pad see ew recipe
Pad See Ew Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking the Best Thai Stir-Fry Dish
Introduction
Thai cuisine is renowned for its intricate flavor combinations that tantalize your taste buds. One such dish that has gained worldwide popularity is Pad See Ew, a classic Thai stir-fry dish made with wide rice noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and protein of your choice. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cook the best Pad See Ew at home.
Origins of Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew is a popular street food in Thailand and can also be found in most Thai restaurants worldwide. The dish originally hails from China, where it was prepared with thicker noodles and laced with dark soy sauce. When it was introduced in Thailand, it was adapted to local palates by replacing thick noodles with wide rice noodles and substituting dark soy sauce with light soy sauce.
Why You Should Try Making Pad See Ew at Home
Making Pad See Ew at home allows you to customize the dish according to your preference. You can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level based on your liking, and experiment with different meat options. Additionally, cooking Pad See Ew at home is more cost-effective compared to dining out at a Thai restaurant.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s get familiar with the essential ingredients and cooking tools required for making Pad See Ew.
- Wide Rice Noodles: You would need 16 oz of fresh or dried wide rice noodles for this recipe.
- Protein: You can choose between chicken, beef, or tofu as your protein source. You will need about 8 oz of protein.
- Vegetables: You will need garlic, Chinese broccoli, and carrots. You can also add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas for added crunch and flavor.
- Sauce: The components that make up the sauce are oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar.
- Cooking Oil: Use any neutral-flavored oil such as canola or vegetable oil for stir-frying the ingredients.
- Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves and sliced green onions make a perfect garnish for your Pad See Ew.
Apart from the ingredients mentioned above, you would also require a wok or a large skillet to cook your Pad See Ew.
Preparation
- Prepping the Ingredients: Slice the chicken or beef into thin strips. For tofu, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Peel and slice the carrots thinly, chop the garlic cloves finely, and separate the Chinese broccoli stalks from the leaves. Slice both stalks and leaves diagonally into bite-sized pieces.
- Soaking the Noodles: If you are using dried rice noodles, place them in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them. Soak it for about ten minutes until they turn soft but not mushy. Drain them well before stir-frying.
- Marinating the Protein (Optional but Recommended): Marinating chicken or beef with one tablespoon of cornstarch and one tablespoon of light soy sauce for at least ten minutes before cooking helps to tenderize the meat and prevent it from sticking to the wok.
Cooking Pad See Ew
Now that we have prepped all the ingredients let’s get started with the cooking process.
- Preheating the Wok: Place your wok on high heat and add two tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is heated, add your protein of choice. Stir-fry until fully cooked and transfer to a plate.
- Stir-Frying Vegetables and Garlic: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil, followed by chopped garlic, sliced carrots, and Chinese broccoli stalks. Continue stir-frying for about two minutes until they become tender.
- Adding Eggs and Preserved Radish: Push the vegetables to one side of the wok and add two beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked before mixing them with the vegetables. Add diced preserved radish and stir-fry for another thirty seconds.
- Adding Sauce and Noodles: Pour in your sauce mixture over the stir-fried vegetables and mix well. Gently fold in soaked rice noodles using tongs or a spatula until well combined.
- Stir-Frying Until Everything is Well Combined: Continue stir-frying for about three minutes until all the ingredients are coated well with the sauce. Add your cooked protein back into the wok and gently mix with noodles and vegetables.
Your Pad See Ew is now ready to be served!
Variations of Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew can be subject to various modifications based on personal preference.
- Adding Extra Vegetables or Tofu: You can add bok choy, bean sprouts, snow peas, snap peas, and mushrooms to add an extra crunch to your Pad See Ew. You can replace the chicken or beef with tofu to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Increasing Spiciness with Chili Paste or Powder: Thai cuisine is renowned for its spiciness. You can add more chili paste or powder if you love your Pad See Ew hot and spicy.
- Making Seafood Pad See Ew: Replace the chicken or beef with seafood such as squid, shrimp, or crab to make a scrumptious seafood version of Pad See Ew.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
To enhance your dining experience, adding some accompaniments to your Pad See Ew surely elevates the taste.
- Garnishing Your Plate Like a Pro: Chop some fresh cilantro leaves and green onions for the perfect garnish.
- Recommended Side Dishes to Serve With Pads See Ew: Serve your Pad See Ew with Thai signature Tom Yum Soup and som tam salad for a complete Thai meal experience.
Tips on Storing and Reheating
Pad See Ew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Proper Storing of Leftover Pad See Ew: Allow the dish to cool down completely before placing it in a container. Do not store it while still hot as it can cause bacterial contamination.
- Best Practice for Reheating: To reheat, place a portion of Pad See Ew in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or damp paper towel. Microwave it for a minute, stir well and heat it again until it is hot. You can also reheat it in a wok by stir-frying it with a tablespoon of oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use other types of noodles besides wide rice noodles? Pad See Ew requires the use of wide rice noodles to achieve its signature texture. However, you can experiment with other types of noodles to see what type you like best.
- What can I substitute for dark soy sauce? Dark Soy sauce cannot be substituted as it forms the base of the signature flavor of Pad See Ew but substituting chicken broth instead can work in a pinch.
- Can I use premade Pad See Ew sauce instead? Is it recommended? While premade Pad See Ew sauce is available in stores, making the sauce from scratch gives your dish better flavor. Moreover, making your own Pad See Ew sauce ensures that you have control over the quality of ingredients used.
- What type of meat is best for Pad See Ew? While beef and tofu are popular options, chicken is an ideal choice for Pad See Ew as its mild flavor allows the other ingredients’ flavors to shine through.
Conclusion
Making Pad See Ew at home has never been easier with this step-by-step guide. By following the instructions mentioned above, you can prepare Thai street food classic at home. Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients and put your twist on the dish. So, why not grab some ingredients and start cooking Pad See Ew today?
7 Common FAQs About Pad See Ew Recipe
Q: What is pad see ew?
A: Pad See Ew is a classic Thai dish made with wide, flat rice noodles, vegetables, and protein stir-fried in a sweet and savory sauce.
Q: Is pad see ew gluten-free?
A: It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. Check the labels to make sure they are free of wheat and gluten.
Q: What vegetables can I add to pad see ew?
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Snow peas
- Bok choy
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
Q: What kind of protein can I use in pad see ew?
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
- Tofu
- Shrimp
- Squid
Q: Can I make pad see ew ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until ready to use. Add the sauce and protein when ready to serve.
Q: How spicy is pad see ew?
A: Pad see ew is typically not very spicy but it can be adjusted to your taste. Add more or less chili flakes or peppers depending on how spicy you like it.
Q: Is pad see ew healthy?
A: It can be a healthy dish if made with lean protein and lots of vegetables. However, watch the amount of oil and sauce used as they can be high in calories and sodium.
