Khao Soi is a warm and creamy noodle soup that hails from Thailand. It features soft egg noodles and a rich coconut curry broth, topped with crispy noodles for that perfect crunch!
This dish is a hug in a bowl! I love how the mix of spices brings life to the coconut flavor. Serve it with lime and pickled mustard greens for an extra zing—and trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: Use fresh egg noodles for the best texture. If you can’t find them, try using thin rice noodles or even regular spaghetti as a substitute. It won’t have the same authentic taste, but it works in a pinch!
Coconut Milk: This provides creaminess and flavor. Light coconut milk can reduce calories but may sacrifice richness. If you’re avoiding coconut, try using unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream, keeping in mind it will alter the taste considerably.
Chicken Thighs: I love using chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. Breasts are a healthier substitute but might turn out drier. For a vegetarian variant, use tofu or chickpeas instead.
Red Curry Paste: This is the heart of Khao Soi’s flavor! If you don’t have it, you can blend together equal parts chili powder, ginger, and some garlic. It’ll lack depth, but it’s a good alternative.
Crispy Fried Egg Noodles: These bring an essential crunch. If you can’t find them, try frying some regular noodles until golden, or even use fried shallots for added flavor and crunch!
How Can I Make Sure My Khao Soi Has the Right Flavor Balance?
Balancing flavors in Khao Soi is key for a truly delightful dish. Start by tasting your soup as it cooks. Here’s how to achieve that perfect balance:
- Add fish sauce gradually for salty flavor—don’t dump it all in at once!
- If your soup is too salty, a little extra sugar can help counteract it.
- Remember to adjust with lime juice at the end. It brightens the whole dish!
- Using pickled mustard greens offers a tangy bite that complements the creamy soup, so don’t skip this addition.
Cooking should be about trying and tasting until it’s perfect for your palette. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Khao Soi (Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Noodles and Soup:
- 300g egg noodles (fresh or dried)
- 200g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 400ml coconut milk
- 500ml chicken broth
- 2 tbsp red curry paste (or Khao Soi curry paste if available)
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tsp sugar (palm sugar preferred)
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For The Toppings:
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves for garnish
- Pickled mustard greens or pickled cabbage (optional, as a topping)
- Crispy fried egg noodles (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to a delicious bowl of Khao Soi!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside. You want them ready to soak up all that delicious soup!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced shallots. Sauté them gently until they’re fragrant and the shallots begin to soften—about 2-3 minutes will do.
3. Cook the Spices:
Next, stir in the red curry paste, turmeric powder, and curry powder. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, until everything is beautifully aromatic. Your kitchen should start to smell fantastic at this point!
4. Brown the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir them in, coating them well with the spice mixture. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, until it starts to brown slightly. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, just get a bit of color on it!
5. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir to combine. You’ll see the ingredients starting to transform into a lovely soup.
6. Simmer for Flavor:
Add the fish sauce and sugar, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Remember to stir occasionally.
7. Final Adjustments:
Now it’s time to taste! Check the seasoning and adjust with salt, more fish sauce, or sugar based on your preference. This soup should have a delightful balance of flavors—coconut, spicy, and savory!
8. Serve the Noodles:
To serve, place the cooked egg noodles in a bowl. Then ladle the hot coconut curry soup with tender chicken over the noodles, making sure to include plenty of that delicious broth.
9. Add the Crunch & garnish:
Top your bowls with crispy fried egg noodles for that satisfying crunch and garnish with fresh cilantro. You can also throw in some pickled mustard greens on top if you like that tangy flavor.
10. Enjoy with Lime:
Serve with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze in some fresh juice to brighten up the dish. Enjoy this comforting bowl of authentic Khao Soi!
This delightful dish is perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with your cooking skills! Enjoy every slurp!
Can I Use Different Proteins in Khao Soi?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute it with beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp cooks faster, while tofu should be cubed and added at the same time as the chicken.
How Can I Make Khao Soi Vegetarian or Vegan?
To adapt this recipe for vegetarian or vegan diets, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure that your curry paste is also vegetarian, as some brands may contain shrimp paste.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Khao Soi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to restore the soup’s creaminess, as it may thicken when cooled.
Can I Prepare Khao Soi in Advance?
You can prepare the soup base a day ahead for convenience. Just cook the noodles right before serving to ensure they stay fresh. Reheat the soup gently on the stove, adding the cooked noodles just before serving.
