Beef Pad See Ew Recipe – Authentic Thai Noodles with Nam Jim Sauce

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Beef Pad See Ew Recipe – Authentic Thai Noodles With Nam Jim Sauce

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love a good noodle dish. And let me tell you, this Beef Pad See Ew is a total game-changer. I first made this when I was craving something flavorful and quick, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s a vibrant, savory, and slightly spicy Thai noodle stir-fry that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Get ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pad See Ew isn’t just delicious; it’s a whole experience. The tender beef, the perfectly cooked noodles, and that incredible Nam Jim sauce… it all comes together beautifully. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for a weeknight meal. You’ll love how the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors dance on your tongue.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Thai masterpiece:

• 1 1/2 lb top sirloin
• 12 oz rice noodles
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 10-12 tbsp Nam Jim sauce (recipe below!)
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 green finger hot chilies
• 1 red chili
• 1/4 cup shallots
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – getting these right makes all the difference!

Top Sirloin Selection & Preparation: I prefer top sirloin for its tenderness and flavor. You can also use flank steak or sirloin steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

The Significance of Nam Jim Sauce: This is the heart and soul of Pad See Ew! It’s a fiery, flavorful sauce that brings everything together. Don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients here.

Rice Noodles: Types & Cooking: I recommend using wide rice noodles (about 1/4 inch wide). They hold the sauce beautifully. Cook them according to package directions – usually 3-4 minutes in boiling water. Rinse them under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Thai Chilies: Heat Levels & Varieties: Green finger chilies pack a punch! Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. Bird’s eye chilies are another great option if you can find them.

Fish Sauce: Quality & Flavor Profile: Good quality fish sauce is essential. It adds a unique umami flavor that you just can’t replicate. Look for a brand that’s a nice amber color and smells… well, fishy, but in a good way!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Nam Jim Sauce: In a bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, minced green and red chilies, diced shallots, chopped cilantro, garlic, brown sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it sit for at least an hour – seriously, this lets the flavors meld and become incredible.
2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the rice noodles for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Season the beef slices with salt and pepper. Stir-fry in batches until browned, adding more oil as needed. Remove each batch and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the pan – this is key to getting a good sear.
4. Combine & Serve: Once all the beef is cooked, return it to the pan (discarding any accumulated juices) and warm briefly. Toss the beef with the prepared Nam Jim Sauce. Serve immediately over the rice noodles, garnished with peanuts, sesame seeds, red chilies, and cilantro.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Pad See Ew to the next level? Here are a few secrets:

Achieving the Perfect Wok Hei (Smoky Flavor): Wok hei is that slightly charred, smoky flavor that’s characteristic of authentic stir-fries. To achieve it, make sure your wok is very hot and use high heat throughout the cooking process.

Balancing the Sweet, Sour, and Spicy Flavors: Taste the Nam Jim sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. More lime juice for sourness, more brown sugar for sweetness, and more chilies for heat.

Preventing Noodles from Sticking: Rinsing the noodles under cold water is crucial. You can also toss them with a little oil to keep them separated.

Beef Tenderness Techniques: Slicing against the grain is the biggest trick. You can also marinate the beef for 30 minutes in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for extra tenderness.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Pad See Ew Adaptation: Swap the beef for tofu or your favorite vegan protein. Use a vegan fish sauce substitute (many are available online or in Asian grocery stores).

Gluten-Free Pad See Ew Options: Ensure your fish sauce is gluten-free (some brands contain wheat).

Spice Level Adjustments: Reduce or omit the chilies for a milder flavor. You can also serve with extra chili flakes on the side for those who like it hot.

Festival/Celebration Adaptations (e.g., Songkran): During Songkran (Thai New Year), Pad See Ew is often served as part of a larger feast. You can add extra vegetables and protein to make it even more substantial.

Serving Suggestions

Pad See Ew is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• A side of fresh spring rolls
• Thai iced tea
• A simple cucumber salad

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce upon standing, so you might want to add a splash of water when reheating.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best type of beef to use for Pad See Ew? Top sirloin is my go-to, but flank steak or sirloin steak work well too.

Can I make the Nam Jim sauce ahead of time? How long will it keep? Absolutely! You can make it up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have a wok? What pan can I use instead? A large, heavy-bottomed skillet will work just fine.

How can I adjust the spice level of this dish? Reduce or omit the chilies, or serve with chili flakes on the side.

Can I use other types of noodles besides rice noodles? While rice noodles are traditional, you could experiment with egg noodles or even udon noodles.

What are some good vegetable additions to Pad See Ew? Carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and bean sprouts are all great options.

Is fish sauce essential, or can I substitute it? Fish sauce is key to the authentic flavor, but if you absolutely can’t use it, you can try a combination of soy sauce and a tiny bit of seaweed flakes for umami.

Enjoy your homemade Beef Pad See Ew! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of Thailand to your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!