The charm of Thai cuisine lies in its delicate balance of flavors, and Pad See Ew stands out with its enticing combination of sweet, salty, and smoky notes. Here’s how you can replicate this beloved dish, known for its wide, flat rice noodles, in the comfort of your own kitchen.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Pad See Ew starts with the right ingredients:
- Noodles: Wide rice noodles, soaked for at least an hour in room-temperature water.
- Protein: Sliced chicken, beef, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Vegetables: Chinese broccoli or broccoli rabe, plus an egg.
- Sauce: A mix of dark soy sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
- Seasoning: Garlic and optionally, chili.
2. Prepare the Sauce
The secret to restaurant-style Pad See Ew lies in its sauce:
- Mix 3 tbsp dark soy sauce for color, 2 tbsp regular soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar for balance.
- Whisk until combined. This sauce provides the dish with its characteristic umami-rich taste.
📌 Note: For authenticity, consider using Thai ingredients, but kitchen substitutes can work as well!
3. Master the Wok
The quintessential wok toss gives Pad See Ew its distinctive caramelized edge:
- Heat your wok until it smokes, then add oil.
- Stir-fry garlic until fragrant, then add the protein to cook until it's just done.
- Move the protein to one side, add the egg, and scramble.
- Combine everything and remove to keep warm.
4. Noodle Toss
The noodles need to be cooked just right:
- Reheat the wok with a touch more oil, then add the soaked noodles.
- Pour the sauce over, and toss to coat evenly. The aim is to get the noodles charred in parts for that wok hei or "breath of the wok."
5. Finale Flourish
Add the finishing touches:
- Return the cooked protein and egg to the wok.
- Toss in the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry until just cooked but still crisp.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve immediately to enjoy the noodles at their peak texture.
This dish encapsulates the essence of Thai street food, where the vibrant flavors harmoniously coexist. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if your first attempt isn't flawless. Each cooking session brings you closer to the master chef of Pad See Ew within you!
Can I use different noodles for Pad See Ew?
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While wide rice noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other noodles like lo mein, but the texture will differ.
How do I get the smoky flavor in my Pad See Ew?
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Achieve that smoky essence by ensuring your wok is very hot before cooking, which helps with caramelization. High heat is key!
Can Pad See Ew be made vegetarian or vegan?
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Absolutely! Substitute the meat with tofu or your favorite veggies, and use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce.
