Khao Soi is a warm and comforting dish from Thailand, featuring tasty egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth. It’s topped with crispy noodles and fresh herbs, giving it a delightful crunch!
This dish will make your taste buds dance! I love how it’s both creamy and spicy, perfect for those chilly nights or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: Fresh egg noodles are ideal for this dish, but you can use dried noodles if that’s what you have. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, rice noodles will also work, though the texture will be different.
Coconut Milk: This is what makes Khao Soi creamy and rich. If you’re dairy-free, stick with coconut milk. For a lighter option, you can use light coconut milk or even a mix of coconut milk and chicken broth.
Chicken: Chicken thighs offer great flavor and tenderness, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, add tofu or mushrooms instead. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Red Curry Paste: This is essential for flavor. If you can’t find it, make a homemade paste using garlic, ginger, and chili powder, or use Thai yellow curry paste as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Perfect Balance of Flavors?
Balancing the flavors of sweet, salty, and spicy is key in Khao Soi. After adding fish sauce, sugar, and soy sauce, taste and adjust as you go. If you need more heat, add sliced chili. To up the sweetness, add more sugar, and balance it with lime juice!
- Start with small amounts and gradually add more. This way, you won’t overpower the dish.
- Let it simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together—about 10 minutes is usually good!
- Remember, serving it with lime wedges allows everyone to personalize their bowl!
How to Make Khao Soi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles and Base:
- 200g egg noodles (fresh or dried)
- 200g chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
For the Broth:
- 400ml coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
For Toppings and Garnishes:
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
- Crisp fried egg noodles (for garnish) – can be made by deep frying some dried egg noodles or use store-bought crispy noodles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Khao Soi takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the broth while the noodles boil simultaneously. It’s quick and rewarding, perfect for a cozy weekday meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles. Boil water in a pot and cook half of the egg noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain them and set aside for later.
2. Make the Base:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the Spices:
Stir in the red curry paste, curry powder, and turmeric powder. Let this cook for 1-2 minutes to bring out all those lovely aromas.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Now add the thinly sliced chicken to the pot, cooking until it starts to turn white.
5. Create the Broth:
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it heat through.
6. Season to Perfection:
Add the fish sauce, palm sugar, and soy sauce to the broth. Taste it and adjust the seasoning based on your preference. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
7. Assemble the Dish:
In serving bowls, place a portion of the cooked soft egg noodles at the bottom.
8. Ladle the Broth:
Carefully ladle the fragrant curry soup over the noodles, allowing it to soak in.
9. Add the Toppings:
Top your Khao Soi with a generous amount of crispy fried egg noodles, fresh bean sprouts, chopped scallions, cilantro, and sliced red chili (if using).
10. Serve with a Squeeze of Lime:
Don’t forget to serve lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze some fresh lime juice over their bowl just before enjoying their meal!
Enjoy this classic Northern Thai Khao Soi with its creamy and spicy broth, tender chicken, and the wonderful contrast of soft and crispy noodles! Perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with loved ones!
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; for example, tofu should be cooked until golden, while shrimp cooks quickly—just a couple of minutes until pink!
What If I Don’t Have Red Curry Paste?
No worries! You can substitute it with yellow curry paste or make a homemade mix using garlic, ginger, and a pinch of chili powder. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make Khao Soi Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots to make it hearty and flavorful!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may soften, but the flavors will deepen. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed.
