The Ultimate Gluten-Free Pad See Ew Guide: Tips and Recipe

Introduction

Pad See Ew is one of the most popular and beloved Thai dishes. But for those who suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, enjoying this tasty dish can be a challenge. Gluten is present in many Pad See Ew ingredients, including soy sauce and oyster sauce. In this article, we will explore the question of whether Pad See Ew is gluten-free, why some people switch to a gluten-free diet, and how to make this delicious dish without gluten.

Understanding Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew is a classic Thai dish made with wide and flat rice noodles stir-fried with meat (usually beef, pork, or chicken), Chinese broccoli, and soy sauce. Some variants include egg, garlic, and chili. The name “pad see ew” means “fried soy sauce noodles” in Thai. The dish is typically served hot with fresh lime and chili on the side.

The traditional recipe for Pad See Ew includes soy sauce and oyster sauce, both of which are sources of gluten. Soy sauce is made from soybeans and wheat, while oyster sauce contains wheat flour. Additionally, some restaurants may use flour to thicken the sauce, making it off-limits to people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Why go gluten-free?

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. While most people can digest gluten without any problems, some individuals have an adverse reaction to it. People with gluten intolerance or celiac disease may experience gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, fatigue, and other symptoms after consuming gluten. Therefore, they need to follow a gluten-free diet to avoid these complications.

Switching to a gluten-free diet can be challenging, especially for those who enjoy eating out or trying new cuisine. Thai food has its fair share of gluten-containing ingredients, including soy, wheat, and flour. However, with some modifications and substitutions, people with a gluten-free diet can still enjoy Pad See Ew and other Thai dishes.

Tips for Making Gluten-Free Pad See Ew

Fortunately, many gluten-containing ingredients in Pad See Ew can be substituted or omitted to make the dish gluten-free. Here are some tips for making a delicious gluten-free Pad See Ew:

• Use gluten-free rice noodles: Regular rice noodles are gluten-free, but some brands may be processed in the same facility as wheat products. Look for rice noodles labeled “gluten-free” or “made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.”
• Choose a soy sauce substitute: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. It is made from soybeans and has a similar taste and texture to soy sauce. Be sure to look for tamari labeled “gluten-free,” as some brands may include wheat.
• Try coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy sauce substitute made from coconut sap. They are sweet and salty, with a slightly different flavor than traditional soy sauce. They are also gluten-free and low in sodium.
• Make your own oyster sauce: Traditional oyster sauce contains wheat flour, but you can make a gluten-free version at home. Mix equal parts soy sauce and sugar, along with a splash of fish sauce and oyster extract. Cook the mixture until it thickens.
• Consider other protein options: While Pad See Ew traditionally includes beef, pork, or chicken, you can substitute tofu, shrimp, or other seafood for a vegetarian or pescatarian version.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Pad See Ew

Ready to try making your own gluten-free Pad See Ew? Here is a simple recipe:

• 8 oz rice noodles (gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz beef, pork, chicken, or tofu, sliced
• 2 cups Chinese broccoli, chopped
• 2 eggs (optional)
• 3 tbsp tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 lime
• Red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes until they are soft.
2. Heat the oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced meat or tofu and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the Chinese broccoli to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it is tender.
5. Push the Chinese broccoli to the side of the wok and crack the eggs into the wok. Scramble until cooked, then mix with the Chinese broccoli.
6. Drain the rice noodles and add them to the wok along with the cooked meat or tofu. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the tamari, coconut aminos, and sugar until well combined.
8. Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir-fry for an additional minute until everything is well-coated.
9. Squeeze lime juice over the dish and sprinkle with chili flakes (optional).

Cooking tips:

• You can use a different type of vegetable if you don’t have Chinese broccoli. Broccolini, bok choy, or kale are good options.
• If you are making the dish vegan, omit the egg and use tofu or vegetables as the protein source.
• If you can tolerate gluten, you can use traditional soy sauce and oyster sauce instead of substitutes.

Conclusion

Pad See Ew is a beloved Thai dish that can be enjoyed by people with gluten-free diets with some modifications and substitutions. Gluten-free rice noodles, tamari or coconut aminos, and homemade oyster sauce are great options for making Pad See Ew without gluten. With the recipe provided, you can now try making the dish at home and customize it to your liking.