Pad See Ew – the name alone conjures up images of smoky, savory noodles, bursting with umami flavor. This popular Thai street food dish is surprisingly easy to recreate in your own kitchen, and today, I’m going to show you how to make a vibrant and delicious vegan version using tofu and fresh vegetables.
A Journey Through Taste and Texture: The Magic of Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew gets its unique character from the combination of wide rice noodles, dark soy sauce, and a fiery wok char. “Pad See Ew” literally translates to “stir-fried with soy sauce,” and the sauce is truly the heart of this dish.
What I love most about Pad See Ew is its versatility. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and the tofu adds a satisfying protein boost. Plus, it’s a relatively quick meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Gather Your Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors Awaits
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own vegan Pad See Ew masterpiece:
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (or substitute with more soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Noodles and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped gai lan (Chinese broccoli) or bok choy
Garnishes (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro
- Chili flakes
- Lime wedges
Essential Tools: Your Culinary Companions
- Wok or large skillet
- Small bowl for sauce preparation
Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Vegan Pad See Ew
1. Prepare the Noodles
If using dried rice noodles, soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes, or until they are pliable but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
2. Create the Flavor Base: The Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and black pepper.
Pro Tip: “The key to a truly delicious Pad See Ew lies in the sauce,” says Chef Anya, author of “The Art of Vegan Thai Cooking.” “Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.”
3. Tofu Time: Achieving Crispy Perfection
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
4. Awaken the Aromas: Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Sauté the garlic and onion for a minute, then add the broccoli, carrots, and gai lan (or bok choy). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Noodles Take Center Stage: Bringing It All Together
Add the cooked noodles to the wok, along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through.
6. The Grand Finale: Plating Your Masterpiece
Gently incorporate the crispy tofu back into the noodles. Serve your vegan Pad See Ew immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.
