Pad See Ew with Pork – Soft Noodles in Rich Soy Sauce Flavor

Many home cooks struggle to replicate the authentic flavor of Pad See Ew with Pork, often ending up with soggy noodles or unbalanced seasoning. The secret to this beloved Thai dish lies in achieving soft yet slightly charred noodles with tender pork and a rich soy sauce flavor. By following a detailed recipe and using proper stir-frying techniques, anyone can create authentic Pad See Ew with Pork at home. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and expert tips to ensure your homemade stir-fried noodles match the taste of Thai street food favorites.

What Makes Pad See Ew with Pork Unique?

Pad See Ew is a classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish known for its wide rice noodles, tender meat, and slightly smoky flavor. The “rich soy sauce flavor” is achieved by combining light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce, creating a balance of sweet, salty, and savory tastes. Unlike Pad Thai, Pad See Ew focuses on the depth of sauce coating each noodle strand, offering a comforting and hearty meal. Pork is a popular choice due to its tenderness and ability to absorb the flavorful sauce, making this dish a favorite in Thai cuisine.

Ingredients for Soft Noodles in Rich Soy Sauce Flavor

Main Ingredients

250g fresh wide rice noodles (sen yai)
200g pork loin or shoulder, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped
1/2 cup carrot slices (optional)

Sauces and Seasonings

1 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp white pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Pad See Ew with Pork

Follow these steps to achieve authentic Pad See Ew with soft noodles and rich soy sauce flavor:

Soak the fresh wide rice noodles in warm water for 5–10 minutes to loosen them, then drain.
Heat a wok over high heat and add vegetable oil.
Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add sliced pork and stir-fry until the meat is nearly cooked.
Push pork to the side and crack in eggs, scrambling lightly before mixing with the pork.
Add the drained noodles and stir to combine, spreading them evenly across the wok for slight char.
Add Chinese broccoli and carrots, stir-frying briefly to keep vegetables tender-crisp.
Pour in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Toss well to coat noodles evenly.
Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat when noodles are soft with a hint of wok char.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional soy sauce or chili flakes.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Pad See Ew with Pork

Use high heat to quickly stir-fry ingredients and develop wok aroma.
Do not overcrowd the wok; cook in batches if necessary.
Fresh wide rice noodles provide the best texture, but soaked dried noodles work as well.
Slice pork thinly to ensure it cooks evenly and remains tender.
Adjust the balance of light and dark soy sauce for desired color and depth of flavor.

Healthier Variations of Pad See Ew with Pork

Homemade Pad See Ew allows control over ingredients, making it healthier than some restaurant versions. You can use lean pork cuts, add more vegetables like bok choy or spinach, and reduce oil for a lighter version. The combination of wide rice noodles and vegetables provides a balanced meal, and making the sauce from scratch avoids unnecessary additives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pad See Ew

Can I substitute pork with chicken or tofu?

Yes, chicken or tofu works well as a protein alternative. Adjust cooking time to ensure the substitute is properly cooked.

How can I achieve soft yet slightly charred noodles?

Spread the noodles across the hot wok and allow them to lightly sear before stirring. This gives a soft texture with a subtle char flavor.

Where can I find authentic sauces for Pad See Ew?

Asian supermarkets carry light and dark soy sauce as well as oyster sauce. For reference on Thai sauces, visit Serious Eats.

Final Thoughts on Cooking Pad See Ew with Pork at Home

Pad See Ew with Pork – Soft Noodles in Rich Soy Sauce Flavor is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be easily made at home with the right ingredients and technique. By mastering the stir-fry process and using fresh noodles, tender pork, and the perfect soy sauce mix, you can enjoy authentic Thai street food anytime. With these detailed instructions and tips, your homemade Pad See Ew will impress family and friends with its savory, satisfying taste and irresistible wok aroma.