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Authentic Khao Soi Recipe: A Flavorful Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup

Khao Soi is a traditional Thai coconut curry noodle soup with chicken and crispy noodles. This Best Khao Soi Recipe delivers rich, creamy, and bold flavors in a comforting bowl of curry goodness. Garnish with fresh herbs, pickled mustard greens, and lime for a truly authentic Thai meal.

Best Khao Soi Recipe
Best Khao Soi Recipe

Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup

Khao Soi is a flavorful and aromatic coconut curry noodle soup that originates from Northern Thailand. This Best Khao Soi Recipe features a rich, creamy broth made with red curry paste, yellow curry powder, and coconut milk. Tender chicken and soft egg noodles are combined with crispy fried noodles on top, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Garnished with fresh herbs, pickled mustard greens, and lime juice, this soup is a true taste of Thailand. Perfect for those who love bold flavors and crave a satisfying meal!

Why is it Called “Khao Soi”?

The name Khao Soi comes from Northern Thailand, where this dish is a staple. In Thai, “Khao” means rice, and “Soi” refers to the process of cutting or slicing, though the dish traditionally uses egg noodles instead of rice. Khao Soi is known for its unique combination of creamy coconut curry broth and crispy fried noodles, which set it apart from other Thai noodle dishes. Popular in Chiang Mai and throughout Northern Thailand, it’s beloved for its bold and complex flavors.

Best Khao Soi Recipe
Best Khao Soi Recipe

How Should Khao Soi Taste?

A perfect bowl of Khao Soi should have a creamy, rich broth with a balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The coconut milk gives it a smooth texture, while the curry paste and spices create warmth and depth. The noodles in the soup should be soft and tender, while the crispy fried noodles on top add a satisfying crunch. The dish should be aromatic with hints of lemongrass and lime, with the optional garnishes providing a burst of freshness and acidity. Each bite should be an explosion of Thai flavors!

Read More: Best Tom Yum Goong Recipe: A Flavorful Thai Hot and Sour Soup

It’s About How to Make It Super Yummy or Perfect

To make the Best Khao Soi Recipe at home, follow these simple tips to ensure your soup is flavorful and authentic:

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: The rich flavor of Khao Soi comes from the freshness of its herbs and spices. Try to use fresh red curry paste, galangal, and lime juice for the best flavor. Fresh cilantro and pickled mustard greens are also essential for bringing brightness to the dish.
  2. Crispy Noodles are a Must: Don’t skip the crispy fried noodles! They provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth curry broth. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought fried noodles or wonton strips as a substitute.
  3. Balance the Flavors: Khao Soi is all about balance. Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it’s too spicy, add more coconut milk to tone down the heat. If it needs more brightness, a squeeze of fresh lime juice will do the trick.
  4. Serve Immediately: Khao Soi is best enjoyed fresh, as the noodles will absorb the broth and become soggy if left for too long. Serve it immediately after assembling, with the crispy noodles and garnishes on top.
Best Khao Soi Recipe

Khao Soi Recipe

Khao Soi is a traditional Thai coconut curry noodle soup with chicken and crispy noodles. This Best Khao Soi Recipe delivers rich, creamy, and bold flavors in a comforting bowl of curry goodness. Garnish with fresh herbs, pickled mustard greens, and lime for a truly authentic Thai meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Northern Thai, thai
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wok or deep frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

For the Curry Broth:

  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp yellow curry powder
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 500 gm chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp suagr
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 200 gm egg noodles

For the Crispy Noodles:

  • 100 gm egg noodles (uncooked)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Garnishes:

  • Fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Sliced shallots
  • Pickled mustard greens
  • Lime wedges
  • Chili oil (optional)

Instructions
 

  • 1. Prepare the Crispy Noodles
    In a deep frying pan or wok, heat enough vegetable oil to deep fry. Fry the uncooked egg noodles in batches until golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
    2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the red curry paste and yellow curry powder, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and coated with the curry paste, about 4-5 minutes.
    3. Prepare the Curry Broth
    Stir in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Simmer the curry for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
    4. Cook the Noodles
    While the curry simmers, cook the remaining egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    5. Assemble the Khao Soi
    Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Ladle the coconut curry broth with chicken over the noodles.Top each bowl with the crispy fried noodles.
    6. Add Garnishes
    Garnish the Khao Soi with fresh cilantro, sliced shallots, pickled mustard greens, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add chili oil for extra heat if desired.

Notes

  • Curry Paste: Red curry paste is used in this recipe, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less. For a spicier version, feel free to add additional chili paste or fresh chilies.
  • Pickled Mustard Greens: These are a traditional topping for Khao Soi and add a tangy contrast to the rich curry broth. You can find them in Asian grocery stores or substitute with pickled vegetables.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version of Khao Soi.
  • Noodle Options: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also use wheat noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

This Best Khao Soi Recipe is a true celebration of Northern Thai cuisine. The combination of rich, creamy coconut curry broth, tender chicken, and crispy noodles creates a hearty, comforting meal that is packed with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of Thai food or trying something new, Khao Soi is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and bold tastes. Serve this dish with all the traditional garnishes for an authentic experience, and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite!

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