How to cook Thai Stir Fried Noodles (Pad See Ew)

Pad See Ew is a popular Thai street food dish that features flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, vegetables, and protein, usually beef, chicken, or tofu. It’s known for its smoky flavor, thanks to the high heat used in the cooking process. Here’s a detailed recipe to make delicious Pad See Ew at home.

Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) in the photo

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces (about 225g) flat rice noodles (thai rice noodles)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 cups broccoli, Chinese broccoli or your choice of vegetables (like bok choy or bell peppers)
• 2 eggs (optional)

For the Protein:

• 8 ounces (about 225g) protein of choice (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu), sliced thinly

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light)
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Soak the Noodles: If you’re using dried flat rice noodles, soak them in warm water for about 30-45 minutes or until softened, then drain. If using fresh noodles, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

2. Make the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Protein

3. Cook the Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced protein and stir-fry until fully cooked (about 3-5 minutes). Remove the cooked protein from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Noodles and Vegetables

4. Stir-Fry the Garlic: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add Vegetables: Add your choice of vegetables (e.g., broccoli or Chinese broccoli) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.

6. Add Noodles: If using fresh noodles, add them directly to the wok. If using soaked dried noodles, add them as well. Stir-fry gently to combine with the vegetables.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Finish

7. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to combine well. Ensure that the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

8. Add Eggs (Optional): Make a well in the center of the stir-fry, crack the eggs into the well, and scramble them. Once scrambled, mix them into the noodles until fully incorporated.

9. Combine Protein: Finally, add the cooked protein back to the wok and stir everything together for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve

10. Plate and Serve: Serve Pad See Ew hot, garnished with extra white pepper or lime wedges if desired.

Tips:

• For that authentic smoky flavor, use a well-seasoned wok and maximize the heat when stir-frying.
• If you can’t find flat rice noodles, you can substitute with wide egg noodles, but the texture and taste will differ.
• Adjust the protein and vegetables based on your preference; Pad See Ew is versatile and can include your favorites!

Enjoy your homemade Pad See Ew, a delicious stir-fried noodle dish that's sure to be a hit with family and friends!