Easy & Authentic Pad See Ew Recipe: Thai Stir-Fried Noodles at Home
Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai street food dish, celebrated for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. This easy Pad See Ew recipe brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen, allowing you to create this delicious stir-fry in just 25 minutes. Made with wide rice noodles, tender broccolini, and a perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce, this dish is a fantastic alternative to takeout and can be easily customized to your preferences.
When discussing iconic Thai noodle dishes, Pad Thai and Pad See Ew are consistently at the forefront. While both feature flat rice noodles as their base, the key difference lies in their sauces. Pad Thai delivers a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sour profile, whereas Pad See Ew offers a more robust, savory, and subtly sweet taste.
To replicate that authentic takeout flavor in your homemade Pad See Ew, the secret is high heat. Cooking at high temperatures creates that desirable slightly charred, smoky essence that defines the dish. Don’t be afraid to crank up the heat and get your wok or skillet screaming hot!
This recipe showcases a meat-free version of Pad See Ew, but feel free to add your preferred protein. Consider tender strips of chicken, thinly sliced beef, succulent shrimp, or cubed tofu for a heartier meal. The possibilities are endless!
What Makes This Pad See Ew Special?
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with a handful of readily available ingredients.
- Authentic Thai Flavors: Experience the true taste of Thailand with every bite.
- Fresh and Healthy: Loaded with nutritious broccolini and protein-packed scrambled eggs.
- Perfectly Balanced: Savory-sweet sauce coats tender stir-fried rice noodles for an irresistible flavor combination.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your choice of protein or vegetables.
- Aromatic and Delicious: Enjoy piping hot with a squeeze of fresh lime for a burst of citrusy freshness.
Pad See Ew Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to amazing Pad See Ew lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Pad See Ew Sauce:
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami base, while allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Oyster Sauce: A crucial ingredient that adds a complex savory-sweet depth of flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Introduces a sour note, balancing the sweet and savory elements.
- White Sugar: Counters the saltiness and acidity, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Fish Sauce: Adds umami, saltiness, and a distinct Thai flavor, contributing to the dish’s authentic taste.
For the Pad See Ew Noodles:
- Noodles: Traditionally, Pad See Ew uses Sen Yai, fresh wide rice noodles prized for their chewy texture. However, if these are hard to find, dry rice noodles or even Pad Thai noodles are excellent substitutes.
- Broccolini: While Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan or Kai Lan) is the most authentic choice, broccolini is a readily available and delicious alternative. Sliced lengthwise, it cooks quickly and remains tender. You can also substitute with regular broccoli florets, bok choy, or baby spinach.
- Eggs: Add protein, richness, and flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
See the detailed recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and full instructions.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pad See Ew
As with all stir-fries, quick cooking is essential. Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Unlike some stir-fries where everything is added to the pan at once, we’ll cook in stages. This helps the noodles caramelize perfectly without breaking from excessive tossing.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
- Cook the Rice Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package directions until they are tender but slightly firm. Drain the noodles well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Garlic and Broccolini: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 15 seconds), being careful not to burn it. Add the broccolini and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
Pro Tip: Use the “sizzle test” to check if your oil is hot enough before adding the garlic. Dip the end of a wooden chopstick into the oil; if bubbles form around it, it’s ready.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the cooked broccolini and garlic to one side of the pan. Add the lightly beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Fold the eggs into the broccolini mixture, then transfer everything to a plate. Wipe the skillet clean to prepare for the noodles.
- Caramelize the Noodles: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the cooked rice noodles and prepared sauce. Gently toss to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce, then cook until they are lightly caramelized, allowing for a slightly charred flavor.
Pro Tip: Fresh rice noodles are delicate and can break easily if handled roughly. Gently toss or push the noodles inward, and avoid using utensils with sharp edges that can easily cut through the noodles. Cooking chopsticks or tongs work well, but you can also use a wooden spoon or even two forks to gently lift and turn the noodles in the pan.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked broccolini and eggs to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice for added zest.
For a complete takeout-inspired feast, serve this Pad See Ew with sesame chicken egg rolls and Thai coconut sticky rice with mango.
Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Pad See Ew
- Wok Temperature: Ensure your wok or skillet is scorching hot before adding ingredients. Achieving that coveted “wok hei” flavor (the breath of the wok) is all about searing heat and quick caramelization.
- No Wok? No Problem!: A large nonstick skillet works just as well. Ensure it’s large enough to prevent overcrowding.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give your ingredients space to breathe. Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming instead of frying, resulting in soggy noodles and vegetables.
- Keep it Moving: Stir-frying demands constant movement. Toss the ingredients continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make it Your Own: While this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, feel free to incorporate sliced beef, chicken, pork, or shrimp. Tofu is another delicious vegetarian option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pad See Ew
To prevent rice noodles from sticking together, rinse them under cold water after cooking to remove excess starch. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the wok to avoid diluting the sauce.
If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with a combination of soy sauce and a small amount of hoisin sauce or fish sauce for a similar flavor profile. You could also try using vegetarian oyster sauce, which is made from mushrooms and other plant-based ingredients. Note that the taste may vary.
Absolutely! Customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Common options include snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, and bok choy.
Ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Thailand into your kitchen? Share your culinary creations on social media and let us know how your homemade Pad See Ew turned out. Happy cooking!
Explore More Asian Noodle Dish Recipes
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- Drunken Noodles with Chicken
- Quick Chicken Chow Mein
- Easy Pad Thai with Chicken
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Thai Chicken Pasta Salad
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Pad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe
Kelly Senyei