Pad See Ew is the beloved Thai stir-fried wide rice noodle dish that'll captivate your taste buds. Originating as affordable street food in Bangkok, it features savory soy-based flavors and a satisfying mix of textures – chewy noodles, crunchy broccoli, and soft scrambled eggs. To make it at home, you'll need just a few simple ingredients like noodles, veggies, protein, and a flavorful sauce. The key is to stir-fry everything over high heat for that authentic taste. Serve it piping hot, maybe with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chili sauce, and you're in for a truly delightful Thai culinary experience. Intrigued to learn more? If you’ve fallen in love with Pad See Ew, you might also want to try your hand at a homemade pad thai recipe. With a similar base of wide rice noodles and savory flavors, pad thai offers a different blend of ingredients like tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar for a sweet and tangy finish. Whether you’re a fan of Pad See Ew or intrigued by the idea of a pad thai recipe, Thai cuisine has a delightful array of dishes to explore.
Key Takeaways
- Pad See Ew is a popular Thai dish featuring wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, and a savory soy-based sauce, originating as affordable street food in Bangkok.
- The dish's key ingredients include rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, protein (chicken, beef, or tofu), and a sauce made with soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.
- Proper preparation techniques, such as soaking the noodles and maintaining high heat during stir-frying, are crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor.
- Pad See Ew can be customized with various toppings and accompaniments, including crushed peanuts, chili sauce, and fresh lime, to enhance the overall culinary experience.
- This dish appeals to both seasoned Thai food enthusiasts and newcomers, offering a satisfying balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, as well as a variety of textures.
History
Pad See Ew, a beloved Thai dish, can be traced back to the early 20th century. It originated as a quick and affordable street food, catering to the daily needs of Bangkok's bustling workforce. The name "Pad See Ew" translates to "stir-fried soy sauce", a nod to the dish's signature savory flavors.
In the early days, Pad See Ew was a simple yet satisfying creation, featuring wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, and a flavorful soy-based sauce. As the dish gained popularity, different regions began to put their own spin on the recipe, incorporating local ingredients and techniques.
Some versions might feature protein like chicken or beef, while others might use a variety of fresh vegetables.
Today, Pad See Ew remains a staple in Thai cuisine, enjoyed by locals and travelers alike. Its versatility, bold flavors, and comforting qualities have made it a beloved dish that continues to captivate the hearts and tastebuds of food enthusiasts around the world.
Recipe
Pad See Ew is a classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish that features wide rice noodles, broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce. The key to a delicious Pad See Ew is achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The wide rice noodles provide a satisfying chewiness, while the broccoli adds a crunchy contrast. The sauce, made from a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, coats the noodles and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, and umami notes.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Push the chicken to the side of the wok, then add the eggs and scramble them, breaking them up as they cook.
Add the broccoli and noodles, then pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Toss everything together, continuously stirring and stir-frying for 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has coated everything evenly.
When cooking Pad See Ew, it's important to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start stir-frying. The process goes quickly, and you'll want to work efficiently to ensure the noodles don't overcook.
Additionally, feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to your personal taste preferences, adding more or less of any of the components to balance the flavors.
Cooking Steps
First, soak the noodles in hot water until they're soft, then drain and set them aside.
Next, stir-fry the noodles with the savory sauce.
Step 1. Soak Noodles in Hot Water
After gathering your ingredients, the next step in preparing the classic Thai dish Pad See Ew is to soak the rice noodles in hot water.
You'll want to use wide, flat rice noodles for this dish, which can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Carefully submerge the noodles in the hot water and let them soak for about 5-10 minutes, until they're pliable and tender but still firm.
Be sure to stir the noodles occasionally to ensure even soaking. Once they've reached the desired texture, drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside, ready to be stir-fried with the other ingredients.
Soaking the noodles ahead of time helps them cook more quickly and evenly when you add them to the wok later on.
With the noodles prepped, you can now move on to the next step of the Pad See Ew cooking process.
Step 2. Drain and Set Aside Noodles
Once the noodles have soaked in the hot water for 5-10 minutes, you'll want to drain them well in a colander. This step is crucial to remove excess moisture from the noodles before cooking.
Gently shake the colander to allow the water to drain off completely. You don't want any lingering water, as it can cause the noodles to steam and become soggy during the stir-fry process.
With the noodles nicely drained, you can now set them aside, ready to be added to the wok or pan later. Make sure to keep the noodles close by, as you'll need to add them in quickly once the other ingredients are prepped and the wok is ripping hot.
Having the noodles ready to go will ensure a smooth, efficient cooking process. Remember, timing is key when making Pad See Ew, so keeping those drained noodles nearby is an important step in the recipe.
Step 3. Stir-Fry Noodles With Sauce
With the noodles prepped and ready, you can now move on to the stir-fry process.
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the marinated chicken (or your protein of choice) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Be sure to keep the ingredients moving in the pan to prevent burning.
Now, add the sauce mixture you prepared earlier and toss everything together. Let the sauce come to a simmer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4. Add Chinese Broccoli
Next, add the Chinese broccoli to the wok. You'll want to add it in batches, stirring and cooking each batch for 1-2 minutes before adding the next.
The Chinese broccoli will quickly wilt down as it cooks. Be sure to keep the broccoli moving in the wok so it doesn't burn.
Once all the broccoli is in, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until it's tender but still bright green. The broccoli should retain a slight crunch.
If the broccoli seems to be drying out, you can add a splash of the sauce from the noodles to the wok to keep it moist. Make sure to get the broccoli evenly coated in the sauce. This will help infuse it with the savory, umami flavors.
Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, you can move on to the final step of adding the cooked noodles back to the wok.
Step 5. Toss in Scrambled Eggs
Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk them together until well combined. This scrambled egg mixture will add a lovely, soft texture and golden color to your Pad See Ew.
Next, heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. When the oil is hot, pour in the whisked eggs. Use a spatula to gently push and fold the eggs as they cook, creating soft, fluffy curds.
Be careful not to overcook the eggs – you want them to remain moist and tender.
Once the eggs are just set, push them to the side of the wok. Add the cooked noodles, broccoli, and sauce. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld.
The scrambled eggs will now be distributed throughout the dish, adding richness and creaminess in every bite. Serve your Pad See Ew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of white pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai dish that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
You'll find yourself craving the interplay of the savory soy sauce, the slight bitterness of the Chinese broccoli, and the satisfying chewiness of the wide rice noodles.
Additionally, cooking at home allows you to explore sustainable and healthy ingredients, similar to the benefits of mushroom coffee, which can enhance your overall well-being.
Don't be intimidated by the thought of stir-frying – with a little practice, you'll master the technique and be able to whip up this authentic Thai classic at home.
Remember to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, as the cooking process moves quickly.
Serve it piping hot, maybe with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chili sauce for an extra kick.
Whether you're a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or a newcomer to the cuisine, Pad See Ew is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Type of Rice Noodle to Use for Pad See Ew?
When making this dish, you'll want to use wide, flat rice noodles. They have a great texture that absorbs the flavors beautifully. Avoid thin vermicelli-style noodles, as they won't provide the same satisfying bite.
Can I Substitute Chicken or Beef for the Pork in the Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute chicken or beef for the pork in the recipe. The dish will still turn out great, and you can choose whichever protein you prefer or have on hand.
How Do I Prevent the Noodles From Sticking Together During Cooking?
To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a bit of oil or sauce after cooking, and don't overcrowd the pan. Stir the noodles frequently during cooking to keep them separated.
Is Pad See Ew a Spicy Dish, and Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
No, pad see ew is not inherently a spicy dish. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili peppers or spicy sauce. This allows you to customize the heat to your personal preference.
What Are Some Common Accompaniments or Side Dishes Served With Pad See Ew?
Typical accompaniments for this stir-fried dish include steamed rice, a side salad, and Thai chili sauce. You can also serve it with grilled chicken, beef, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Somsak is the master of Thai street food, bringing Thailand’s fresh and aromatic flavors to your kitchen. His specialties include tangy som tam (papaya salad), savory pad Thai, and creamy green curry. Somsak’s dishes balance the perfect combination of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.
