Authentic Thai Pad See Ew Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g flat wide rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 200g chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup of Chinese broccoli, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Optional: Chili flakes, to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft, then drain.
  2. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until they are cooked through.
  5. Push the chicken and garlic to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble them until cooked.
  6. Add the chopped Chinese broccoli to the pan and stir-fry until it's just wilted.
  7. Add the drained rice noodles to the pan and toss everything together.
  8. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Pour this sauce over the noodles and toss to coat.
  9. Stir the cornstarch and water mixture, then pour it over the noodles. Toss again to coat everything in the sauce.
  10. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  11. Optional: Sprinkle with chili flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Wok - A large, deep, and round-bottomed cooking pan traditionally used in Asian cuisine.
  • Frying Pan - A flat-bottomed pan with low sides, suitable for stir-frying and frying.
  • Knife - A sharp blade used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
  • Spatula - A flat utensil with a broad, flexible blade used for flipping and stirring ingredients.
  • Tongs - A tool with two long arms and a joint, used for gripping and handling hot ingredients.
  • Whisk - A utensil with a handle and wire loops used for mixing and beating ingredients.
  • Bowl - A round, deep dish used for mixing ingredients or serving the final dish.
  • Small Bowl - A smaller bowl used for mixing sauces or preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in specific quantities.
  • Measuring Spoons - Tools used for accurately measuring small quantities of ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the chicken with beef, pork, or shrimp.
  • Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
  • Try different greens like bok choy or kale instead of Chinese broccoli.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili flakes.
  • Include other seasonings like fish sauce or sesame oil for added flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles such as udon or soba.
  • Add garnishes like chopped green onions or cilantro.
  • For a healthier option, use whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles.
  • Include other protein sources like tofu puffs or seitan.

Recipe overview

Pad See Ew, a popular Thai street food dish, is an easy-to-make recipe with a tantalizing mix of sweet and savory flavors. This dish is made with flat wide rice noodles stir-fried in a wok with chicken, Chinese broccoli, and eggs, all coated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar and vinegar. If you love a bit of heat, finish off the dish with a sprinkle of chili flakes. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to impress anyone who enjoys Asian cuisine. Within 30 minutes, you'll have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table. Get ready to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of flat wide rice noodles? Yes, you can substitute flat wide rice noodles with other types of noodles such as wide egg noodles or even linguine.
  2. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Absolutely! You can use beef, shrimp, tofu, or even a combination of different proteins based on your preference.
  3. What can I use as a substitute for Chinese broccoli? If you cannot find Chinese broccoli, you can substitute it with regular broccoli florets or even bok choy.
  4. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish? Yes, you can omit the chicken and use tofu or just load up on vegetables to make it a vegetarian-friendly Pad See Ew.
  5. Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the amount of chili flakes according to your taste.
  6. Can I make Pad See Ew in advance? While it's best to enjoy Pad See Ew immediately after cooking, you can make it in advance and reheat it. Keep in mind that the noodles may become softer when reheated.
  7. Can I freeze leftovers? Pad See Ew is best enjoyed fresh and may not freeze well due to the noodles' texture. It is recommended to consume the dish when freshly made.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A large, round-bottomed cooking pan used for stir-frying and tossing the noodles.
  • Frying Pan - An alternative to a wok, it can be used for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Knife - Used for slicing the chicken breast and chopping the Chinese broccoli.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Spatula - Essential for stirring and tossing the noodles and other ingredients in the pan.
  • Tongs - Useful for handling and flipping the chicken slices while stir-frying.
  • Small Bowl - Used for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
  • Whisk - Helps to combine the cornstarch and water mixture smoothly.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the precise amounts of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and vinegar.
  • Optional: Chili Flakes Shaker - If you like a bit of spice, a shaker filled with chili flakes can be used to sprinkle over the finished dish.

Origin stories

Pad See Ew, a classic Thai street food dish, literally translates to "stir-fried with soy sauce". This dish finds its origins in China, but has been adapted and embraced by the Thai people to become a staple part of their cuisine. What makes it particularly beloved is its simplicity and the contrasting textures and flavors - the chewy noodles, the crunchy greens, the tender chicken or pork, and the savory-sweet sauce. While Pad Thai might be internationally known, many Thais hold Pad See Ew close to their hearts as a comfort food. It's a versatile dish, too - you can find it at roadside stalls in bustling Bangkok, in high-end Thai restaurants, and in homes all across the country. It's fascinating to think, when you're stirring up that sauce or flipping those noodles in your pan, that you're participating in a culinary tradition that spans many decades and miles, from China to Thailand, and now to your kitchen.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.