Pad See Ew Recipe
If you’ve ever been enchanted by the rich, smoky flavors of Thai street food, Pad See Ew recipe should be on your culinary bucket list. This dish combines wide rice noodles, vibrant veggies, and savory sauces for a meal that’s equal parts satisfying and comforting. Easy to make at home, Pad See Ew is a perfect dinner idea that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.
A Brief History of Pad See Ew Recipe:
Pad See Ew, which translates to “stir-fried soy sauce noodles,” originates from Thailand but has roots in Chinese cuisine. Influenced by Chinese immigrants in Southeast Asia, it incorporates stir-frying techniques and soy sauce as a dominant seasoning. Over time, Thai chefs adapted the dish to include local flavors, making it a quintessential item in Thai cuisine. Known for its slightly charred aroma and balanced sweet-salty profile, Pad See Ew is a staple on street food menus across Thailand.
Pad See Ew Recipe
Equipment
- Wok or large nonstick frying pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (light)
- 1½ tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Stir-Fry:
- 200g wide rice noodles (fresh or dried, soaked per package instructions)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 200g chicken, pork, or tofu (sliced thinly)
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the SauceIn a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Cook the ProteinHeat your wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the chicken, pork, or tofu until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Scramble the EggsIn the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Crack the eggs directly into the pan, scrambling them lightly. Cook until just set, then push them to the side of the wok.
- Stir-Fry the Garlic and VegetablesAdd the minced garlic and Chinese broccoli to the wok. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften but remains crisp.
- Add the NoodlesToss in the soaked rice noodles and give them a quick stir to combine with the vegetables. Add the cooked protein back to the pan.
- Incorporate the SaucePour the prepared sauce over the noodles, stirring continuously to coat everything evenly. Use the spatula or tongs to separate any clumps of noodles. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly for that signature smoky flavor.
- Serve and EnjoyRemove from heat and plate your Pad See Ew while it’s hot. Serve it as is or with chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Video
Similar Recipes You Might Like:
Pad Thai: A sweet and tangy noodle dish with peanuts and tamarind sauce.
Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): Spicy stir-fried noodles with Thai basil and chili.
Beef Chow Fun: A Cantonese-style noodle stir-fry with beef and bean sprouts.
Yaki Udon: Japanese stir-fried udon noodles with a savory soy-based sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pad See Ew Recipe:
1. What are wide rice noodles, and where can I find them?
Wide rice noodles are flat, chewy noodles made from rice flour. You can find them fresh or dried at Asian grocery stores or online.
2. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of light and dark soy sauce?
Yes, but combining light and dark soy sauces adds depth of flavor and the signature color.
3. What’s the best substitute for Chinese broccoli?
Broccolini or regular broccoli works as substitutes, though they may lack the same slight bitterness.
4. Can Pad See Ew be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use tofu as the protein and substitute mushroom sauce for oyster sauce.
5. How do I avoid mushy noodles?
Soak dried noodles per the package instructions and avoid over-soaking. Fresh noodles are more forgiving.
6. What gives Pad See Ew its smoky flavor?
High-heat stir-frying and caramelizing the sauce in the wok create the smoky essence.
7. Can I make Pad See Ew gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. Check your noodle ingredients, too.
8. Why did my noodles stick to the wok?
Insufficient oil or not pre-soaking the noodles can cause sticking. Use a well-heated wok with enough oil.
9. Can I make Pad See Ew ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat in a pan.
10. What’s the difference between Pad Thai and Pad See Ew?
Pad Thai is sweeter, uses tamarind sauce, and often includes peanuts. Pad See Ew is savory with a smoky soy sauce base.
Conclusion:
Pad See Ew is more than just a dish—it’s a taste of Thailand’s vibrant street food culture. With its perfect balance of smoky, salty, and slightly sweet flavors, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving an exotic culinary experience. Try it out, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite across the globe!
YouTube Video Credits:
RecipeTin Eats
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