Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir-Fry with Prawns)

In pad woon sen, thin glass noodles take on a glossy, savoury-sweet sauce and a springy texture that makes this Thai stir-fry especially satisfying. The noodles are softened before they hit a hot wok, where prawns, garlic, egg and crisp vegetables cook quickly without losing freshness. Light soy, oyster sauce and fish sauce bring depth and umami, while carrot, cabbage and spring onion keep the dish bright and lively. Best served straight from the wok, it is a fast dinner with enough texture and flavour to feel complete without extra sides.
Cuisine style Thai home-style stir-fry
Flavor profile Savoury • Umami • Lightly sweet
Techniques Soaking noodles • Wok stir-frying • Scrambling egg
Key equipment Wok or large frying pan
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Fast wok cooking: The noodles soften while the vegetables are prepared, keeping the total cooking time short and efficient.
  • Balanced textures: Springy glass noodles, tender prawns, soft egg and crisp-tender cabbage and carrot give the stir-fry plenty of movement.
  • Savoury depth: Soy sauce, oyster sauce and fish sauce create a rounded umami base, with a little sugar and sesame oil to soften and finish the flavour.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Serve straight away: Pad woon sen is best eaten hot from the wok, while the noodles are glossy and the vegetables still have bite.
  • Prepare before heating the wok: Slice the vegetables and mix the sauce before cooking; once the stir-fry starts, each stage moves quickly.

Ingredient notes

  • Glass noodles: Use mung bean glass noodles if available; they turn translucent when cooked and hold their springy texture well in stir-fries.
  • Drain thoroughly: After soaking, drain the noodles well so the sauce coats them rather than becoming diluted in the wok.
  • Check the seasoning: Fish sauce, soy sauce and oyster sauce vary in saltiness, so taste and adjust the final seasoning if needed.

Common mistakes

  • Overcooking the prawns: Cook the prawns only until they turn pink and finish them briefly with the noodles so they stay tender.
  • Using too little heat: A properly hot wok helps the sauce reduce and cling to the noodles instead of steaming the vegetables.
  • Soaking the noodles too long: Stop soaking once the noodles are pliable; they will continue to soften as they are tossed with the sauce.

Serving ideas

  • Fresh finish: Scatter over the spring onion greens just before serving for colour and a fresh onion note.
  • Serve with greens: Pair with simply cooked Asian greens or a crisp cucumber salad to keep the meal light and balanced.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Put the glass noodles in a bowl and cover with just-boiled water. Leave for 6 to 8 minutes until pliable, then drain well.
  2. While the noodles soak, thinly slice the garlic, cut the carrot into fine matchsticks, shred the cabbage, and slice the spring onions (keep the green tops separate for finishing). In a small bowl, stir together the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, caster sugar and toasted sesame oil.
  3. Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add the prawns and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until they are just turning pink, then push them to one side.
  4. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the eggs and scramble briefly until softly set.
  5. Add the carrot and cabbage and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the drained noodles and the sauce, then toss continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and the prawns are cooked through.
  6. Stir through the spring onion whites for 30 seconds, then take off the heat and scatter over the green tops. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Drain the noodles very well so the sauce clings properly and the stir-fry stays glossy rather than watery.
  • Keep the wok hot and toss constantly once the noodles go in; this helps the sauce reduce slightly and coat everything evenly.
  • If serving anyone who should avoid undercooked eggs, cook the scrambled egg until fully set before adding the vegetables.

Substitutions

  • Replace prawns with shrimp for the same cooking time and texture.
  • Replace caster sugar with palm sugar for a rounder, more caramel-like sweetness.
  • Replace toasted sesame oil with sesame oil for a milder sesame flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in a hot wok or frying pan with a splash of water for 2 to 4 minutes until piping hot; avoid overcooking the prawns.

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

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Allergens:
    Crustaceans Eggs Soybeans
Beginner friendly One pot Kid friendly

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