Pad Woon Sen, an enticing dish hailing from the vibrant culinary world of Thailand, has garnered global adoration. It's a luscious stir-fry that combines glass noodles, a medley of vegetables, succulent proteins, and an array of flavors all tossed in a delectable sauce. Famed for its perfect harmony between sweet, savory, and spicy notes, Pad Woon Sen is undoubtedly a culinary adventure on a plate.
Simple to prepare, yet impressive to present, this dish is an excellent choice for quick weeknight meals or elaborate dinner parties. Prepare to embark on a delightful journey through Thai cuisine with Pad Woon Sen.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe truly shines because it captures the essence of Thai cuisine's complexity and the simplicity of its preparation. Using common ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, the sauce created is a sweet and savory delight that beautifully coats each element in the stir-fry. The addition of glass noodles adds an interesting texture to the dish. These noodles are not only light and delicate but also a fantastic vehicle for carrying the sauce's intense flavor, thus making every bite flavorful and delicious.
Secondly, the versatility of Pad Woon Sen is another reason why this recipe works so well. It's a dish that can be easily modified to suit dietary needs or preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Just substitute tofu for the meat. Want to up the protein content? Throw in some chicken or shrimp. More of a spice lover? Dial up the heat by adding more chilies. Additionally, the combination of different vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, adds color, crunch, and boosts the nutritional value of the dish. So not only is this dish tasty, but it's also well-rounded and balanced. Making Pad Woon Sen at home allows you to cater to your taste preferences, making it a rewarding and satisfying culinary endeavor.
Ingredients
Woon Sen or Glass Noodles- Made from mung bean starch and water, these noodles are translucent when cooked. They soak up flavors from other ingredients very well. If not available, you can use rice noodles or vermicelli as substitutes.
Chicken- It adds protein to the dish. You can use any part of the chicken, but chicken breast or thighs are usually preferred for their tenderness and flavor. If you're a vegetarian, you can substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
Vegetables- Usually, bell peppers, carrots, and onions are used for their crunch and colors. You can use any veggies you like or have at hand. Bamboo shoots or baby corn can be a good addition too.
Soy Sauce- It provides the base flavor for the dish, giving it a deep umami note. If you need a gluten-free alternative, tamari can be used.
Garlic- It gives a pungent, warm flavor that's integral to Thai cuisine. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work, though fresh is always best.
Tips
- Soak the glass noodles in warm water until they're soft before cooking to prevent them from becoming too chewy.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out.
- Make sure to stir-fry your veggies just until they're crisp-tender to maintain their nutritional content and texture.
- Cut all your ingredients into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Make sure your pan is hot before you start stir-frying to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
How to Serve
Pad Woon Sen is a versatile dish that can be served in numerous ways. Traditionally, it's eaten on its own as a quick, filling meal due to the balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
- As a Dinner: Serve it hot, right from the stove as a wholesome Dinner. Complement it with a side of fresh Thai cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- In a Lunch Box:It's also a great option for a packed lunch. Its robust flavors hold well over time, making it as enjoyable hours after cooking.
- As Part of a Thai Feast: If you're preparing a multi-course Thai meal, Pad Woon Sen can be an interesting addition. Pair it with Tom Yum soup, Thai green curry, and sticky rice for an authentic Thai dining experience.
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Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
Pad Woon Sen
Ingredients
- 150 g Woon Sen or glass noodles
- 200 g chicken thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper julienned
- 1 carrot julienned
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoonsvegetable oil
Instructions
- Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Add bell pepper, carrot, and onion. Stir-fry until they're crisp-tender.
- Add the drained noodles and soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and to ensure the noodles soak up the soy sauce.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Soak the glass noodles in warm water until they're soft before cooking to prevent them from becoming too chewy.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out.
- Make sure to stir-fry your veggies just until they're crisp-tender to maintain their nutritional content and texture.
- Cut all your ingredients into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Make sure your pan is hot before you start stir-frying to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom.