Khao Soi
Cuisine: Thai Type: Entree AKA: Northern Thai Curry Noodles

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Egg Noodles
8 ounces (227)
Coconut Milk
1 cup (240)
Chicken Thighs
1 pound (454)
Red Curry Paste
3 tablespoons (42)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Garlic Cloves
3 cloves (9)
Ginger
1 inch (6)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (2.8)
Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons (28)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (8)
Crispy Noodles
1 cup (28)
Lime Wedges
2 wedges (32)
Cilantro Leaves
2 tablespoons (4)
Totals
43 oz
(1,219 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Coconut Milk
400
Chicken Thighs
500
Red Curry Paste
100
Chicken Broth
50
Fish Sauce
30
Sugar
50
Soy Sauce
20
Turmeric Powder
10
Noodles
300
Bean Sprouts
20
Shallots
50
Lime
30
Cilantro
10
Crispy Noodles
150
Totals
1,720 kcal
Steps
Step 1: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Slowly pour in coconut milk, stirring continuously.
Step 4: Add chicken or beef, and cook until it is no longer pink.
Step 5: Pour in chicken or beef broth and bring to a boil.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 7: While the broth simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 8: In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat and fry the dried noodles until crispy. Set aside.
Step 9: Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the simmering broth. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 10: Add the cooked egg noodles to the broth and let them soak for a few minutes.
Step 11: Ladle the Khao Soi into bowls, making sure to include both the broth and noodles.
Step 12: Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and pickled mustard greens.
Step 13: Top with crispy fried noodles and sliced red onion.
Step 14: Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Khao Soi!
Substitutions
Substitutions for Khao Soi (Northern Thai Curry Noodles):
1. Curry Paste:
- Substitute with red curry paste or yellow curry paste.
- Adjust the quantity to taste, starting with 1-2 tablespoons.
2. Coconut Milk:
- Substitute with full-fat coconut cream or coconut creamer.
- Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
3. Chicken Stock:
- Substitute with vegetable stock or water.
- Adjust the quantity to maintain desired consistency.
4. Chicken:
- Substitute with tofu, shrimp, or beef.
- Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the protein chosen.
5. Egg Noodles:
- Substitute with rice noodles or any other Asian-style noodles.
- Cook according to package instructions.
6. Fish Sauce:
- Substitute with soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust the quantity to taste, starting with 1-2 tablespoons.
7. Sugar:
- Substitute with palm sugar, brown sugar, or honey.
- Adjust the quantity to taste, starting with 1-2 teaspoons.
8. Lime:
- Substitute with lemon juice or rice vinegar.
- Adjust the quantity to taste, starting with 1-2 tablespoons.
9. Garnishes:
- Substitute with cilantro, Thai basil, or mint leaves.
- Adjust the quantity to taste and garnish as desired.
Note: Adjust the seasoning and spice levels according to personal preference. Keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the overall flavor profile of the dish, but they should still result in a delicious alternative to Khao Soi.
Pairings
- Thai iced tea
- Som tum (green papaya salad)
- Thai spring rolls
- Grilled satay skewers
- Mango sticky rice
- Tom yum soup
- Thai coconut curry
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Thai fried chicken
- Thai beef salad
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced red chili for a pop of color.
- Top the dish with crispy fried shallots or onions for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve in individual bowls with a lime wedge on the side for a vibrant touch.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of bean sprouts for a crunchy element.
- Incorporate some sliced bamboo shoots or julienned carrots for additional texture.
- Experiment with different types of noodles such as egg noodles or rice vermicelli to vary the texture.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Instead of regular chicken, use tender pieces of grilled or roasted duck for a more indulgent experience.
- Substitute regular coconut milk with creamy coconut cream to enhance the richness.
- Add a touch of truffle oil or truffle paste for a luxurious and earthy flavor.
Remember to adjust the quantities and cooking times accordingly to ensure the overall balance and harmony of flavors in the dish. Enjoy your next-level Khao Soi dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles instead of traditional wheat noodles for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Replace regular coconut milk with light coconut milk to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
- Opt for lean protein sources such as skinless chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp instead of fatty cuts of meat.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding more leafy greens, like spinach or bok choy, to boost fiber and nutrient intake.
- Reduce the amount of added sugar by using a smaller quantity of palm sugar or substituting it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
- For individuals with high blood pressure or sodium restrictions, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and limit the amount used.
- Adjust the spice level to accommodate individuals with sensitive taste buds or those who cannot tolerate spicy foods.
- For individuals with nut allergies, omit any garnishes or toppings that contain peanuts or cashews traditionally used in Khao Soi.
- Consider using vegetable broth or homemade stock instead of store-bought broth to control the sodium content.
- To make it suitable for vegetarians or vegans, omit the meat and use vegetable protein sources like tofu or tempeh instead.
Healthy Choices
1. Use whole wheat noodles instead of regular noodles to increase fiber content.
2. Reduce the amount of coconut milk to lower saturated fat. Opt for light coconut milk or dilute it with low-fat milk or broth.
3. Increase the vegetable-to-meat ratio by adding more sliced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.
4. Choose lean protein sources like skinless chicken breast or tofu instead of fatty meats.
5. Use a homemade curry paste with fresh ingredients instead of store-bought versions that may contain additives or preservatives.
6. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor and antioxidants.
7. Limit the amount of added sugar by using a smaller quantity of palm sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
8. Include a variety of spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic for their anti-inflammatory properties and enhanced taste.
9. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase nutrient density.
10. Garnish with a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy flavor boost without adding extra sodium.
Shortcuts
1. Use store-bought curry paste: Instead of making the curry paste from scratch, opt for a good quality store-bought paste to save time and effort.
2. Substitute chicken thighs for whole chicken: Instead of using a whole chicken, use boneless chicken thighs which are quicker to cook and often more affordable.
3. Utilize pre-made chicken broth: To save time, use pre-made chicken broth instead of making it from scratch. Look for a quality brand to maintain the flavor.
4. Use dried noodles: Instead of making fresh noodles, use dried noodles which are readily available, cheaper, and require less preparation time.
5. Opt for pre-cut vegetables: Save time by purchasing pre-cut vegetables like onions, carrots, and cabbage, which are commonly used in Khao Soi.
6. Use canned coconut milk: Instead of extracting coconut milk from scratch, use canned coconut milk to save time and effort while still achieving a good flavor.
7. Skip the garnishes: While garnishes like fried noodles and fresh herbs enhance the dish, omitting them can save time and reduce costs without significantly compromising on taste.
8. Cook in larger batches: Prepare a larger quantity of Khao Soi and freeze the leftovers for future meals. This helps save time and reduces the need for frequent preparation.
9. Adjust the spice level: Reduce the amount of expensive and time-consuming spices like fresh chilies and ginger, while still maintaining a pleasant level of spiciness.
10. Explore local substitutes: Look for local ingredients that can replace expensive or hard-to-find items without compromising the overall taste and authenticity of the dish.