ad See Ew is a popular Thai street food featuring wide rice noodles stir-fried in a blazing hot wok. I create this authentic recipe balancing sweet and savory flavors with fresh protein of your choice. The dish includes crisp Chinese broccoli and silky eggs, all glazed in a rich dark soy sauce. As a result, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Thai noodles in just 20 minutes without leaving home.
In This Post
Recipe
What Makes This Special
Night Market Pad See Ew
Sawasdee Kha, and Hello
My first memory of Pad See Ew was with my mom and dad. Perhaps you have similar food memories from childhood. We walked through the night market in Korat together. Meanwhile, vendors cooked noodles on blazing woks. You can almost smell the aromas, can't you? At home, I would eagerly climb onto a small stool beside my mother. From this perch, I watched her hands work magic with the ingredients. Many of us learn cooking this way - from someone we love. Therefore, this recipe connects us through shared experiences. As a result, you're not just making noodles, but continuing a tradition.
Visual Guide: Making Pad See Ew Step by Step
What You'll Need: Pad See Ew Essentials
This authentic Pad See Ew features wide rice noodles, vegetable oil, and minced garlic as its base. First, you select chicken, beef, or tofu for protein. Then, you add eggs for richness. Meanwhile, Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan) adds fresh crunch. Consequently, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce create depth. Finally, sugar balances flavors, while white pepper adds subtle heat.
1. Preparing Your Pad See Ew Ingredients
Before heating your wok, prepare all the components for your Thai stir-fried noodles: slice chicken into thin strips, chop Chinese broccoli (separating stems from leaves), mince garlic, and mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in a small bowl. This preparation ensures your Thai stir-fried noodles cook quickly and efficiently once your wok is hot.
2 Prepare the Noodles
First, hydrate your rice noodles properly. Thus, soak dried noodles in warm water for 8-10 minutes. As a result, they become pliable yet firm. Therefore, drain thoroughly. Meanwhile, separate fresh noodles gently with your fingers.
3. Create Your Aromatic Base
First, heat your wok over high heat. Then, add oil to coat the surface. Next, stir-fry minced garlic for 30 seconds. Consequently, the garlic releases fragrant oils. Therefore, watch carefully to prevent burning.
3. Cook the Chicken
Now, add your chosen protein to the wok. Then, spread it evenly across the hot surface. Meanwhile, stir-fry continuously for 2-3 minutes. Therefore, meat changes color yet remains juicy. Alternatively, tofu develops a golden exterior.
4. Incorporate Vegetables and Noodles
The Chinese broccoli stems are added first, requiring more cooking time. Then, the leaves are added, ensuring they cook evenly and retain their vibrant color and texture.
5. Add the Eggs
Shift the garlic to one side of the wok and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until they are just set, then combine them with the garlic, infusing the dish with the rich flavors of both ingredients for a perfectly balanced Pad See Ew experience.
6. Incorporate Vegetables and Noodles
First, drizzle all sauces over the noodles. Then, sprinkle sugar evenly. Afterward, toss continuously for 3-5 minutes. Finally, add white pepper to taste. Now, transfer to serving plates while hot. Therefore, serve with lime wedges and chili flakes. As a result, you create perfect flavor balance.
Classic Pad See Ew: Essential Thai Noodle Dish
Ingredients
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles fresh or dried
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces chicken beef, or tofu, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 cups Chinese broccoli Gai Lan, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Ground white pepper to taste
Optional garnishes:
- Fresh lime wedges
- Ground chili pepper or chili flakes
- Additional sugar and soy sauce at the table for personal seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water for about 8-10 minutes or until they are soft but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside. If using fresh noodles, separate them gently and set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add your choice of protein: (chicken, beef, or tofu) if using, and stir-fry until just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Eggs: Push the ingredients to the side of the skillet/wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the center and scramble until set but still moist.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for another minute until the greens start to wilt. Toss in the pre-soaked or fresh noodles, spreading them out to cover the surface of the pan for even cooking.
- Season: Pour the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar over the noodles. Stir well to combine and evenly distribute the sauces. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until the noodles are tender and well coated in sauce.mSeason with white pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates immediately. Serve hot with optional garnishes like lime wedges and a sprinkle of chili pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
Video
Notes
- High heat is key: Cook on the highest heat possible to achieve authentic "wok hei" flavor and slight charring on the noodles.
- Don't overcrowd the wok: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high temperature and prevent steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Have everything prepped: Stir-frying happens quickly—have all ingredients ready and within reach before heating your wok.
- Dark soy sauce matters: It provides both color and slight sweetness that's essential for authentic flavor.
Nutrition
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Pad See Ew recipe stands out because it maintains authentic Thai techniques. It prioritizes achieving true "wok hei" - the smoky essence from high-heat cooking. Unlike many Western adaptations, this version balances sweetness properly. It uses traditional Chinese broccoli rather than substitutes. Many recipes overlook crucial details like proper noodle soaking time. Therefore, your noodles achieve that perfect chewy-yet-tender texture. The specific sauce ratio creates authentic caramelized edges. As a result, you experience true Thai street food flavor at home.
Health Benefits of Homemade Pad See Ew
Making Pad See Ew at home offers significant nutritional advantages over takeout versions. You control the quantity of oil needed for a lighter meal. Chinese broccoli provides essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, you can customize protein based on dietary needs. This recipe adapts easily for special diets too. Use tamari for gluten-free needs or mushroom sauce for vegetarian options. Consequently, you enjoy authentic flavor while maintaining nutritional goals.
Versatile Pairing Suggestions
Main Accompaniments
Pad See Ew pairs beautifully with Thai soups like Tom Yum or Tom Kha. Serve alongside Thai fish cakes for a complete meal. Fresh cucumber salad adds cooling contrast to the rich noodles. Crispy spring rolls complement the soft noodle texture perfectly.
Beverage Pairings
Thai iced tea offers traditional refreshment with this dish. Try cold coconut water for hydration. A light lager beer cuts through the richness effectively. For non-alcoholic options, lemongrass tea provides aromatic balance. Your beverage choice enhances the overall dining experience.
FAQ Section
Can I substitute Chinese broccoli?
Yes, you can replace Chinese broccoli with alternatives. Gai Lan provides authentic flavor. Try broccoli florets as a substitute. Use broccolini for similar texture. For best results, combine spinach and broccoli stems. This combination replicates both leafy and crunchy components, maintaining textural balance.
What's the difference between dark and light soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce offers thickness and sweetness. Light soy sauce provides saltiness. Dark soy creates beautiful caramel color. However, light soy adds flavor without excessive darkening. Both play important roles in the dish. In emergencies, mix regular soy sauce with molasses to approximate dark soy's flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! Replace oyster sauce with mushroom oyster sauce. Use firm tofu instead of meat. You can omit eggs for a vegan version. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms for extra flavor. This maintains rich umami flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian. Everyone can appreciate this classic dish with these simple swaps.
What kind of rice noodles should I use?
Look for wide rice noodles specifically. Check labels for "ho fun" or "sen yai." Find "rice stick noodles - wide" as another option. Fresh noodles from Asian markets work best. Dried wide rice noodles also perform well. Avoid thin rice noodles. Using the right noodles helps maintain authentic texture for restaurant-quality results.
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