Our full recipe guide on how to make Khao Soi, one of the most popular dishes in Thailand. Have you ever tasted or heard about it?
Khao Soi is a delicious Northern Thai dish featuring a rich coconut curry broth with noodles and meat, often chicken, and topped with crispy noodles. Here’s a recipe guide for an authentic Khao Soi.
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How to Make Khao Soi
Khao Soi Recipe Ingredients
Curry Paste:
Dry Spices:
2 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp black cardamom seeds
Wet Ingredients:
5 dried red chilies (soaked and seeded)
1 small shallot, peeled and chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tbsp ginger, chopped
1 tbsp lemongrass, chopped
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp cilantro stems, chopped
1 tsp shrimp paste
Main Ingredients:
1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks
400 ml coconut milk (about 1 can)
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 lb egg noodles
Garnishes:
1 cup crispy fried egg noodles (prepared separately)
Pickled mustard greens
Lime wedges
Fresh cilantro
Red onion, thinly sliced
Chili oil
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Step By Step How to Make Khao Soi
Making the Curry Paste
Toast the coriander, cumin, and cardamom seeds in a dry pan until fragrant. Grind into a powder using a spice grinder.
In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend or pound the dry spices with the rest of the curry paste ingredients until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed.
Preparing the Curry
Heat oil in a large pot and fry the curry paste over medium heat until fragrant and the oil separates.
Add chicken pieces and stir to coat with the paste. Cook for a few minutes until browned. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth.
Add sugar and fish sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender.
Preparing the Noodles
Cook most of the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Fry a portion of the egg noodles in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serving
Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Pour the curry broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl has a piece of chicken. Top with crispy noodles and garnish with pickled mustard greens, lime wedges, cilantro, red onion, and chili oil.
Tips for Making Khao Soi
Use Quality Ingredients
Source high-quality red curry paste or make your own using fresh spices and herbs like coriander, turmeric, and ginger. Authentic curry paste adds depth to the flavor.
Choice of Protein
Chicken thighs work well because they remain tender and juicy. Beef or shrimp can also be used, but consider cooking times and adjust as needed.
Fresh Egg Noodles
Use fresh egg noodles for the best texture. If unavailable, substitute with thin wheat noodles, or even ramen. Fry a portion of the noodles for a crispy garnish.
Balance the Curry Base
When making the coconut curry broth, start with a mix of red curry paste and turmeric, then add coconut milk for richness. Season with fish sauce and sugar for the ideal balance of salty and sweet.
Cook Proteins Thoroughly
Braise chicken or other proteins in the curry sauce until tender and infused with flavor.
Cook the Noodles Properly
Cook noodles according to the instructions. Drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture and maintain their texture.
Serve with Garnishes
The toppings make Khao Soi unique. Provide fresh garnishes like crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots, cilantro, lime wedges, and chili oil to let each person customize their bowl.
Adjust Spiciness
Serve with chili oil or crushed red pepper on the side so that diners can control the heat level.
Simmer Slowly
Allow the curry to simmer slowly so the flavors meld and deepen over time. This makes the broth richer and more aromatic.
Prepare in Advance
Cook the base and proteins in advance to let the flavors develop, then quickly reheat and assemble the bowls when ready to serve.
How Many Calories Has A Khao Soi
Noodles: Around 150-200 calories for a typical portion of egg noodles.
Coconut Milk: Approximately 200 calories for half a cup.
Chicken: About 150-200 calories for a serving (roughly 4-6 oz).
Curry Paste and Broth: Roughly 50-100 calories, depending on the amount and ingredients.
Fried Noodles Garnish: Around 50-100 calories, depending on the amount used.
A bowl of Khao Soi might have around 600-800 calories.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.