Pad See Ew is one of those comforting dishes that instantly brings a smile to your face. With its chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and savory, slightly sweet sauce, this classic Thai stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook Pad See Ew at home—from the ingredients to the cooking techniques—using simple, easy-to-follow steps. Let’s get started on your culinary journey to making a delicious plate of Pad See Ew!
What is Pad See Ew?
Pad See Ew is a popular Thai street food that is both satisfying and full of flavor. The dish features wide rice noodles stir-fried with your choice of protein (often chicken, pork, beef, or tofu), Chinese broccoli (or other greens), and a sweet-savory sauce. The sauce is typically made with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, giving it that unique balance of flavors that make Pad See Ew so irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. You can easily find most of these items in your local grocery store or Asian market:
- Wide rice noodles: About 200-250 grams. Fresh noodles work best, but you can also use dried noodles—just soak them in warm water until softened.
- Protein of your choice: 200-250 grams of chicken, pork, beef, or firm tofu, sliced thinly.
- Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan): 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces. If you can’t find Chinese broccoli, you can substitute with regular broccoli or bok choy.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced.
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons for that rich, savory flavor.
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (use light soy sauce for saltiness).
- Dark soy sauce: 1 tablespoon to add a hint of sweetness and color.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste).
- Cooking oil: 2-3 tablespoons. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- Optional: A pinch of white pepper or chili flakes if you like a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preparation is key in any stir-fry recipe. Here’s how to get everything ready:
- Noodles: If you’re using fresh rice noodles, gently separate them into individual strands. For dried noodles, follow the package instructions—usually soaking in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they become soft and pliable.
- Protein: Slice your chosen protein thinly so that it cooks quickly. If you’re using tofu, press it to remove excess water and cut into cubes or slices.
- Vegetables: Wash and trim the Chinese broccoli. Cut into pieces about 2-3 inches long. Mince the garlic finely.
- Eggs: Beat the eggs lightly in a bowl, ready for later use.
Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the stir-frying process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Heat Up Your Pan
Heat a large wok or a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. A hot pan is essential for getting that perfect sear on the noodles and protein.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Protein
Add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Immediately add your sliced protein. Stir-fry the protein until it’s nearly cooked through—about 2-3 minutes for chicken or pork, or slightly less for beef. If you’re using tofu, fry it until the edges are golden.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Once your protein is almost done, add the Chinese broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the greens begin to soften but still retain their vibrant color and crunch.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Now it’s time for the star of the dish—the wide rice noodles! Carefully add the noodles to the wok. Using a gentle but firm tossing motion, mix the noodles with the protein and vegetables. This helps the noodles soak up the flavors from the pan. If the noodles seem dry or stick together, you can add a splash of water or a little more oil.
Step 6: Seasoning Time
In a small bowl, mix the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture over the noodles. Continue to toss and stir-fry the ingredients, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. The dark soy sauce will give the dish its signature color, while the balance of sweet and savory flavors comes through with every bite.
Step 7: Add the Eggs
Push the noodles and other ingredients to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space. Let the eggs sit for about 20 seconds before stirring gently. Once the eggs start to set, mix them in with the noodles. This adds a lovely texture and extra flavor to your Pad See Ew.
Step 8: Final Touches
Keep stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together perfectly. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed—perhaps a little extra soy sauce or a dash of white pepper for a mild kick.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Your Pad See Ew is now ready to be enjoyed! Transfer the dish to a serving plate, and if desired, garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh Chinese broccoli or a squeeze of lime. Serve hot and enjoy the authentic taste of Thai street food in the comfort of your own home.
Tips for the Perfect Pad See Ew
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying works best at high temperatures. Make sure your wok or pan is properly heated before you begin cooking. This helps to achieve the “wok hei” or the slightly charred, smoky flavor that makes the dish so special.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking for a larger group, consider making the dish in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying, which may affect the texture of your noodles.
- Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to experiment with different proteins. While chicken is popular, pork, beef, or even a mix of tofu and vegetables can provide interesting variations.
- Customize Your Sauce: The beauty of Pad See Ew is that it’s very forgiving. Adjust the proportions of soy sauces, oyster sauce, and sugar to match your personal taste. Some like it sweeter, others prefer a bit more salt—so have fun and experiment!
- Practice Makes Perfect: Stir-frying is a skill that improves with practice. The more you cook it, the better you’ll understand the timing and technique required to create a perfectly balanced dish.
Enjoying Pad See Ew with Friends and Family
Cooking Pad See Ew isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about enjoying the process and sharing a delicious meal with the people you care about. Invite your family or friends over and let them join in. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fun cooking session, preparing Pad See Ew together can turn into a memorable experience. Enjoy the aroma, the sizzling sounds from the wok, and, most importantly, the moment when you all sit down to savor a dish made with love and care.
A Journey to Thai Street Food at Home
Pad See Ew is a dish that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Thai street food. It brings together simplicity and bold flavors in one comforting bowl. By following this friendly guide, you’ve taken a step closer to mastering a dish that has delighted food lovers around the world. Not only have you learned how to cook Pad See Ew, but you’ve also discovered how cooking can be a delightful and creative adventure.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced home cook looking for new challenges, making Pad See Ew is a rewarding experience. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and enjoy the process of creating a dish that truly celebrates the essence of Thai cuisine.
Conclusion
Cooking Pad See Ew at home is both an art and a joy. With the right ingredients, a few handy tips, and a bit of practice, you can bring the authentic flavors of Thailand into your kitchen. This dish is a wonderful way to explore Thai culinary traditions in a simple, friendly manner—perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. So, feel free to tweak the recipe, add your own touches, and most importantly, enjoy every step of the process. Now that you know how to cook Pad See Ew, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, fire up the stove, and create a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart. Happy cooking!
Enjoy your homemade Pad See Ew and share the joy of Thai cuisine with everyone around you!
Read more: Thai Noodles Soups
