A traditional Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup with chicken.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
1hr 30min
Khao Soi Gai recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • 6piece
    chicken thighs
  • 3cups
    coconut milk
  • 3cups
    coconut cream
  • 1/2cup
    Khao Soi curry paste
  • 3tbsp
    light soy sauce
  • 1tbsp
    dark soy sauce
  • 50g
    flat wheat flour egg noodles
  • oil for deep frying

Khao Soi Curry Paste

  • 10piece
    dried long chilies, deseeded
  • 1tbsp
    black cardamom seeds
  • 2tbsp
    coriander seeds
  • 3tbsp
    ginger, julienned
  • 10piece
    small shallots
  • 4piece
    medium coriander roots
  • 1tbsp
    fresh turmeric, sliced
  • 1tbsp
    salt
  • 1/2tbsp
    curry powder

Garlic Oil

  • 3clove
    garlic, medium size
  • 4tbsp
    oil

Side Servings

  • 1piece
    boiled egg
  • sour pickled green mustard
  • shallots
  • 1piece
    lime wedge
  • deep fried and ground dry chilies

How to make Khao Soi Gai

Prepare the Khao Soi Curry Paste

  1. Soak the dried chilies in hot water until soft.

  2. Drain and blend with black cardamom seeds, coriander seeds, ginger, shallots, coriander roots, fresh turmeric, salt, and curry powder until smooth.

Cook the Chicken

  1. In a large pot, bring coconut milk to a boil.

  2. Add the Khao Soi curry paste and cook until fragrant.

  3. Add chicken thighs and cook until they are fully cooked.

  4. Add coconut cream, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Prepare the Noodles

  1. Cook the flat wheat flour egg noodles according to the package instructions.

  2. Drain and set aside.

  3. Deep fry a portion of the noodles until crispy for topping.

Make the Garlic Oil

  1. Fry the garlic in oil until golden brown.

  2. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Dish

  1. Place cooked noodles in a bowl.

  2. Pour the chicken curry over the noodles.

  3. Top with crispy fried noodles and garlic oil.

  4. Serve with side servings of boiled egg, sour pickled green mustard, shallots, lime wedge, and deep fried ground dry chilies.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer dried chilies to the curry paste.

  2. For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk and cream.

FAQS

  1. What is the cooking process for making Khao Soi Gai?

    To make Khao Soi Gai, start by soaking dried chilies in hot water until soft, then blend them with spices and aromatics. In a large pot, bring coconut milk to a boil, add Khao Soi curry paste, and cook until fragrant. Add chicken thighs and simmer with coconut cream and soy sauces for about 20 minutes. Cook the egg noodles separately, then deep fry a portion for topping. Finally, serve the chicken curry over the noodles and garnish with crispy noodles, garlic oil, and accompaniments like boiled eggs and lime.

  2. Is Khao Soi Gai suitable for a gluten-free diet?

    Khao Soi Gai is not inherently gluten-free due to the use of flat wheat flour egg noodles. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free noodles. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauces used are gluten-free varieties to maintain dietary compatibility.

  3. What can I use as a substitute for Khao Soi curry paste?

    If you don't have Khao Soi curry paste, you can create a substitute by mixing red curry paste with coconut milk, adding spices like turmeric, coriander, and curry powder for flavor. Alternatively, you can use a combination of yellow curry paste and coconut milk to achieve a similar taste profile, although it may not be as authentic.

  4. How should I store leftover Khao Soi Gai?

    To store leftover Khao Soi Gai, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the curry without the noodles, as they may become mushy when reheated. When ready to eat, reheat the curry on the stove and prepare fresh noodles to serve.

  5. What are some good side dishes or pairings for Khao Soi Gai?

    Khao Soi Gai pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or a side of Thai-style fried rice. For a refreshing drink, a Thai iced tea or coconut water complements the rich flavors of the curry. Additionally, lime wedges and fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the dish when served on the side.

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I am a Thai chef. Cooking mixed food Asian and Western...

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