Pad See Iew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว) stir-fried noodles in soy sauce

Pad See Iew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว) which literally means "fried soy sauce" in Thai, is a popular stir-fry dish in Thailand. This savory dish is known for its perfect balance of sweet, salty and umami, all of which come together to excite and delight your taste buds.

The dish consists of flat rice noodles that are fried in a wok with an egg, garlic, protein-rich additions (such as chicken, pork or tofu), and usually Chinese broccoli or another green vegetable. However, what gives Pad See Ew its signature flavor and color is the combination of dark and light soy sauce, along with a hint of oyster sauce and sugar.

The phonetic pronunciation of Pad See Iew (ผัดซีอิ๊ว) in Dutch would be something like this: “Pat Sie Ie-oew”. The “a” in “Pat” and the “ie” in “Sie” are pronounced short, similar to the short Dutch “i” sound. “Ee-ow” is pronounced as one sound, with the “ie” quickly turning into “ow”.

Please note, it is always best to listen to a native speaker for the most accurate pronunciation. Thai is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of a word can change depending on the pitch with which it is spoken. The phonetic transcription cannot always fully capture these nuances.

The origin and history of Pad See Ew

Like many delicious creations, the origins of Pad See Ew are also marked by a fusion of cultures. The influences of Chinese cuisine are strongly present in this dish, which is not surprising given the long, intertwined history between China and Thailand.

Pad See Ew, which literally means "soy sauce stir-fry," was probably introduced by Chinese immigrants. They brought their culinary techniques and taste preferences, including the use of soy sauce. Over time, these ingredients and techniques have been embraced and refined by the Thai people, resulting in the flavorful dish we know today.

Ingredients and flavor profiles

Pad See Ew comes to life through a harmonious meeting of tasty ingredients. The star of the dish is the flat rice noodles, which provide the canvas for an explosion of flavours.

The dish is usually prepared with pork, chicken or tofu for vegetarians. In addition, it is subtly seasoned with dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar. The dark soy sauce not only adds color to the dish, but also a deep umami flavour. The light soy sauce and oyster sauce add a rich saltiness, while the sugar balances it all out with a hint of sweetness.

A real Pad See Ew is not complete without garlic, eggs and Chinese broccoli or pak choi. Each of these ingredients contribute to the layering of flavors and textures in this heartwarming dish.

Pad See Ew Recipe (serves 4)

And now it's time for practice. With these ingredients and instructions, you too can make your own authentic Pad See Ew.

Ingredients:

• 400 g flat rice noodles
• 200 g pork, chicken or tofu
• 4 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 eggs
• 200 g Chinese broccoli or pak choi, cut into pieces
• White pepper to taste

Preparation method:

1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a little oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add the garlic and fry until golden brown.
3. Add the meat or tofu and fry until done. Break in the eggs and stir until set.
4. Add the noodles and then the soy sauces, oyster sauce and sugar. Stir-fry until everything is well mixed and the noodles have absorbed the sauce.
5. Finally, add the Chinese broccoli or pak choi and stir-fry until the vegetables are just cooked through. Season with white pepper.
6. Serve your Pad See Ew hot, straight from the wok, and enjoy your homemade Thai feast!

With this background knowledge and this recipe you can prepare an authentic Pad See Ew yourself. I hope you enjoy cooking as much as you enjoy tasting this classic Thai dish. Enjoy your meal!