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Pad See Ew: A Taste of Thai Comfort with Stir Fried Noodles

If you’re seeking a culinary journey that beautifully blends sweet, salty, and umami flavours, look no further than Pad See Ew. This cherished dish from Thailand has won the hearts of many with its thick rice noodles, robust seasonings, and a delightful mix of meat and vegetables. Here’s everything you need to know about this delectable dish.

What is Pad See Ew?

Pad See Ew, pronounced "pat say oo," translates to "stir-fried soy sauce," and is a popular street food in Thailand. It typically consists of wide rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, creating a rich and deep flavour profile. This dish is not only a staple in Thai cuisine but has also gained traction among food lovers around the world, often featured in Thai restaurants across the UK.

Key Ingredients

The heart of Pad See Ew lies in its ingredients, which work in harmony to create a delectable meal. Key components include:

1. Wide Rice Noodles: Also known as "sen yai," these flat noodles have a chewy texture that holds up well during stir-frying.
2. Soy Sauce: A combination of dark and light soy sauce is used to impart a rich colour and savoury taste.
3. Protein: Common choices include chicken, beef, or prawns, often marinated for additional flavour.
4. Vegetables: Chinese broccoli (or gai lan) is the traditional vegetable used, adding a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
5. Egg: Stir-fried in at the end, it adds creaminess and enriches the overall texture of the dish.

Preparation Method

Pad See Ew is characterised by its high-heat cooking method, which imparts a lovely charred flavour to the noodles, known in Thai as "wok hei". The preparation typically follows these steps:

1. Blanch the Noodles: The rice noodles are first blanched briefly to soften them, ensuring they don’t stick during stir-frying.

2. Stir-Fry: In a hot wok or frying pan, oil is heated until smoking, and the protein is added first. Once cooked, the chopped vegetables follow, quickly stir-frying until they are just tender.

3. Add Noodles and Sauce: Finally, the noodles, eggs, and a generous splash of both dark and light soy sauce are added to the wok, tossed together until evenly coated and heated through.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Pad See Ew is best enjoyed immediately, often garnished with a sprinkling of chilli flakes for those who like an extra kick.

A Versatile Dish

One of the appealing aspects of Pad See Ew is its versatility. While the traditional recipe remains highly popular, it’s easy to adapt to suit different dietary preferences. For a vegetarian or vegan option, tofu can be used as the protein, and a variety of vegetables can be substituted or added according to availability and season.

Pairing and Presentation

Pad See Ew is often served with lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to add a touch of acidity that brightens the dish. It pairs well with Thai iced tea or a refreshing beer, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

Whether you’re enjoying it from a bustling street vendor in Thailand or at a comforting eatery in the UK, Pad See Ew stands out as a symbol of Thai culinary tradition. With its satisfying flavours and textures, this dish has solidified its place in the hearts of many, proving that sometimes, the simplest meals can leave the most lasting impressions. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a hearty and delicious meal, consider giving Pad See Ew a try – you might just find a new favourite!