Stir Fried Noodles in Gravy (Rad Na)

Discover the delightful world of Thai stir-fried noodles in gravy with Rad Na, a comforting and flavorsome dish that embodies the essence of Thai cuisine. Rad Na offers a myriad of options, allowing you to choose from thick flat rice noodles, thin vermicelli, or crispy fried egg noodles, all served with tender pork, chicken, or seafood, bathed in a delectable savory gravy. The dish gets its distinctive flavor from the interplay of dark sweet soy sauce, soy bean paste, and a host of aromatic spices, resulting in a harmonious symphony of tastes that tantalize the taste buds. The addition of Chinese broccoli and other vegetables enhances both the nutritional value and visual appeal of the dish. With simple preparations and a relatively short cooking time, Rad Na proves to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you prefer homemade pork stock or opt for the convenience of stock cubes, Rad Na promises to be a delightful Thai culinary adventure you won’t forget.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-3 stalks Chinese broccoli
• 1 tablespoon dark sweet soy sauce
• 450g (1lb) fresh flat rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

PORK MARINADE:

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 2 tsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
• 1/2 cup water

RAD NA GRAVY:

• 2 tablespoons corn flour or tapioca starch
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon Maggi or Golden Mountain sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken or pork stock (homemade with no salt added)
• 2 tablespoons “tao jiew” or fermented soybean paste
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic

YIELD: 2 servings

DIFFICULTY: Easy

PREP TIME: 30 minutes

COOK TIME: 5 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Customize the noodles and protein according to your preference.
• For a more authentic taste, opt for homemade pork stock instead of stock cubes.

PREPARATION:

• Marinate the pork with the pork marinade for at least 30 minutes.
• Cut Chinese broccoli into 1 to 2-inch lengths, slicing thicker stems at an angle for even cooking.
• Chop the garlic.
• Slice pork thinly.
• Dissolve the corn flour or tapioca starch with water.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the pan and add vegetable oil over high heat. Stir in the noodles with dark soy sauce until they are slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add crushed garlic and fermented soybean paste. Stir until the garlic turns slightly brown and the aroma is released.
3. Add the stock, soy sauce, Maggi sauce, and sugar to the pan.
4. When the sauce is boiling, add the marinated pork and stir, then add the Chinese broccoli.
5. Gradually pour the starch/water mixture into the pan, waiting until the gravy thickens and turns brown. Continue adding the starch/water until you achieve the desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat. Plate the noodles and pour the gravy on top.
7. Sprinkle with white pepper and serve with standard Thai condiments.

TIPS:

• Experiment with different types of noodles, proteins, and vegetables to create your preferred version of Rad Na.
• Add your favorite Thai condiments and seasonings to enhance the flavors further.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific products used)

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 25g

In conclusion, Rad Na presents an enticing and straightforward entry into the realm of Thai stir-fried noodles in gravy. The myriad of options, from noodle types to protein choices, allows for endless possibilities and culinary creativity. Whether you opt for thick flat rice noodles or crispy fried egg noodles, the interplay of flavors and textures is nothing short of delightful.

The heart of Rad Na lies in its savory gravy, brought to life by the combination of dark sweet soy sauce, soybean paste, and a medley of spices. The homemade pork stock provides an authentic and hearty base, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. The Chinese broccoli and vegetables not only elevate the nutritional value but also add a touch of vibrancy to the presentation.

As you stir-fry the noodles and watch the gravy thicken, the inviting aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling the impending indulgence in a delicious Thai delight. Rad Na is a comforting and flavorsome dish, suitable for a quick weeknight dinner or a special Thai-inspired gathering with friends and family.

As with many Thai dishes, Rad Na invites customization to suit individual preferences. The choice of protein can vary, from tender pork to succulent chicken or delectable seafood. Additionally, experimenting with different vegetables and Thai condiments can lead to exciting flavor combinations.

Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, Rad Na is a dish worth exploring and mastering. The straightforward preparations and relatively short cooking time ensure that you can savor this Thai delicacy in no time.

So, embark on a culinary adventure with Rad Na, and let the savory flavors and chewy noodles transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand. With its warm and comforting gravy, Rad Na promises to be an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.