Hey guys! Craving some delicious and authentic Thai food but don't want to break the bank by ordering takeout? Look no further! Today, we're diving into two incredibly popular and equally satisfying Thai noodle dishes: Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles (also known as Pad Kee Mao).** These dishes are packed with flavor, relatively easy to make at home, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. So, grab your wok, and let's get cooking!

Pad See Ew: Sweet, Savory, and Simply Irresistible

Pad See Ew, which translates to "stir-fried soy sauce noodles," is a staple in Thai cuisine. This dish features wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli (or regular broccoli), eggs, and your choice of protein, all stir-fried in a sweet and savory sauce. The key to a great Pad See Ew lies in the balance of flavors: the saltiness of the soy sauce, the sweetness of the dark soy sauce, and the subtle tang of vinegar. This balance creates a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more. The wide rice noodles, with their chewy texture, perfectly complement the other ingredients, creating a delightful culinary experience. One of the best things about Pad See Ew is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple stir-frying techniques, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Plus, it's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Feel free to add more vegetables, experiment with different proteins, or adjust the sauce to suit your taste preferences. Pad See Ew is not only delicious but also a relatively healthy option. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the protein keeps you feeling full and satisfied. And because it's made with simple, wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about serving it to your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or a curious beginner, Pad See Ew is a must-try dish that will quickly become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to experience the magic of Thai cuisine!

Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): Spicy, Bold, and Unforgettable

Now, let's turn up the heat with Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao! Don't worry, you don't actually need to be drunk to enjoy this dish (though it might make it even more fun!). The name supposedly comes from the fact that this dish is so flavorful and satisfying that it can even sober you up after a night of drinking. This dish is characterized by its bold and spicy flavors, thanks to the generous use of chili peppers, garlic, and holy basil. Unlike Pad See Ew, Drunken Noodles typically includes a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and baby corn, adding a vibrant burst of color and texture to the dish. The wide rice noodles, which are also used in Pad See Ew, provide a satisfyingly chewy base for all the other ingredients. The sauce for Drunken Noodles is a complex blend of flavors, combining the saltiness of soy sauce, the sweetness of oyster sauce, and the fiery heat of chili peppers. This combination creates a truly unforgettable taste experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. One of the things that makes Drunken Noodles so special is the use of holy basil, which adds a unique and aromatic flavor that is simply irresistible. Holy basil is different from regular basil, with a slightly peppery and minty taste that perfectly complements the other ingredients in the dish. Drunken Noodles is a great option for those who love spicy food and are looking for a dish with a little bit of a kick. The chili peppers add a fiery heat that will warm you from the inside out, while the other ingredients provide a balance of flavors that is both satisfying and delicious. So, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, Drunken Noodles is the perfect dish for you! Just be sure to adjust the amount of chili peppers to your liking, and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Key Differences: Pad See Ew vs. Drunken Noodles

While both Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles are delicious Thai noodle dishes, there are some key differences that set them apart. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right dish for your mood and preferences.

• Flavor Profile: Pad See Ew is generally sweeter and more savory, with a focus on soy sauce flavors. Drunken Noodles, on the other hand, is spicier and more aromatic, with a bolder flavor profile.
• Spice Level: Pad See Ew is typically mild to medium in terms of spiciness, while Drunken Noodles is known for its fiery heat.
• Key Ingredients: Pad See Ew typically includes Chinese broccoli (or regular broccoli) and eggs. Drunken Noodles features a wider variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and baby corn, as well as holy basil.
• Sauce: The sauce for Pad See Ew is a combination of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and vinegar. The sauce for Drunken Noodles is a more complex blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili peppers.

Making Pad See Ew: Step-by-Step Recipe

Alright, let's get down to business and learn how to make Pad See Ew! This recipe is super easy to follow, even if you're a beginner cook. Trust me, you'll be amazed at how delicious homemade Pad See Ew can be.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces wide rice noodles, fresh or dried
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup Chinese broccoli (or regular broccoli), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup protein of your choice (chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or shrimp), sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• White pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water according to package instructions until they are pliable but not fully cooked. Drain well.
2. Stir-Fry the Garlic and Egg: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the beaten egg and cook, stirring constantly, until it is lightly scrambled. Remove the egg from the wok and set aside.
3. Cook the Protein and Vegetables: Add the protein of your choice to the wok and stir-fry until it is cooked through. Add the Chinese broccoli (or regular broccoli) and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until it is tender-crisp.
4. Add the Noodles and Sauce: Add the prepared rice noodles to the wok and stir-fry for a minute or two to heat them through. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar (if using). Stir-fry everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the scrambled egg back to the wok and stir-fry briefly to combine. Season with white pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Pad See Ew!

Cooking Drunken Noodles: A Spicy Adventure

Ready to crank up the heat? Let's dive into the world of Drunken Noodles! This recipe is a bit more complex than Pad See Ew, but the extra effort is totally worth it. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces wide rice noodles, fresh or dried
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai chili peppers, minced (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup protein of your choice (chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or shrimp), sliced
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers, baby corn, etc.), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup holy basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water according to package instructions until they are pliable but not fully cooked. Drain well.
2. Stir-Fry the Garlic and Chili Peppers: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chili peppers and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Protein and Vegetables: Add the protein of your choice to the wok and stir-fry until it is cooked through. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. Add the Noodles and Sauce: Add the prepared rice noodles to the wok and stir-fry for a minute or two to heat them through. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar (if using). Stir-fry everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Add Holy Basil and Serve: Add the holy basil leaves to the wok and stir-fry briefly until they are wilted and fragrant. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy and flavorful Drunken Noodles!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Noodles

Want to take your Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve noodle perfection:

• Use Fresh Rice Noodles: If possible, use fresh wide rice noodles for the best texture and flavor. If you can't find fresh noodles, dried noodles will work just fine, but be sure to soak them properly.
• Don't Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy and sticky, so be sure to cook them until they are just pliable but not fully cooked. They will continue to cook in the wok.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is best done over high heat to create a smoky flavor and prevent the noodles from sticking to the wok.
• Prepare Your Ingredients in Advance: Have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the stir-frying process much smoother and faster.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you're not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of chili peppers in the Drunken Noodles recipe. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the heat.
• Experiment with Different Proteins and Vegetables: Feel free to customize your Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles with your favorite proteins and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Thai Feast!

So there you have it, folks! Two delicious and easy-to-make Thai noodle dishes that are guaranteed to impress. Whether you're craving the sweet and savory flavors of Pad See Ew or the spicy and aromatic kick of Drunken Noodles, these recipes will help you bring the taste of Thailand to your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a homemade Thai feast! And don't forget to share your creations with your friends and family. They'll thank you for it!