Pad Woon Sen, also known as Pad Woonsen or Pad Vermicelli, is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish. “Pad” means stir-fry, and “woon sen” refers to the glass noodles made from mung bean starch, also known as cellophane noodles or bean thread noodles.
Pad Woon Sen typically features a combination of ingredients such as glass noodles, vegetables, protein (such as shrimp, chicken, pork, or tofu), and a variety of sauces and seasonings. The dish is known for its vibrant flavors, aromatic ingredients, and quick preparation.
Here’s a general overview of how Pad Woon Sen is made:
Ingredients:
The traditional ingredients for Pad Woon Sen include glass noodles, vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms, protein of your choice (shrimp, chicken, pork, tofu), garlic, onions, and seasoning sauces like soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sometimes a touch of sugar or lime juice.Preparation:
Soak the glass noodles in warm water until they become soft and pliable, then drain and set them aside. Prepare the vegetables by slicing them into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Chop the protein into small, evenly sized pieces.Stir-frying:
Heat a wok or a large frying pan over high heat and add some cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and onions and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the protein and cook until it’s almost done. Then add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.Seasoning:
Push the ingredients to the side of the pan, creating a space in the center. Add the soaked glass noodles to the center and pour the seasoning sauces over the noodles. Toss everything together, making sure the noodles are coated with the sauces. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more soy sauce, fish sauce, or other seasonings.Finishing touches:
Continue stir-frying until the noodles are heated through and everything is well combined. At this point, you can add additional ingredients like bean sprouts, green onions, or cilantro for added freshness and texture.Serving:
Once the dish is ready, transfer it to a serving plate and garnish with some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Pad Woon Sen is often served hot as a main course, accompanied by condiments like chili flakes, fish sauce, or vinegar to add extra flavor.
Pad Woon Sen is a versatile dish, and you can customize it based on your preferences by adding or substituting ingredients. It’s a delicious and satisfying Thai noodle dish that showcases the harmonious blend of flavors Thai cuisine is known for.
