Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai street food dish that features wide rice noodles stir-fried to perfection with a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of protein, often accompanied by vibrant vegetables. Its irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among noodle lovers. The smoky char from high-heat cooking, coupled with the sweet and salty notes of the sauce, creates a dish that is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Pad See Ew recipe because it embodies the essence of Thai cuisine: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a delightful balance of textures. I remember the first time I had Pad See Ew at a bustling night market in Bangkok. The aroma of sizzling noodles and the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables drew me in. Watching the chef expertly toss the ingredients in a hot wok was mesmerizing. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Thai culture and culinary artistry. Now, I bring that same experience to your kitchen, helping you recreate a taste of Thailand right at home.
Tips and Tricks
- Use High Heat: For that signature smoky flavor, make sure your wok or skillet is super hot before adding the oil and ingredients. This will help achieve that coveted “wok hei” (breath of the wok) flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of frying, preventing that beautiful char.
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a quick process, and you won’t want to be scrambling for ingredients mid-cooking.
- Soy Sauce Balance: Use a combination of dark and light soy sauce for depth of flavor. Dark soy sauce adds richness, while light soy sauce provides saltiness.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare several components of Pad See Ew in advance to save time. Chop vegetables and protein ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also cook the noodles in advance and toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. The prepped ingredients will stay fresh and flavorful, making your cooking process quicker and more efficient.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the protein with tofu or an assortment of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas.
- Extra Protein: Add shrimp or beef along with chicken for a mixed protein Pad See Ew.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced Thai chilies or a drizzle of sriracha for added heat.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to switch up the flavor profile.
How to Serve
Serve your Pad See Ew hot off the stove for the best texture and flavor. Garnish with fresh lime wedges, cilantro, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added crunch. Serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or Thai spring rolls for a complete meal. For presentation, consider plating it in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the noodles and veggies to shine.
Pairing Suggestions
Complement your Pad See Ew with a chilled Thai iced tea or a crisp lager that can balance the dish’s richness. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with coconut water or a refreshing mint lemonade. Side dishes like Thai papaya salad or a light soup can round out your meal perfectly.
How to Store
Leftover Pad See Ew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to rehydrate the noodles and prevent them from becoming dry.
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for high-heat cooking and achieving that signature char.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and tossing the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and protein.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Substitute chicken or beef with tofu and use vegan soy sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the rice noodles are certified gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: Omit any nut garnishes and ensure sauces do not contain nuts.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring, consider adding fresh asparagus or snap peas for a seasonal crunch. In the fall, substitute with roasted butternut squash or pumpkin. In winter, a mix of hearty root vegetables like carrots and parsnips can add warmth and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use different noodles?: While wide rice noodles are traditional, you can use other types if needed, but it will change the dish’s texture.
- How long do I cook the noodles?: Follow package instructions for al dente texture, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Can I make Pad See Ew spicy?: Yes! Just add more chilies or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Pad See Ew – Thai Stir Fried Noodles
Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai street food dish that features wide rice noodles stir-fried to perfection with a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of protein, often accompanied by vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
- 10 oz wide rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup protein (chicken, beef, or tofu)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat the Wok: Place a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
- Add Protein: Add your choice of protein and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in Vegetables: Add the broccoli and carrots to the wok, stirring frequently until they are tender but still crisp, about 3 minutes.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the wok. Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sugar. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Plate the dish and garnish with fresh lime wedges, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Enjoy hot!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 279Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 978mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 23g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Pad See Ew is not just about cooking; it’s about embracing the flavors and traditions of Thai cuisine. With this recipe, you’ll not only impress your family and friends but also bring a piece of Thailand into your home. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and remember that cooking is all about love and creativity. Happy cooking!
