Khao Soi is a delicious Thai noodle soup that features a rich coconut curry broth. It’s a wonderful mix of soft noodles, crispy fried noodles, and tasty toppings like pickled mustard greens and lime!
This dish is a warm hug in a bowl! I love slurping the noodles while the crispy ones add a fun crunch. Plus, it’s super satisfying and brightens up any rainy day! 🌧️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: Fresh egg noodles are great for this dish, but you can substitute with dried egg noodles or even rice noodles. If you want to keep it gluten-free, try using gluten-free noodles or zucchini noodles for a fun twist!
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work too. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
Red Curry Paste: Seek out authentic Thai red curry paste for authentic flavor. If you can’t find it, yellow curry paste can be a suitable alternative. Just keep in mind it may alter the dish’s taste slightly.
Coconut Milk: A can of coconut milk gives a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use light coconut milk or a mix of coconut milk and chicken broth for less creaminess.
Fish Sauce: Fish sauce adds depth, but if you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using soy sauce or tamari for a similar salty flavor.
How Do You Get Crispy Noodles on Top?
Crispy noodles give Khao Soi that unique crunch! Here’s a quick way to achieve them:
- Take about 1 cup of the egg noodles and set them aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the separated noodles in small batches, frying until they turn golden brown and crispy—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
- Once done, remove and drain them on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. Set aside until serving!
Taking the time to make these crispy noodles is definitely worth it! They add an amazing texture contrast to the creamy soup. Enjoy!
How to Make Khao Soi (Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodle Base:
- 300g egg noodles (fresh or dried; separate some for frying)
For the Soup:
- 400g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons red curry paste (or Khao Soi curry paste if available)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 400ml coconut milk (1 can)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
- Pickled mustard greens, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Khao Soi recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a great dish for a quick and delicious dinner. The total time is about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crispy Noodles Topping:
Start by taking about 1 cup of the egg noodles and setting them aside. Heat vegetable oil in a small pan over medium-high heat. Fry the separated noodles in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy—this usually takes just 1-2 minutes. Once they’re crispy, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel. Set aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and thinly sliced onion. Sauté until everything is fragrant and the onion becomes soft. Next, add the red curry paste, curry powder, and turmeric powder. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes so the spices can release their aroma.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat everything with the flavorful spice mixture. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, mixing to combine. Then, add the fish sauce and palm sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Cook the Noodles:
While the soup simmers, cook the remaining fresh egg noodles according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Once they’re done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Assemble the Dish:
In each bowl, place a serving of the cooked noodles. Ladle the hot coconut curry soup with chicken over the noodles. On top of this, add a generous handful of the crispy fried noodles. Garnish everything with chopped cilantro and, if you like, some pickled mustard greens. Don’t forget to serve lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
6. Serve Immediately:
Time to dig in! Enjoy the creamy, spicy, tangy, and crunchy layers of this iconic Northern Thai dish with family and friends.
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This recipe creates a delightful bowl of Khao Soi, featuring soft noodles in a rich yellow-orange coconut curry broth, crowned with crispy fried noodles and refreshed with cilantro and lime. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish brings warmth and flavor to every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are traditional, you can use chicken breasts, beef, pork, or even shrimp. If you want a vegetarian option, tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms work wonderfully!
What Can I Use Instead of Fish Sauce?
If you’re looking for a substitute, soy sauce or tamari is a great alternative, especially for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust to taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Can I Make Khao Soi Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base in advance. Just store the soup and noodles separately. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the soup and cook the noodles fresh for the best texture!
