How to Make Stir-Fried Beef with Flat Rice Noodles Like a Pro

Stir-fried beef with flat rice noodles, also known as Pad See Ew in Thailand, is a dish that needs no introduction. This savory and slightly sweet masterpiece is a staple in Thai cuisine, loved for its incredible flavors and satisfying textures. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner, this is it. Today, I’m going to guide you through the process of making this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Unveiling the Magic of Stir-Fried Beef with Flat Rice Noodles

The beauty of Pad See Ew lies in its simplicity. It’s all about the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, achieved with a handful of readily available ingredients. The key is in the sauce – a magical blend of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar that coats the noodles and beef, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients for Your Stir-Fried Beef with Flat Rice Noodles Adventure

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces wide flat rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Beef and Sauce:

• 8 ounces flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cups Chinese broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For Garnishing:

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Ingredients for Pad See Ew

Essential Tools for Your Culinary Journey

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Let’s Get Cooking! A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Noodles:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions.
2. Drain the noodles and toss them with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Marinating the Beef:

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

The Art of the Stir-Fry:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, and stir-fry until fragrant and softened.
3. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it’s browned on all sides.
4. Add the Chinese broccoli and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

The Grand Finale:

1. Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet or wok.
2. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.

Presentation is Key:

1. Transfer the stir-fried beef with flat rice noodles to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick (optional).

Pad See Ew Platter

Tips and Tricks from My Culinary Notebook

• “For a richer flavor, try using a combination of vegetable oil and bacon fat for stir-frying,” advises Chef Lin, a renowned expert in Southeast Asian cuisine.
• If you don’t have Chinese broccoli, you can substitute it with regular broccoli or gai lan (Chinese kale).
• To prevent the noodles from becoming soggy, make sure to cook them al dente and drain them well before adding them to the stir-fry.
• Don’t overcook the beef. It should be tender and slightly pink in the center.

Wrap Up Your Culinary Adventure

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the art of making stir-fried beef with flat rice noodles. This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast with friends and family. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and spice levels to create your own signature version.

Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience. Happy cooking!