Discover the differences between Pad See Ew vs Drunken Noodles, two delicious Thai noodle dishes that will make your taste buds tingle. Which one will be your favorite?
Get ready for a mouth-watering battle between two of the most popular Thai noodle dishes – Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles. These dishes are not only famous in Thailand but have also made their way into the hearts and stomachs of people all around the world.
Both dishes are packed with delicious flavors and are loved by everyone who tries them. However, which one is tastier? Let’s find out by exploring the history, ingredients, preparation, taste, and texture of both these amazing Thai noodle dishes.
Origins of Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles
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Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles are two of the most popular Thai noodle dishes that have won the hearts and taste buds of locals and tourists alike. Both dishes are said to have originated in Thailand and have become an integral part of the country’s cuisine.
The origin of Pad See Ew can be traced back to the Chinese influence on Thai cuisine. The dish was initially made with soy sauce and rice noodles, stir-fried with Chinese broccoli, eggs, and meat. Over time, Thai chefs added their own twist to the dish by incorporating fish sauce, garlic, and chili for a more flavorful taste. Pad See Ew is now a staple in Thai cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
On the other hand, Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is said to have originated from the street food culture of Bangkok. The dish was named after its spicy and bold flavor, which was believed to be strong enough to intoxicate and make you “drunk” with taste. Drunken Noodles are made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, meat or seafood, chili, garlic, and basil. The dish is widely popular among locals and tourists for its bold and spicy taste.
Ingredients of Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew is a classic Thai dish made with flat, wide rice noodles stir-fried with a mix of delightful ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients used in making this dish.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flat, wide rice noodles | 300 grams |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Broccoli florets | 1 cup |
| Carrots, julienned | 1/2 cup |
Pad See Ew is also flavored with a touch of sweetness, which is achieved by adding palm sugar to the dish. Additionally, Chinese broccoli or kale can be used instead of broccoli. It’s important to note that the ingredients in Pad See Ew can vary depending on the chef’s preference.
Ingredients of Drunken Noodles
If you’re a fan of spicy food, Drunken Noodles might just be the perfect dish for you! This Thai noodle dish is known for its bold flavors and fiery kick. The ingredients used in making Drunken Noodles are:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Noodles | 8 oz |
| Chicken or Beef | 8 oz |
| Garlic | 2-3 cloves |
| Bird’s Eye Chili | 3-4 |
| Bell Peppers | 1-2 |
| Thai Basil Leaves | A handful |
| Soy Sauce | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Oyster Sauce | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Fish Sauce | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1-2 teaspoons |
| Vegetable Oil | 2-3 tablespoons |
The combination of these ingredients results in a burst of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds. The spiciness of the bird’s eye chili, the sweetness of the sugar, and the savory oyster sauce all blend together to create a unique taste that is hard to resist.
FAQ
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- What type of meat can be used in Drunken Noodles?
Traditionally, either chicken or beef is used in making Drunken Noodles, but you can also substitute it with shrimp or tofu.
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- How spicy are Drunken Noodles?
Drunken Noodles are known for their spiciness and are usually made with bird’s eye chili. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference.
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- What is Thai basil?
Thai basil is a variety of basil that is commonly used in Thai cuisine. It has a slightly spicy and licorice-like flavor, which makes it a perfect addition to Drunken Noodles.
Preparation of Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew can be easily prepared at home with a few simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Soak the wide rice noodles in warm water for around 15 minutes until they soften. Drain the water and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Then, add sliced beef, chicken, or tofu and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Add the prepared noodles to the wok and stir-fry with meat or tofu. Then add sliced Chinese broccoli, followed by a soy-sauce-based sauce.
- Use a spatula to stir all the ingredients together until the sauce is absorbed and the noodles are coated. Cook until the Chinese broccoli is wilted but still crisp. This should take around 2-3 minutes.
- Your Pad See Ew is now ready to serve! Add chopped scallions, cilantro, chili flakes or lime wedges, for extra flavor.
The entire process of making Pad See Ew should take around 20-25 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcook the noodles or the Chinese broccoli, as it can affect the texture of the dish.
Pro Tip: If you want your Pad See Ew to have a smokey flavor, use a charcoal grill to char the noodles for a few seconds before stir-frying them.
Preparation of Drunken Noodles
Drunken Noodles, or Pad Kee Mao, is a stir-fried noodle dish that is packed with bold flavors and spices. Here’s how to make it:
- Soak the rice noodles in cold water for about 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat up your wok or skillet over high heat, and add the oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, chili, and onion. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken or beef, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until cooked.
- Add the soaked rice noodles to the wok, and toss everything together.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar and black pepper. Toss again to make sure everything is well combined.
- Stir fry for another minute or two, or until the noodles are cooked through and tender.
- Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and stir fry for an additional 30 seconds to wilt the leaves, then turn off the heat.
Your Drunken Noodles are now ready to be served! This dish is perfect for those who love spicy and bold flavors. It’s a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the full range of Thai noodle dishes.
Taste and Texture of Pad See Ew
Pad See Ew is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish that boasts a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The dish is made with wide rice noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, egg, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of meat.
The texture of Pad See Ew is delightfully chewy, with the noodles absorbing all the flavors of the sauces and spices used. The Chinese broccoli provides a nice crunch to the dish, making it an enjoyable experience for your taste buds.
Overall, Pad See Ew is a comforting and satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a favorite of many Thai food enthusiasts.
Taste and Texture of Drunken Noodles
Drunken Noodles, also known as Pad Kee Mao, is a flavorful Thai noodle dish with a unique combination of spicy, sweet, and salty flavors. The texture of Drunken Noodles is soft and chewy, with a slight crunchiness from the vegetables and meat.
When you take a bite of Drunken Noodles, you’ll experience an explosion of flavors on your tongue. The spiciness of the dish comes from the fresh chilies, which add a kick to every bite. The sweetness comes from the sweet soy sauce and the basil leaves, while the salty taste comes from the oyster sauce and fish sauce used in the dish.
So, what makes Drunken Noodles so special?
What sets Drunken Noodles apart from other Thai noodles is its unique blend of flavors. The noodles have a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, and the vegetables and meat add a depth of flavor to the dish. The fresh basil leaves provide a refreshing taste to the palate and add an aromatic element to the dish.
“The taste of Drunken Noodles is out of this world! The flavors just explode in your mouth with every bite.”
The texture of Drunken Noodles is also a standout feature. The noodles are soft and chewy, and the vegetables and meat give the dish a crunchiness that adds to the overall dining experience.
Overall, Drunken Noodles is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Thai food. Its unique blend of flavors and textures make it a standout dish that will leave you wanting more.
Which One Should You Choose?
After analyzing the differences between Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles, it’s safe to say that both of these Thai noodle dishes are incredibly delicious in their unique ways. Pad See Ew is a bit sweeter and milder in taste, while Drunken Noodles are spicier and more savory. It all boils down to individual preferences when it comes to choosing one over the other.
If you are someone who prefers a mild savory taste with a hint of sweetness, then you should definitely try Pad See Ew. On the other hand, if you are someone who loves a burst of bold flavors with a kick of heat, then Drunken Noodles would be a perfect fit for your taste buds.
When it comes to choosing between these two dishes, it ultimately depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you’re in the mood for something mild and sweet, go for Pad See Ew. But if you’re looking for something spicy and flavorful, then Drunken Noodles are the way to go.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles:
1. Are Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles spicy?
Both dishes can be prepared to be spicy, but it ultimately depends on the cook’s preference. If you can’t handle spice, you can ask for it to be mild or omit the chili altogether.
2. Can Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles be made vegetarian?
Yes, Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles can be made vegetarian by substituting meat with tofu and using vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce.
3. Is Pad See Ew or Drunken Noodles healthier?
Both dishes are relatively healthy as they contain vegetables and protein. However, Pad See Ew has a higher calorie count due to its thicker noodles and use of sweet soy sauce. Drunken Noodles have a lower calorie count and can be made with less oil.
4. Can Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles be reheated?
Yes, both dishes can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove. However, the noodles may become softer when reheated.
5. Can Pad See Ew and Drunken Noodles be frozen?
Yes, both dishes can be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and heat them up in the microwave or on the stove.
