Pad Woon Sen: A Delicious and Easy Thai Glass Noodle Recipe

Pad Woon Sen, meaning "stir-fried glass noodles" in Thai, is a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish. This recipe offers a simple yet authentic approach, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Its delicate glass noodles, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauce make it a truly delightful culinary experience. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create your own delicious Pad Woon Sen.

Ingredients for Authentic Pad Woon Sen

This recipe serves 2-3 people. Adjust quantities as needed.

• Noodles: 8 ounces (225g) dried cellophane noodles (woon sen)
• Protein: 6 ounces (170g) your choice of protein. Popular options include:
  • Chicken: Use thinly sliced chicken breast.
  • Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp work perfectly.
  • Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed.
  • Pork: Thinly sliced pork loin is a great option.
• Vegetables:
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, but adds authentic flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Step-by-Step Pad Woon Sen Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles:

• Soak the dried cellophane noodles in hot water for 15-20 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Drain well and set aside. Important: Don't over-soak, or they'll become mushy.

2. Prepare the Protein:

• If using chicken or pork, stir-fry it in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it later.

3. Stir-fry the Aromatics and Vegetables:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the wok or skillet. Add the onion and garlic, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the bell pepper and carrots. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

4. Combine and Simmer:

• Add the cooked protein (if used) and the drained noodles to the wok.
• Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
• If using shrimp, add it now and cook for 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.

5. Finish and Serve:

• Stir in the bean sprouts just before serving; they cook quickly.
• Garnish with chopped scallions.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Pad Woon Sen!

Tips for the Best Pad Woon Sen

• Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will become gummy.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any ingredient in the sauce to suit your preferences. A dash of chili garlic sauce adds a nice kick!
• Serve hot: Pad Woon Sen is best served immediately after cooking.

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