Pad Woon Sen Recipe (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry)

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This pad woon sen recipe is a quick and easy Thai glass noodle stir fry, ideal for busy weeknights. Packed with fresh vegetables and translucent glass noodles tossed in a savory stir fry sauce, this dish is ready in under 20 minutes and perfect when you’re craving takeout.

Pad woon sen, Thai glass noodle stir-fry, with chopsticks.

You can use the clear noodles from this dinner recipe in some of my other glass noodle recipes too. Be sure to try classics like yum woon sen and suki hang. Thai chicken glass noodle soup is one of my favorites!

What is pad woon sen

Pad woon sen is a classic Thai noodle dish featuring glass noodles (also known as cellophane noodles), stir-fried with a protein like chicken, crisp vegetables, egg, and savory Thai seasonings.


Pad woon sen (pronounced “pahd woon sen”) translates to stir-fried glass noodles in Thai, combining pad (stir-fried) and woon sen (glass noodles).

Thai glass noodle stir-fry recipe

These stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables are the ultimate comfort food. They have it all: a little salty, a hint of sweet, and a bit of heat if you like. It’s the perfect Thai dish for the whole family!

This dish is filling yet light, perfect as a tasty main dish or a savory side dish. In Thailand, stir fried glass noodles are often served alongside spicy salads like som tum Thai (green papaya salad), making them versatile and adaptable to any meal.

Vegetable pad woon sen with chopsticks, served in a traditional bamboo dish.

You can add whatever you have in the fridge – toss in your leftover vegetables and make this pad woonsen recipe your own. It’s fast, easy, and budget-friendly, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen pantry.

Best thing? This glass noodle stir-fry is a one-pan wonder, perfect for busy evenings. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have this dish on the table, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together and how delicious it tastes.

Chopsticks lifting stir-fried glass noodles over a plate of pad woon sen with vegetables.

Next time you’re at a Thai restaurant, look for this dish on the menu. It’s a crowd favorite and the perfect meal – light, simple, and incredibly delicious.

After making this recipe, try some of my most popular Thai noodles: pad see ew shrimp, beef pad Thai, and pad kee mao!

Stir-fried glass noodles

Thai pad woon sen is made with glass noodles, which are known by many names like bean thread noodles, mung bean noodles, and cellophane noodles. Glass noodles are gluten-free, as they’re usually made from mung bean starch or sweet potato starch.

Glass noodles are the authentic pad woon sen noodles. They’re chewier than rice vermicelli and turn opaque when cooked, making them perfect for absorbing the flavors of the savory stir-fry sauce.

2 packages of glass noodles, and unpacked glass noodles underneath it.

In Southeast Asia, you can find glass noodles easily at local street food markets. If you’re elsewhere, check out the nearest Asian grocery store or get a pack online from places like Amazon. Don’t confuse them with rice vermicelli, which is softer and less chewy.

Ingredients

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.


Ingredients for pad woon sen labeled: oyster sauce, sugar, eggs, golden mountain, dark soy, glass noodles, and vegetables.
  • Glass noodles – Glass noodles soak up the savory pad woon sen sauce, turning clear to opaque and adding a chewy texture that complements the crisp vegetables. Don’t forget to soak them in water first!
  • Green onions, cabbage, coriander, carrot, garlic, onion – This mix of vegetables adds freshness and crunch to the noodles, and can be customized to your preference.
  • Oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, golden mountain sauce – These sauces create the rich, savory flavors. Oyster sauce adds a salty and slightly sweet note, dark soy adds color and sweetness, and golden mountain sauce enhances the savory flavors.
  • White sugar – Thai cooking is all about balancing the flavors. A sprinkle of sugar balances out the savory notes. Avoid using palm sugar or brown sugar.
  • Eggs – Eggs add a rich flavor and texture to the dish, but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Cooking oil – Use a high smoke point, neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil for stir-frying the ingredients.

How to make pad woon sen

Soaked glass noodles in a bowl.

Step 1: Soak glass noodles in room temperature water until they are soft, following the package instructions. Drain well and cut them in half before adding them to the stir-fry.

Golden fried garlic in a wok.

Step 2: Start by heating oil and sautéing garlic in a wok until fragrant.

Scrambled eggs in a wok.

Step 3: Scramble eggs until nearly cooked.

Stir-fried vegetables with scrambled egg in a wok

Step 4: Add the prepped vegetables and stir fry them with the scrambled eggs until everything is well mixed and the vegetables are tender yet crisp.

Pad woon sen ready in a wok.

Step 5: Stir in the soaked glass noodles and add the stir-fry sauces with sugar. Keep things moving until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and have softened yet still have a bite to them. Add the green onions near the end and use coriander for garnishing. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Kitchenware

  1. Bowl and colander (for draining and soaking the glass noodles)
  2. Cutting board and a sharp knife
  3. Measuring spoons and cups
  4. Wok or large skillet
  5. Spatula or kitchen tongs

How to customize this easy glass noodle recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable. Here’s how you can make it your own:

  • Add your favorite vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, bean sprouts, snow peas, red onions, shiitake mushrooms or oyster mushrooms, leek, broccoli, you name it.
  • Customize with protein: Add chicken breast, pork, beef, shrimp, or other seafood. Vegetarians and vegans can opt for tofu and use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce.
  • Add flavors: A squeeze of fresh lime juice and some dry roasted peanuts can add extra flavor and texture.
  • Add spice: Toss in some freshly chopped chilies when stir-frying, or add a sprinkle of Thai chili flakes over your finished dish.

How to serve

Pad woon sen can be served for lunch or dinner. In Thailand, it’s paired with spicy salads like spicy long bean salad. Garnish with ground white or black pepper, red pepper flakes, a lime wedge, or fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions.

How to store and reheat

Storing: Let your leftovers cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating: Reheat on the stove top over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of oil or water if needed.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Is pad woon sen healthy?

    Yes, pad woon sen is healthy. It’s made with glass noodles, which are low in fat, and includes lean proteins and vegetables, providing a balanced meal. On average, a serving contains 300-400kcal.

  2. What does pad woon sen taste like?

    Pad woon sen has a savory, umami-rich flavor with a balance of sweet and salty notes. The glass noodles are slippery and tender, absorbing the flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Fresh vegetables and herbs add a hint of crunch and freshness.

  3. Is pad woon sen gluten-free?

    Yes, pad woon sen can be gluten-free. The main ingredient, glass noodles, is typically made from mung bean or rice, both gluten-free. Ensure to use gluten-free soy sauce and other condiments to keep the dish entirely gluten-free.

  4. Can I make this in advance?

    You can prep the ingredients for pad woon sen in advance, but it’s best to stir fry just before serving for the freshest taste and texture. Chop vegetables and mix sauces ahead of time, then quickly stir fry everything when ready to eat.

  5. Can I substitute glass noodles?

    Yes, you can substitute glass noodles with other thin noodles like rice noodles. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the noodles maintain their desired consistency.

  6. How can I make this vegetarian?

    Use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce. Add plenty of your favorite vegetables and optionally some tofu.

Authentic Thai noodle recipes

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Pad Woon Sen Recipe (Thai Glass Noodle Stir-Fry)

Pad woon sen, Thai glass noodle stir-fry served in a traditional bamboo dish.
Pad woon sen is a Thai glass noodle stir fry featuring a flavorful, savory sauce—perfect for a quick and easy dinner in just 20 minutes.
Praew
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Cuisine Thai
Course Main Course
Serving Size 2 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Soak glass noodles in room temperature water until they are soft, following the package instructions. Drain well and cut them in half before adding them to the stir-fry.
  • Start by heating oil and sautéing garlic in a wok until fragrant.
    3 tablespoons oil, 2 cloves garlic
  • Scramble eggs until nearly cooked.
    2 eggs
  • Add the prepped vegetables and stir-fry with the scrambled eggs until everything is well mixed and the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
    70 g onion, 90 g cabbage, 50 g carrots
  • Stir in the soaked glass noodles and add the stir-fry sauces with sugar. Keep things moving until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and have softened yet still have a bite to them. Add the green onions near the end and use coriander for garnishing. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
    1 tablespoon golden mountain sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 0.5 tablespoons white sugar, 70 g dried glass noodles, 10 g green onions, coriander

Notes

  • Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables and add seasonings to taste.
Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4307IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 2mg

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