How to Make Sen Yai Noodles (Thai Wide Rice Noodles)
By Sho @ Hungry for Thai
on
Apr 21st 2025 
These homemade Thai wide rice noodles (Sen Yai) are fresh, tender, and perfect for dishes like Pad See Ew, Rad Na, or any Thai-style stir-fry. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see how easy and satisfying it is to make fresh noodles from scratch!
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Table of Contents
If you’ve ever had a sizzling plate of Pad See Ew or a comforting bowl of Rad Na, you’ve probably fallen in love with those soft, chewy, wide rice noodles known as Sen Yai (เส้นใหญ่).
The good news? You can totally make homemade Sen Yai noodles right in your kitchen—with just a few pantry staples!
Whether you’re craving that authentic Thai texture or can’t find fresh noodles at your local store, this Thai wide rice noodles recipe is here to save the day. 😊
What You’ll Need
These noodles are naturally gluten-free and made with simple ingredients:
- Rice Flour – This is the main base of your noodle.
- Tapioca Starch – Adds stretch and chewiness.
- Water – Turns the flour into a pourable batter.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps noodles smooth and prevents sticking.
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavor.
You’ll also need:
- A steamer or large pot/wok with a rack
- Flat tray or baking pan that fits in your steamer
- A spatula and brush
Why You’ll Love This Sen Yai Noodles Recipe 🩷
✅ Fresh, chewy texture—just like your favorite Thai street food!
✅ Gluten-free & vegan-friendly
✅ Only a few ingredients needed
✅ Perfect for dishes like Pad See Ew, Rad Na, or stir-fries
There’s something magical about making Thai wide rice noodles from scratch.
Not only do you get that authentic chewy bite, but the satisfaction of crafting your own Sen Yai noodles at home is unbeatable.
Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind!
How to Make Sen Yai Noodles at Home
- Mix rice flour, tapioca starch, and salt. Slowly add water, stirring for about 15 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in oil and let the batter rest for 1 hour.
- Bring water to a boil. Brush oil on the steaming tray or plate.
- Stir batter, pour a thin layer onto the tray, and steam for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Remove tray, brush the sheet with oil, and let cool. Oil the plate where you’ll place the sheet.
- Gently lift the cooled sheet with a spatula and transfer to the oiled plate.
- Steam and stack more sheets—only stack once fully cooled.
- Cut into wide strips. Your homemade Sen Yai noodles are ready to use!
🍽 Recipes Using Sen Yai Noodles
Now that you’ve got your fresh Sen Yai noodles (Thai wide rice noodles) ready, it’s time to turn them into something delicious!
These wide, chewy noodles are super versatile and perfect for soaking up bold, flavorful sauces.
Here are some classic Thai dishes that use Sen Yai noodles:
🍜 Pad Thai with Wide Rice Noodles
Yes, Pad Thai is usually made with thinner rice noodles, but if you’re craving a heartier version, Sen Yai noodles totally work!
The wide noodles grab onto that sweet, tangy tamarind sauce and make this Thai street food favorite extra satisfying.
🍳 Pad See Ew (Stir-Fried Wide Noodles with Soy Sauce)
This is the classic dish made with Sen Yai noodles. Stir-fried with Chinese broccoli, garlic, egg, and your choice of protein, Pad See Ew is savory, smoky, and packed with umami goodness.
It’s one of the most popular ways to enjoy these homemade noodles!
🌶 Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles)
If you like things spicy, you’ll love Drunken Noodles, aka Pad Kee Mao.
These wide rice noodles are stir-fried with chili, garlic, Thai basil, and veggies.
The name might be funny, but the flavors are bold, fiery, and totally addictive.
🥦 Rad Na (Thai Noodles with Gravy)
Rad Na is all about those silky noodles swimming in a thick, savory gravy.
Typically made with Chinese broccoli and your choice of meat or tofu, it’s a cozy, comforting dish where Sen Yai noodles really shine.
Here’s the step-by-step guide to making homemade Thai wide rice noodles (Sen Yai) using a rice flour and tapioca starch blend.
These noodles are soft, chewy, and perfect for all your favorite Thai stir-fries and noodle dishes.
How to Make Sen Yai Noodles (Thai Wide Rice Noodles)
Prep time
1 hours 10 minutes
Cook time
40 minutes
Serves
4
Ingredients
Steps
-
How to Make Sen Yai Noodles:
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In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, and salt. Slowly pour in the water, stirring continuously for about 15 minutes until everything is well blended and smooth.
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Stir in the vegetable oil, then let the batter rest for 1 hour. This helps the starches hydrate and creates a better texture.
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Bring water to a boil in a steamer pot. Lightly brush oil onto your steaming tray or flat plate to prevent sticking.
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Before pouring, always stir the batter first. Pour a thin layer of batter onto your oiled tray. Gently tilt or swirl the tray to spread the batter evenly. You can adjust the thickness based on your preference. Steam with the lid on for 2–3 minutes. When the sheet turns translucent, it’s done!
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Carefully remove the tray and brush the top of the noodle sheet with a little oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool slightly, then brush some oil onto the plate where you’ll place the noodle sheet.
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Once the sheet has cooled, use a spatula to gently lift and peel the noodle sheet from the tray. Place it onto the oiled plate.
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Continue steaming and layering until all the batter is used up. Just remember: only stack the sheets once they’ve cooled completely. Stacking them while hot can cause them to stick together.
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Once cooled, use an oiled knife to cut the noodle sheets into wide strips. Your fresh Thai Sen Yai noodles are now ready to stir-fry, toss in sauce, or enjoy however you like!
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Tips
- Stir the batter each time before pouring—it tends to settle.
- A thin, even layer gives you the most authentic noodle texture.
- Want thicker noodles? Just pour a bit more batter per tray.
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