Authentic Thai Pad Woonsen - Stir Fried Glass Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

  • 150 grams of woonsen (glass noodles)
  • 200 grams of chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 bunch of spring onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 1 cup of bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the woonsen (glass noodles) in warm water for about 10 minutes until they become soft. Once soft, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until it's fragrant.
  4. Add the chicken slices to the pan and cook until they are no longer pink.
  5. Push the chicken and garlic over to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble them until they're cooked.
  6. Mix the scrambled eggs with the chicken and garlic.
  7. Add in the carrot and bell pepper slices. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they are slightly softened.
  8. Add the drained woonsen to the pan along with the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the noodles are cooked and have absorbed the sauces.
  9. Add in the spring onions, bean sprouts, and white pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top before serving.

Tools for making

  • Wok or Large Pan - This recipe requires a wok or a large pan to stir-fry the ingredients.
  • Knife and Cutting Board - You'll need a knife and a cutting board to slice the chicken breast, mince the garlic, and julienne the carrot.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to accurately measure the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
  • Tongs or Spatula - Tongs or a spatula will come in handy for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Whisk or Fork - You'll need a whisk or a fork to beat the eggs before adding them to the pan.
  • Colander or Strainer - A colander or strainer will be useful for draining the soaked glass noodles.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the chicken with shrimp or thinly sliced beef
  • Use tofu instead of meat for a vegetarian version
  • Add different vegetables such as mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn
  • Include Thai basil or cilantro for added flavor
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy twist
  • Spice it up with some sliced chili peppers or chili flakes
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
  • Experiment with different sauces like sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce
  • Try using different types of noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles
  • Add some crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch

Recipe overview

Pad Woonsen is a flavorful and fragrant stir-fry dish hailing from Thailand. It's composed of woonsen or glass noodles, a lean protein such as chicken, and a medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables. This recipe walks you through creating this dish with a homemade sauce that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and umami flavors for a truly satisfying meal. This dish is not only tasty, but also quick and easy, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. The recipe uses common ingredients found in most pantries and the process is straightforward - you'll be sautéing, stir-frying, and mixing together a beautiful harmony of flavors. In no time, you'll have a delicious meal that's both filling and light. The final result is a colorful, nutritious dish that's sure to impress both visually and taste-wise.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of protein instead of chicken? Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or even a combination of different proteins.
  2. Can I add more vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can customize the vegetable combination according to your preference. Some popular additions include mushrooms, snow peas, baby corn, or cabbage.
  3. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Pad Woonsen by omitting the meat and eggs, and using vegetable-based oyster sauce and soy sauce alternatives.
  4. What can I use as a substitute for woonsen (glass noodles)? If you don't have woonsen, you can use rice noodles or even spaghetti as a substitute.
  5. Is this dish spicy? The base recipe is not spicy, but if you prefer some heat, you can add chili flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.
  6. Can I make this dish ahead of time? It is best to serve Pad Woonsen fresh, as the noodles can become mushy if prepared too far in advance. However, you can pre-chop the ingredients to save time.
  7. What can I serve with Pad Woonsen? Pad Woonsen is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of Thai chili sauce or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
  8. Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sauces and seasonings according to your personal preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A large, round-bottomed cooking pan with high sides, ideal for stir-frying the ingredients.
  • Kitchen tongs - Used for flipping and tossing the ingredients in the wok during the cooking process.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp, versatile knife for slicing the chicken breast, garlic, and vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for safely chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Medium-sized saucepan - To soak the woonsen (glass noodles) in warm water.
  • Strainer - To drain the soaked woonsen after soaking.
  • Measuring spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
  • Serving plates or bowls - To present and serve the Pad Woonsen dish.

Origin stories

Pad Woonsen, also known as Thai glass noodle stir fry, has its roots firmly planted in the flavorful culinary traditions of Thailand. This dish's magic lies in its simplicity and versatility, reflecting the Thai ideology of making the most out of available local ingredients. Glass noodles, the star ingredient, were introduced to Thailand through Chinese migration, and over time, they became a popular element in Thai cuisine. The Thai people adapted these translucent noodles into their cooking, creating dishes like Pad Woonsen that beautifully merge the robust flavors of Thai herbs and sauces with the delightful chewy texture of the noodles. The dish's brilliant harmony of flavors showcases the Thai culinary ethos of balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes, making every bite a delight. So each time you whip up a plate of Pad Woonsen, remember, you're not just making a meal, you're conjuring a piece of Thailand's rich and diverse culinary heritage right in 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.