Pad See Ew Recipe: A Delicious and Authentic Thai Street Food Dish
Are you craving a taste of Thailand? Look no further than Pad See Ew, a beloved Thai street food dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This stir-fried noodle dish is known for its savory-sweet sauce, perfectly chewy noodles, and delicious combination of ingredients. Let's dive into this recipe and learn how to recreate this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe yields approximately 2 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- Noodles: 8 oz wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
- Protein: 1 cup protein of your choice (chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or shrimp). Cut into thin strips.
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped. This is essential for authentic Pad See Ew.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color and richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (essential for that umami punch)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste, adjust for sweetness)
- Oil: 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- Garnish: Chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Pad See Ew Technique
1. Preparing the Noodles: If using dried noodles, soak them in warm water for at least 15-20 minutes, or until softened. Drain well. Fresh noodles require less preparation.
2. Stir-frying the Protein and Vegetables: Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the protein and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside. Add the onion and stir-fry until softened. Add the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for a minute or two until slightly tender-crisp.
3. Creating the Magic: The Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. This is your flavorful secret weapon!
4. Combining Everything: Return the protein to the wok. Add the noodles and stir-fry until heated through. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, making sure the noodles are well coated and not sticking together. This is where you develop that perfectly chewy texture.
5. Serving Your Pad See Ew: Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Pad See Ew Perfection
- High Heat: Use high heat for that characteristic stir-fry sizzle and to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.
- Noodle Texture: Don't overcook the noodles! Aim for a slightly chewy texture.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your preference.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of your Pad See Ew.
- Experiment with Protein: Feel free to substitute your favorite protein. Tofu and shrimp are excellent options.
Beyond the Recipe: Exploring the World of Thai Cuisine
Pad See Ew is just the beginning of your Thai culinary adventure. Explore other delicious Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Massaman Curry. Each dish offers a unique flavor profile and a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Thailand.
This detailed recipe, along with helpful tips and suggestions, should enable you to create a delicious and authentic Pad See Ew experience at home. Happy cooking!
