Pad Woon Sen - Delicious Thai Stir-Fried Glass Noodles

Pad Woon Sen is a delightful Thai dish that combines glass noodles with a variety of vegetables, protein, and a savory-sweet sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for home cooks and Thai food enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite Thai restaurant dish at home or just want to try something new, this guide will take you through each step to achieve delicious Pad Woon Sen.

List of Ingredients

For the dish:

200g glass noodles (cellophane noodles)
200g chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
100g bean sprouts
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup Napa cabbage, shredded
2 green onions, chopped

For the sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground white pepper

Garnishes:

Fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soaking and Preparing the Glass Noodles

Soak the Noodles: Place the glass noodles in a large bowl of warm water. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.
Cut the Noodles: Once softened, use kitchen scissors to cut the noodles into shorter, more manageable lengths.

Step 2: Preparing the Protein

Marinate the Protein: If using chicken or shrimp, lightly season with salt and pepper. Tofu can be used as-is.
Cook the Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the protein and cook until it’s fully cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Frying the Aromatics and Vegetables

Aromatics: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 4: Combining the Ingredients

Add the Noodles: Add the soaked glass noodles to the wok.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss to combine well.
Add the Protein: Return the cooked protein to the wok and mix everything together.
Add the Eggs: Push the noodle mixture to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked. Mix the scrambled eggs into the noodle mixture.
Final Vegetables: Add the bean sprouts, shredded Napa cabbage, and chopped green onions. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 5: Seasoning the Dish

Taste and Adjust: Taste the Pad Woon Sen and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce, fish sauce, or a pinch of sugar according to your preference.

Tips for the Perfect Pad Woon Sen

Noodle Texture: Avoid over-soaking the glass noodles as they can become mushy. Aim for a texture that’s soft but still slightly firm.
High Heat: Stir-frying on high heat ensures that the vegetables remain crisp and the noodles don’t become soggy.
Even Cutting: Ensure that all vegetables are cut to a similar size for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Serve the Pad Woon Sen hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the noodles for a bright, tangy flavor.
Pair with a side of Thai cucumber salad or a bowl of Tom Yum soup for a complete meal.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Making Pad Woon Sen at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy authentic Thai flavors in your own kitchen. We hope this guide has provided you with clear and easy-to-follow instructions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and proteins to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!