Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir-Fry with Prawns)
Why this recipe works
- Fast wok cooking: The noodles soften while the vegetables are prepared, keeping the total cooking time short and efficient.
- Balanced textures: Springy glass noodles, tender prawns, soft egg and crisp-tender cabbage and carrot give the stir-fry plenty of movement.
- Savoury depth: Soy sauce, oyster sauce and fish sauce create a rounded umami base, with a little sugar and sesame oil to soften and finish the flavour.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: Pad woon sen is best eaten hot from the wok, while the noodles are glossy and the vegetables still have bite.
- Prepare before heating the wok: Slice the vegetables and mix the sauce before cooking; once the stir-fry starts, each stage moves quickly.
Ingredient notes
- Glass noodles: Use mung bean glass noodles if available; they turn translucent when cooked and hold their springy texture well in stir-fries.
- Drain thoroughly: After soaking, drain the noodles well so the sauce coats them rather than becoming diluted in the wok.
- Check the seasoning: Fish sauce, soy sauce and oyster sauce vary in saltiness, so taste and adjust the final seasoning if needed.
Common mistakes
- Overcooking the prawns: Cook the prawns only until they turn pink and finish them briefly with the noodles so they stay tender.
- Using too little heat: A properly hot wok helps the sauce reduce and cling to the noodles instead of steaming the vegetables.
- Soaking the noodles too long: Stop soaking once the noodles are pliable; they will continue to soften as they are tossed with the sauce.
Serving ideas
- Fresh finish: Scatter over the spring onion greens just before serving for colour and a fresh onion note.
- Serve with greens: Pair with simply cooked Asian greens or a crisp cucumber salad to keep the meal light and balanced.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the glass noodles in a bowl and cover with just-boiled water. Leave for 6 to 8 minutes until pliable, then drain well.
- While the noodles soak, thinly slice the garlic, cut the carrot into fine matchsticks, shred the cabbage, and slice the spring onions (keep the green tops separate for finishing). In a small bowl, stir together the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, caster sugar and toasted sesame oil.
- Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add the prawns and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until they are just turning pink, then push them to one side.
- Add the garlic and stir-fry for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the eggs and scramble briefly until softly set.
- Add the carrot and cabbage and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the drained noodles and the sauce, then toss continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and the prawns are cooked through.
- Stir through the spring onion whites for 30 seconds, then take off the heat and scatter over the green tops. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Drain the noodles very well so the sauce clings properly and the stir-fry stays glossy rather than watery.
- Keep the wok hot and toss constantly once the noodles go in; this helps the sauce reduce slightly and coat everything evenly.
- If serving anyone who should avoid undercooked eggs, cook the scrambled egg until fully set before adding the vegetables.
Substitutions
- Replace prawns with shrimp for the same cooking time and texture.
- Replace caster sugar with palm sugar for a rounder, more caramel-like sweetness.
- Replace toasted sesame oil with sesame oil for a milder sesame flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in a hot wok or frying pan with a splash of water for 2 to 4 minutes until piping hot; avoid overcooking the prawns.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 25min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Thai
-
Allergens:
Crustaceans Eggs Soybeans
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