Padawan Pad See Ew

In the year leading up to the pandemic, the kids were starting to *really* get into Star Wars. I’m not totally sure how it got started, other than the adults in the house (and many of our friends) are also really, really into Star Wars, so I’m sure these “grown up” interests were communicated to the kids and reinforced many times. (I mean, as an informal/family learning researcher, I know this is how these things happen, but it’s always cool to try and think about how this stuff works in our every day experiences!)

Once COVID shut things down, and once Disney+ said they were going to debut Hamilton and we signed up for the service, the kids really got into watching many of the Star Wars Lego episodes – as well as the Clone Wars. Currently, they are on Season 3, and they have watched Episodes I-VII of the big movies so far. As such, I thought it was only appropriate to name this dish Padawan Pad See Ew, since it was my first attempt at this Thai favorite. Luckily, there was an excellent recipe at RecipeTinEats, which I only modified a little bit (as seen below). Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 16 oz wide rice noodle
• 1/4 cup dark soy sauce (I use Silver Swan)
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 4 tsp regular soy sauce (I use Kikoman)
• 4 tsp white vinegar
• 4 tsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 3-4 tbsp sesame oil (any type)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb boneless/skinless chicken thighs, diced (can sub any protein – see note about tofu version below)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 lb green beans, trimmed and cut into ~4 inch segments (can use Chinese broccoli instead, which is more traditional)

Directions

1. Look at your noodle package. Figure out how long to cook them, and how. You want to time it so that the noodles are ready to be tossed immediately into the pot. I usually boil some water, turn off the heat, and submerge for about 2-3 min so they are just a bit under done. They are very delicate and break easily/turn to mush if they are overdone! See note in Step 5 about timing.
2. Make the sauce: mix the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, regular soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and water all together in a small mixing bowl.
3. Heat the oil in a 5-quart heavy skillet or wok on med-high heat. Add garlic, saute but be careful not to burn.
4. Add chicken, cook for about 4 min until mostly cooked through. Push to edges of pan.
5. Add beans in the middle, cook 3-4 min until crisp tender, push to edges of pan. **Now is probably about when you want to drop your rice noodles in the boiling water. Don’t forget about them!
6. Crack eggs in the middle and scramble. When cooked through, remove all from pan.
7. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water. Add to pan. Cover with sauce. Toss until coated.
8. Add all the rest of the stuff back in, combine and enjoy!

Fried tofu version

This can also be delicious with fried tofu. To make this version, you’ll want to prep the tofu a little differently than the chicken.

Ingredient swaps/adds

• 14 oz extra firm tofu – instead of chicken
• 4 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 slightly heaping tsp garlic powder – instead of garlic cloves
• 1/4 slightly heaping tsp salt

Tofu directions

1. Start by draining liquid from tofu. Then wrap tofu in three+ layers of paper towel and place under a heavy object (heavy skillet works well) to press liquid. Leave for at least 10 min, longer if possible.
2. Mix cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt in medium bowl.
3. Cut tofu into approximately 2 in by 2in by 1/2 in pieces. Toss in cornstarch mixture to coat.
4. In large skillet, add sesame oil and heat over medium heat.
5. Place tofu chunks in single layer when pan is hot. Allow crust to form. Use tongs to turn when tofu releases easily. Repeat on all sides as possible. Evacuate to plate lined with paper towels.
6. Remove tofu from pan, and continue with Step 5 above.

Fried tofu on plate, in a Stonehenge configuration

Sauced noodles, ready for tofu

Enjoy!

Best Baked Burgers (Slider Size)

Sometimes you just need a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love. This recipe has converted my non-burger eating kids to huge fans of homemade sliders. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2 lbs ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup favorite barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 Pkg Hawaiian rolls
• Tomato slices
• Cheese slices
• Other toppings – lettuce, mayo, more bbq sauce, whatever you like!

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
• Combine ground beef with spices, bbq sauce, and bread crumbs. Set aside for 5-10 min.
• Lightly press into baking dish. Bake for 35 minutes.
• Meanwhile, split the Hawaiian buns in the middle (so there’s a top and bottom).
• Let pan rest for 5 minutes, cut into 12-16 squares, and serve with buns and toppings!