Shrimp Pad See Ew
Shrimp Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai stir-fried noodle dish with a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile. It combines wide rice noodles, succulent shrimp, fresh Chinese broccoli, and a rich sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar.
“Pad See Ew” translates to “stir-fried soy sauce,” and the dish is known for its distinct smoky flavor achieved through high-heat cooking.
Shrimp adds a deliciously light seafood touch to the dish, complementing the tender noodles and crisp greens. This recipe brings the flavors of Thailand into your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for a deeper color and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for an authentic taste)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Pad See Ew:
- 8 oz (225g) wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Chinese broccoli (gai lan), chopped (use both stems and leaves)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh Thai chili slices
- Crushed peanuts
How to Make Shrimp Pad See Ew:
Prepare the Noodles:
If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water for about 15–20 minutes until they’re pliable but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
If using fresh rice noodles, separate them gently with your hands. Fresh noodles often come clumped together, so peeling them apart ensures even cooking.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and set aside. This sauce will coat the noodles with a rich umami flavor and just a hint of sweetness.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Sauté the shrimp for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside on a plate.
Scramble the Eggs:
In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and crack in the eggs. Stir the eggs quickly to scramble them, cooking for about 1–2 minutes until they’re just set. Push the eggs to one side of the wok.
Add Garlic and Chinese Broccoli:
Add the minced garlic to the empty side of the wok, letting it cook for 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. The broccoli stems should be tender-crisp, while the leaves will wilt slightly.
Add the Noodles and Sauce:
Add the soaked (or fresh) rice noodles to the wok, and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Using a spatula or tongs, gently toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
Let the noodles sit for a few seconds without stirring to develop a slight char, which adds a smoky flavor typical of authentic Pad See Ew. Toss again and repeat this process a couple of times to ensure all the noodles are well-coated and slightly caramelized.
Combine with Shrimp and Eggs:
Return the cooked shrimp to the wok and mix them into the noodles, along with the scrambled eggs. Give everything a final toss to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more soy sauce if it needs more saltiness or a pinch of sugar for sweetness.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the Shrimp Pad See Ew to serving plates. Garnish with fresh Thai chili slices or a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.
For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful Thai favorite!
Chef’s Note: Authentic Pad See Ew is known for its balance of flavors and slightly smoky aroma from high-heat cooking. To achieve this at home, make sure your wok or skillet is hot, and avoid overcrowding it to keep the noodles from steaming. Fresh rice noodles are ideal for Pad See Ew, but if you can’t find them, dried wide rice noodles will work just as well with a bit of soaking.
For added depth, you can also incorporate a dash of vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to enhance the flavors further. If you’re a fan of spicy food, serve your Shrimp Pad See Ew with Thai chili slices or chili garlic sauce on the side. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a hot skillet to maintain its texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
- Sodium: 1350mg
- Vitamin A: 20% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 25% of DV
- Calcium: 12% of DV
- Iron: 15% of DV
Shrimp Pad See Ew is a deliciously balanced meal with protein from the shrimp, fiber from the Chinese broccoli, and energy-boosting carbs from the rice noodles.
Although high in sodium, as many Asian dishes tend to be, you can reduce this by using low-sodium soy sauce if preferred. Enjoy this iconic Thai noodle dish, rich in umami flavor and satisfying textures, for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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