Pad woon sen (Thai stir-fried glass noodles)

Name: Pad woon sen (Thai stir-fried glass noodles)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: Stir-fried noodles and veggies; 150 grams (about 5.3 oz.) dried bean thread noodles (a.k.a. glass noodles); 3 tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil; ½ of a 14 oz. block of firm tofu, hand torn into small pieces; ⅔ cup chopped red onion; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup carrots, julienne cut, or shredded; ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded Napa cabbage; 2 small tomatoes, cut into wedges; 2 cups bean sprouts; 2 sliced bird’s eye chilies (Thai chilies); 2 scallions cut into 1 cm. sections; Sauce; 2 tablespoons tamari; 3 tablespoons vegan oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 4 teaspoons sugar; 3 tablespoons water; ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper; Garnish; Fresh cilantro leaves; 2 minced bird’s eye chilies (Thai chilies); 1 scallion, thinly sliced; Lime wedges

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Made with translucent glass noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a medley of aromatic Thai sauces, this stir-fried noodle delight is a symphony of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just curious to explore new plant-based options, this dish will make you and your family graduate from the Harvard University of flavor (I am pretty sure that’s a thing) and ascend to a celestial realm of flavor.

Pad woon sen in a pan a lime and dumplings can be seen in the background.

This steamy bowl of perfect noodles also happens to be completely gluten-free! So, let's dive into the world of vegan Pad Woon Sen and discover how this classic Thai dish is even better as a delectable plant-based masterpiece!

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Jump to:

🥰Why you are going to adore the ever-loving heck outta this recipe
What is Pad Woon Sen?
🌶️Notable ingredients in this recipe and substitutions
💡Variations of this delicious noodle dish
📖Step-by-step instructions
💡Serving Ideas
🔪Equipment needed to make this dish
🫙Storage
👉Top tip
🤷‍♀️FAQ
✌️Other dishes that go great with this:
Got a vegetable obsession?
Pad woon sen (Thai stir-fried glass noodles)

🥰Why you are going to adore the ever-loving heck outta this recipe

Perfect for Meal Prep: Pad Woon Sen can be a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing for easy and convenient planning ahead. Glass noodles, being transparent and thin, tend to retain their texture and taste well even when stored. When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your vegan Pad Woon Sen can stay fresh for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for several meals throughout the week.

Quick and Easy: This recipe makes cooking Pad Woon Sen a breeze, with simple step-by-step instructions with pictures. You are gonna love how fast this flavorful, healthy meal comes together. You can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Great for you, and great for animals who aren’t killed to make this: This recipe is healthy, plant-based, protein-rich, and naturally gluten-free.

Pad woon sen in a pan a bamboo steamer with steamed buns, dumplings, and sauce in the background.

What is Pad Woon Sen?

Pad Woon Sen, also known as Pad Woonsen or Pad Glass Noodles, is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with bean thread noodles, which are also known as cellophane noodles or glass noodles. The noodles are made from mung bean starch and when cooked are transparent and thin, with a slightly chewy, stretchy texture.

Vegetarian Pad Woon Sen typically includes a combination of glass noodles, protein (such as fried beancurd or seitan), vegetables (such as carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and onions), and is often flavored with Thai sauces such as vegetarian oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from sugar or palm sugar. It is cooked quickly in a hot wok or pan, with ingredients stir-fried together until they are cooked through, and the flavors are well blended.

Pad Woon Sen is known for its light and delicate flavors, with a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. It is garnished with cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges, and may be served with a side of chili flakes or sliced fresh Thai chili for those who prefer a spicier kick.

🌶️Notable ingredients in this recipe and substitutions

Pad woon sen ingredients are laid out on a table and labeled.

Bean thread noodles: Bean thread noodles, also known as glass noodles or cellophane noodles, are made from mung bean starch and have a translucent appearance when cooked. They have a delightfully chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the flavors in Pad Woon Sen. Plus, they are gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet. If you can't find bean thread noodles, sweet potato noodles or rice noodles are great alternatives, and if you get thin ones, they are prepared exactly like the bean thread noodles. You can also make healthy vegetable-based noodles with a spiralizer out of sweet potato, zucchini, or celery root to use in this recipe. Just be careful not to over-cook them.

Tofu: Torn pan fried extra-firm Tofu adds a satisfying chicken-like texture, with a hearty, meaty bite. Making the dish with tofu keeps it gluten-free. Otherwise, if you don’t mind gluten and would like to use homemade seitan, check out my recipe for making vegan chicken, and use that in place of the tofu in this recipe. If you really want to master the art of vegan meat, check out my cooking class and learn the best ways to make seitan from scratch. It's a fantastic way to customize your Pad Woon Sen and elevate it to the next level of deliciousness!

Vegan oyster sauce: Vegan (or sometimes just labeled vegetarian) oyster sauce typically contains ingredients such as mushrooms, soy sauce, and seasonings, giving it a similar savory and umami flavor profile. Most Asian food stores carry it, and you can also source it online. If you can't get vegan oyster sauce, you can use mushroom sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce as a substitute, providing a similar umami-rich taste to your dishes. Always check the label and ingredients to ensure that it is vegan and meets your dietary preferences.

Bird’s Eye chilies: Bird's eye chilies, also known as Thai chilies, are small, fiery, somewhat fruity-tasting peppers that pack a punch. They are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines to add flavorful spice to dishes. If you can't find bird's eye chilies, some substitutes that you can use are frenso chilies (which are a milder but tasty option), serrano peppers, or cayenne peppers, depending on your desired level of spiciness. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to your heat tolerance!

See the recipe card at the bottom of this page for the complete list of ingredients and their quantities.

💡Variations of this delicious noodle dish

👉Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a fragrant herb that adds a unique citrusy and slightly sweet flavor. To use lemongrass in Pad Woon Sen, trim off the tough outer leaves and finely chop the tender inner stalk. Bruise the chopped lemongrass by lightly pounding it with a knife or a pestle to release its flavors. Add it early during the stir-frying process (when you add the onions) to infuse the dish with its refreshing aroma and bright flavor. Remember to remove the tough pieces before serving.

👉Thai basil: Thai basil is a staple herb in Thai cuisine known for its distinct aroma and slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor. It adds a burst of freshness and aromatic notes to Pad Woon Sen. To use Thai basil, pluck the leaves from the stems and tear them into small pieces. Add the torn basil leaves towards the end of the cooking process, just before serving, to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.

👉Kaffir lime leaves: Kaffir lime leaves are highly aromatic with an unbelievable flavor. They can add a lovely citrus touch to Pad Woon Sen. To use kaffir lime leaves, gently bruise them by tearing or crushing them to release their oils, and then add them during the stir-frying process. Remember to remove the whole leaves before serving as they can be tough and fibrous. Kaffir lime leaves store decently enough in the freezer, and are great to have on hand for Thai cooking, or for use in desserts and beverages.

👉Chopped roasted peanuts: Chopped roasted peanuts add a crunchy texture and extra protein to Pad Woon Sen. They can be sprinkled on top of the dish as a garnish just before serving, or they can be added during the stir-frying process for a richer flavor. If you prefer a milder peanut flavor, you can use unsalted dry roasted peanuts, or if you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute with other nuts or seeds like cashews, almonds, or sunflower seeds.

👉Shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are prized for their rich, meaty flavor and chewy texture, which can add depth and umami to Pad Woon Sen. To use shiitake mushrooms, slice or quarter the caps (the stems are good to use in making vegetable stock) and add them during the stir-frying process with the other vegetables. They will absorb the flavors of the dish and add a savory, earthy taste. If you prefer a different type of mushroom, you can use cremini, maitake, or oyster mushrooms as a substitute.

👉Tamarind: If you love the flavor of Pad Thai, Tamarind concentrate can provide a quick and easy way to achieve similar tangy and sour notes in Pad Woon Sen. I find that the fruity acidity of tamarind balances the sweetness of the sauce, and adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor. Just a small spoonful mixed in with the sauce ingredients will do the trick.

When incorporating these non-traditional ingredients into Pad Woon Sen, it's important to balance the flavors and textures to create a harmonious dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and experiment with the quantities of these ingredients to suit your preferences. Happy cooking!

📖Step-by-step instructions

You wanna see how this bowl of heavenly noodles and veggies gets made? Check out these cooking instructions with photos. Or you can follow along with the easy-to-print recipe card towards the bottom of this page.

Glass noodles are strained under cold running water in a metal mesh strainer.

Soak the dried bean thread noodles in warm water for 8-10 minutes until they are just pliable and soft. Drain them in a colander and set them aside.

Tip: Avoid over-soaking the noodles, as they can become too soft and mushy.

Torn pieces of tofu are pan-fried until golden brown in a cast iron skillet.

Heat canola or vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add torn tofu to the pan and stir-fry for 8-9 minutes until they are lightly golden and crispy. Tip: Pat the tofu dry with a paper towel before adding it to the pan to remove excess moisture and promote crispiness.

Onions and garlic are added to the frying tofu in a black cast iron pan.

Add minced garlic and red onion to the pan and stir-fry with the tofu for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Tip: Keep stirring constantly to prevent the small-cut garlic from burning.

All vegetables are added to the pan. the juicy tomatoes glisten in the light.

Add julienne-cut carrots, sliced red bell pepper, shredded Napa cabbage, tomatoes, bean sprouts, bird's eye chilies, and scallions to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Tip: You can adjust the cooking time according to your preference for the desired level of crunchiness in the vegetables.

Sauce ingredients are mixed in a small glass cup on a stone counter.

Whisk together tamari, vegan oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and ground white pepper in a small bowl to make the sauce.

Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

The sauce is pored over the noodles and veggies in the pan.

Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the pan and add the drained bean thread noodles. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through, and the sauce is well distributed. Tip: Use tongs or chopsticks to toss and coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.

Pad woon sen in an orange bowl a bamboo steamer and sauce in the background.

Place the contents of the pan into an attractive serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, minced bird's eye chilies, sliced scallions, and lime wedges.

💡Serving Ideas

A nice big bowl of this is a national treasure of my heart on its own. But you could totally turn this into an even more well-rounded meal by serving it with my crispy rice dumplings, this verrrrry dope vegan dim sum preparation, Indonesian vegetable and coconut milk stew, pickled burdock, or some spicy marinated cucumbers on the side.

Don't skip dessert- make these thick chocolate and peanut-stuffed Indonesian pancakes: martabak manis.

Do you want to make a freaking noodle bonanza?!?

Yeah, of course you do. You need to check out a few of my favey noodle dishes on this blog (which are all quite different from this one):

Mie goreng and bami goreng: both of these Indonesian and Malaysian noodle dishes are dark, aromatic, and just a little sweet in a GREAT way!

Ketoprak is a vermicelli salad with fried tofu and spicy peanut dressing, and it is GOSH. DARN. DOPE.

🔪Equipment needed to make this dish

A Wok or Large Frying Pan: A wok or a large, deep-sided, skillet is ideal for stir-frying the ingredients, allowing for even heat distribution and quick cooking.
Cutting Board and Knife: You'll need a cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping and slicing the vegetables, tofu, and other ingredients.
Spatula or Stir-fry Utensil: A spatula or a stir-fry utensil is helpful for tossing and stirring the ingredients and making sure the tofu doesn’t stick to the pan while cooking.
Strainer or Colander: A strainer or colander is handy for draining the soaked noodles.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Measuring spoons and cups are useful for accurately measuring the ingredients, especially the for the sauces, and seasonings, to ensure the right balance of flavors.

🫙Storage

Here's how you can store and reheat your vegan Pad Woon Sen:

🥶Refrigeration:

Allow the Pad Woon Sen to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. It's best to store the noodles and vegetables separately from the sauce to prevent the noodles from becoming too soft or soggy.

Reheating:

☢️Into the microwave inferno you go: Use a microwave-safe dish and microwave it on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

🔥Reheat on the stovetop: Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and then add the Pad Woon Sen. Stir-fry for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

💧Adjustments: If the Pad Woon Sen seems too dry after reheating, add a splash of water or a little extra sauce to moisten it up.

Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce, vegan oyster sauce, or other seasonings to suit your preference. Just like when serving fresh, it’s nice to garnish the reheated Pad Woon Sen with cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

👉Top tip

Don’t turn your noodles into terrible mush: When using bean thread noodles, be sure to soak them in hot water according to the package instructions until they are pliable but not overly soft. Over-soaking (or worse - BOILING the noodles instead of soaking them) can result in mushy noodles, so keep an eye on them while soaking and drain them promptly when ready. If they are ready before you are ready for them, massage the drained noodles with a bit of cooking oil to prevent them from sticking together while waiting for your slow-ass to catch up with them.

Stir-fry in small batches: Cook the ingredients in small batches to ensure that they cook evenly and get nice browning. Overcrowding can result in steaming instead of stir-frying, which can lead to soggy vegetables.

🤷‍♀️FAQ

Pad Woon Sen can be made vegan or vegetarian by using plant-based protein sources such as tofu, or seitan, and by using vegetable or mushroom-based sauces instead of fish sauce or oyster sauce. However, it's important to note that traditionally prepared Pad Woon Sen often contains animal-derived ingredients, such as meat or fish-based sauces, particularly in restaurants.

As for gluten-free, Pad Woon Sen can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bean thread noodles or other gluten-free alternatives, and by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce as a substitute for regular soy sauce. It's important to read labels and choose gluten-free ingredients to ensure that the dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What’s the difference between Pad Woon Sen and Pad See Ew?

Pad Woon Sen and Pad See Ew are both popular Thai noodle dishes, but they are not the same thing at all!

Pad Woon Sen translates to "stir-fried glass noodles" or "stir-fried bean thread noodles" in Thai. "Pad" refers to the stir-frying cooking method, while "Woon Sen" or "Woonsen" refers to the glass noodles made from mung bean starch.

Pad See Ew translates to "stir-fried soy sauce noodles" in Thai. "Pad" again refers to the stir-frying cooking method, while "See Ew" or "Si Ew" refers to the dark soy sauce used in the dish, which gives it its distinct flavor and color.

Pad Woon Sen uses transparent bean thread noodles, has a lighter and more delicate flavor, and includes a variety of vegetables. It is typically stir-fried quickly in a hot wok or pan. On the other hand, Pad See Ew uses wide rice noodles, has a richer and slightly sweeter flavor, and commonly includes Chinese broccoli.

Is Pad Woon Sen vegan or gluten-free?

Pad Woon Sen can be made vegan or vegetarian by using plant-based protein sources such as tofu or seitan and using vegetable or mushroom-based sauces instead of fish sauce or oyster sauce. However, it's important to note that traditionally prepared Pad Woon Sen often contains animal-derived ingredients, such as meat or fish-based sauces, particularly in restaurants.

As for gluten-free, Pad Woon Sen can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bean thread noodles or other gluten-free alternatives, and by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce as a substitute for regular soy sauce. It's important to read labels and choose gluten-free ingredients to ensure the dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

✌️Other dishes that go great with this:

These are some of my favey dishes to serve with this:

Got a vegetable obsession?

Me friggin' too! Check out some of these other yummy dishes:

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