yes! Here is my Pad See Ew Recipe Vegan!

What does the name Pad See Ew mean?

The name “Pad See Ew” translates to “Stir-Fried Soy Sauce.”

What’s the difference between Pad See Ew and other popular Thai Noodle dishes?

Here’s all you need to know:

• Pad Thai vs Pad See Ew: Which noodle dish is right for you?
• Pad See Ew vs Pad Kee Mao: Key Differences Explained

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Other Gluten Free Thai Recipes You’ll Love

All of these recipes below, and many more Thai recipes, are naturally gluten-free so you don’t need to change the recipe at all!

• Gluten-Free Pad Thai
• Gluten-Free Tom Yum Soup Noodles
• Gluten Free Chicken Larb

If you’d like even more gluten-free Thai recipes, contact me and I can share some of my gluten-free friends favs!

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If you make it, I want to see! Take a pic and tag me on Instagram @thaifoodie!

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