Authentic Thai Pad Woon Sen: Stir-Fried Glass Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of glass noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 200 grams of chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
  • 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths
  • 1 handful of fresh cilantro leaves

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan and cook until no longer pink.
  5. Add the carrot, bell pepper, and onion to the pan and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Push the chicken and vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix with the chicken and vegetables.
  7. Add the drained glass noodles to the pan along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir-fry until everything is well combined and the noodles are soft.
  8. Add the green onions and cilantro to the pan and stir-fry for another minute.
  9. Remove the pan from heat and serve the Pad Woon Sen hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok will be needed to stir-fry the ingredients.
  • Knife and cutting board - These tools will be needed to mince the garlic, slice the chicken breast, julienne the carrot, and thinly slice the bell pepper and onion.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons will be used to accurately measure the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon - A spatula or wooden spoon will be needed for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Tongs - Tongs can be used to handle and mix the glass noodles and other ingredients in the pan.
  • Strainer - A strainer will be needed to drain the soaked glass noodles.
  • Serving dish and utensils - These will be needed to serve the Pad Woon Sen once it's cooked.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or a combination of your choice.
  • Add different vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn.
  • Include some Thai chili peppers or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Replace the glass noodles with rice noodles or even spaghetti noodles.
  • Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, or peanut sauce.
  • Add some crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
  • Garnish with fresh lime wedges for a tangy twist.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce.
  • Include other herbs such as Thai basil or mint for additional flavor.
  • Try adding pineapple chunks or raisins for a touch of sweetness.

Recipe overview

Pad Woon Sen, known as Thai Glass Noodle Stir-fry, is a beloved dish in Thailand and throughout the world. This dish is renowned for its pleasing combination of textures and flavors. It's a colorful stir-fry of glass noodles with a variety of vegetables, chicken, and eggs, all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s the kind of meal you can enjoy for lunch, dinner, or any time you want a satisfying and flavorful meal. In this recipe, you will learn how to prepare this wonderful dish in your own kitchen. We'll take you through the steps of soaking your glass noodles, stir-frying your ingredients, and combining them with a simple yet delicious sauce. The result is a balanced, flavorful meal that’s packed with protein and vegetables. Get ready to be transported to the streets of Thailand with this delightful Pad Woon Sen recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of glass noodles? Yes, you can substitute glass noodles with other types of noodles like rice noodles or even egg noodles. However, the texture and taste of the dish may vary slightly.
  2. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Certainly! You can use shrimp, beef, pork, or even tofu as a protein substitute. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
  3. Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe? To make a vegetarian or vegan version, you can omit the meat and eggs and instead add more vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas. Substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce.
  4. Can I add additional vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as bok choy, snow peas, or baby corn.
  5. What can I serve Pad Woon Sen with? Pad Woon Sen is often served as a main dish, but you can also pair it with side dishes like spring rolls or Thai spicy salads for a complete meal.
  6. Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding chili flakes or drizzling some hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok is necessary for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for mincing garlic, slicing chicken, and thinly slicing vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula are useful for flipping and stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required for accurately measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
  • Bowls - Bowls are needed for soaking the glass noodles and for serving the final dish.
  • Whisk or fork - A whisk or fork can be used for beating the eggs before adding them to the pan.
  • Serving plates or bowls - Serving plates or bowls are essential for presenting and serving the Pad Woon Sen.

Origin stories

Pad Woon Sen, a delightful stir-fry noodle dish, has its roots in exquisite Thai cuisine. Thai cuisine, renowned for its balance of five fundamental flavors, exhibits the same character in the creation of Pad Woon Sen. Interestingly, the name of this dish translates to "stir-fried glass noodles," with 'Pad' meaning 'stir-fried', 'Woon' meaning 'glass' and 'Sen' meaning 'noodles'. Glass noodles, also known as cellophane noodles, vermicelli or bean thread noodles, are a type of transparent noodle made from starch and water. They are one of the staple ingredients in various Asian countries, each with their unique way of cooking it. In the case of Pad Woon Sen, the noodles are stir-fried with a combination of meat, vegetables, and a sauce that brilliantly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes in each bite. This dish is a testament to the extraordinary symphony of flavors that Thai cuisine is celebrated for, offering a simple yet satisfying dining experience.

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.