Welcome, food enthusiasts! If you’re in search of a vibrant, flavorful, and truly comforting meal, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into a classic Northern Thai dish: Khao Soi, also known as Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup. This delicious noodle soup is a harmonious blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender noodles, making it a perfect dish to savor any day of the week.
Introduction
Khao Soi is a renowned Northern Thai dish that combines the rich flavors of curry with tender noodles, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s hard to resist. Originating from the Chiang Mai region, it showcases the rich, vibrant culture of Thailand with every bite. This comforting dish is traditionally served with a variety of garnishes like crispy noodles, lime, and fresh herbs, adding to its unique charm. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or simply love exploring new flavors, this easy-to-make Khao Soi recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients for Khao Soi
Here’s everything you need to create this delicious Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup at home:
- 4-6 ounces dry rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon coconut, peanut, or olive oil
- 1 large shallot, finely diced (or substitute with half an onion)
- 2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Thai Red Curry Paste (store-bought), more for spicier soup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (or use freshly grated turmeric)
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 14-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 4-6 kaffir lime leaves (optional but recommended)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (substitute other veggies if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or vegan fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (reduce if using vegan fish sauce)
- 2 tablespoons brown or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (Sambal Oelek)
- 8-12 ounces protein: prawns, crispy tofu, or thinly sliced chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, for squeezing
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil (Thai basil is ideal)
- Pickled mustard greens (traditional)
- Cilantro
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Crispy noodles
- Thinly sliced red onions or scallions
Optional Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use tofu as the protein.
How to Make Khao Soi – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Place the rice noodles in a large baking dish and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit, stirring occasionally until they are al dente. Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics and Protein
While the noodles are soaking, prep your protein of choice—whether prawns, chicken, or tofu. Dice the shallots, chop the garlic and lemongrass, and slice the red bell pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Base
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the red curry paste, turmeric, yellow curry powder, and cardamom. Sauté for another minute to release the flavors.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the red bell pepper, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic paste. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the Protein
Add the prawns (or your choice of protein) and gently simmer until fully cooked. For prawns, this will take about 3-5 minutes. If using chicken, ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Give a generous squeeze of lime juice and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red curry paste as needed. The goal is to balance salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the flavorful soup over the noodles, ensuring an even distribution of protein and vegetables.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top each bowl with your preferred garnishes such as fresh basil, pickled mustard greens, crispy noodles, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips for Khao Soi
- Fresh Ingredients are Key: Use fresh lemongrass, garlic, and lime leaves for the best flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of red curry paste or omit the chili garlic sauce.
- Make It Ahead: The soup base can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Tips for the Best Khao Soi
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This gives the soup its creamy consistency.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to avoid breaking the coconut milk and creating a gritty texture.
- Garnish Generously: The variety of garnishes adds layers of texture and freshness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions for Khao Soi
Pair your Khao Soi with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad. For drinks, try a Thai iced tea or a crisp Riesling to balance the rich flavors of the soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg (for chicken or prawns)
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 25g
Storage and Leftovers for Khao Soi
- Storing: Place leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing as coconut milk can separate and alter the texture upon reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Khao Soi
- Can I make Khao Soi vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use tofu or mushrooms as the protein. - What are the traditional garnishes for Khao Soi?
Pickled mustard greens, crispy noodles, and fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro. - Can I use store-bought curry paste?
Absolutely! Store-bought red curry paste works well and saves time. - Is Khao Soi spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat. Adjust the spice by adding more or less curry paste and chili garlic sauce.
Related Recipes for Khao Soi Lovers
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole
– A comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for hearty meals.
- Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Mix
– A quick and easy appetizer with a delicious twist.
Conclusion
We hope this Khao Soi recipe brings a touch of Thailand into your home kitchen. If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
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Khao Soi Recipe – Authentic Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
Description
Welcome, food enthusiasts! If you’re in search of a vibrant, flavorful, and truly comforting meal, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into a classic Northern Thai dish: Khao Soi, also known as Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup. This delicious noodle soup is a harmonious blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender noodles, making it a perfect dish to savor any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 4–6 ounces dry rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon coconut, peanut, or olive oil
- 1 large shallot, finely diced (or substitute with half an onion)
- 2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Thai Red Curry Paste (store-bought), more for spicier soup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (or use freshly grated turmeric)
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 14-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 4–6 kaffir lime leaves (optional but recommended)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (substitute other veggies if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or vegan fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (reduce if using vegan fish sauce)
- 2 tablespoons brown or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (Sambal Oelek)
- 8–12 ounces protein: prawns, crispy tofu, or thinly sliced chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, for squeezing
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil (Thai basil is ideal)
- Pickled mustard greens (traditional)
- Cilantro
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Crispy noodles
- Thinly sliced red onions or scallions
Optional Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use tofu as the protein
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Place the rice noodles in a large baking dish and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit, stirring occasionally until they are al dente. Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics and Protein
While the noodles are soaking, prep your protein of choice—whether prawns, chicken, or tofu. Dice the shallots, chop the garlic and lemongrass, and slice the red bell pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Base
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the red curry paste, turmeric, yellow curry powder, and cardamom. Sauté for another minute to release the flavors.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the red bell pepper, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic paste. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the Protein
Add the prawns (or your choice of protein) and gently simmer until fully cooked. For prawns, this will take about 3-5 minutes. If using chicken, ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Give a generous squeeze of lime juice and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red curry paste as needed. The goal is to balance salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the flavorful soup over the noodles, ensuring an even distribution of protein and vegetables.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top each bowl with your preferred garnishes such as fresh basil, pickled mustard greens, crispy noodles, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Fresh Ingredients are Key: Use fresh lemongrass, garlic, and lime leaves for the best flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of red curry paste or omit the chili garlic sauce.
- Make It Ahead: The soup base can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together.
