Let’s be honest, mid-week dinners can feel like a chore. You scroll through endless delivery apps searching for Chinese food or Thai food near you, only to be hit with decision fatigue and a hefty delivery fee. But what if you could recreate those delicious Asian flavours in your own kitchen, for a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the wait?
Tonight, we’re taking a culinary adventure to Myanmar and whipping up a steaming bowl of Khao Suey, a vibrant noodle soup that’s sure to tantalise your taste buds.
What is Khao Suey?
Khao Suey translates to “noodles in coconut milk,” and that’s exactly what it is! This flavorful soup features thin rice noodles in a rich, creamy coconut curry broth. But Khao Suey is more than just broth and noodles. It’s an experience! Traditionally served with a bounty of colourful toppings, it allows you to customise your bowl to your taste preference.
Why Make Khao Suey at Home?
There are several reasons why making Khao Suey at home is a great option:
- Affordability: Restaurant prices can add up quickly. By making Khao Suey at home, you can control the ingredients and cost.
- Freshness: You get to choose the freshest ingredients, ensuring a vibrant and flavorful meal.
- Customization: Khao Suey is all about personalization. Adjust the spice level, choose your favourite toppings, and create a bowl that’s perfect for you.
- Fun and Rewarding: Cooking is a great way to unwind and express yourself creatively. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a delicious restaurant-worthy meal at home is unbeatable!
Khao Suey: A Symphony of Flavor
The beauty of Khao Suey lies in its simplicity and versatility. The core elements are:
- Coconut Curry Broth: This rich and flavorful broth is the foundation of the dish. It’s typically made with coconut milk, aromatics like ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, and a touch of curry powder for warmth.
- Noodles: Thin rice noodles are the perfect canvas for the flavorful broth. They cook quickly and add a satisfying texture to the dish.
- Toppings: This is where the magic happens! Khao Suey is traditionally served with a variety of colourful toppings, allowing you to personalise your bowl. Think crispy shallots, boiled eggs, fresh herbs like cilantro and lime wedges, shredded chicken or tofu, and even pickled vegetables for a bit of tang.
Khao Suey Recipe: Your Gateway to Deliciousness
Now that you’re excited about Khao Suey, let’s get cooking! This recipe yields 4 servings and can be easily adjusted depending on your needs.
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (vegetarian option: substitute with soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, chopped
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz thin rice noodles (like vermicelli or rice sticks)
- For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken or tofu (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup crispy shallots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Toasted dried chilies (optional, for extra spice)
- Pickled vegetables (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Broth: In a large pot, combine coconut milk, broth, fish sauce, curry powder, brown sugar, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and turmeric powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld. Season with salt to taste.
- Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, prepare the noodles according to package instructions. This typically involves boiling water, adding the noodles, and cooking for a few minutes until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Assemble Your Bowl: In a serving bowl, place a portion of cooked noodles. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, making sure to get some of the aromatics. Now comes the fun part: customising your Khao Suey masterpiece!
- Protein Power: Top your bowl with cooked chicken or tofu if you’d like a heartier meal. Both options pair beautifully with the creamy broth.
- Egg-cellent Addition: Sliced hard-boiled eggs add a delightful textural contrast and a touch of richness.
- The Crunchy Factor: Crispy shallots are a must-have topping! Their contrasting texture and mild onion flavor bring flavor to the dish. You can find pre-made crispy shallots at most grocery stores, or make your own by thinly slicing shallots and frying them in oil until golden brown.
- Nutty Delights: Toasted peanuts add a touch of earthiness and a delightful crunch. Roughly chop them before adding them to your bowl.
- Fresh Herb Explosion: Cilantro brings a burst of freshness and a wonderful fragrance. Don’t skip it!
- Citrus Zing: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens up all the flavours.
To Sum up
So next time you’re craving Asian cuisine flavours, you can try out our recipe and get on a culinary adventure to Myanmar with Khao Suey! With its simple ingredients, versatile toppings, and explosion of flavours, this noodle soup is sure to become a new weeknight favourite.
If you’re in Gurgaon or Dwarka in search of a dish that satisfies your cravings and calms your spirit. It serves as evidence of the flavorful potential of spices, the cosiness of noodles, and the inventiveness that arises from the blending of several culinary traditions. Come try the fiery treat at Solana’s Restaurant if you love spicy food and authentic Chinese cuisine.
At Solanas, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service that complements the quality of our food. Our friendly and attentive staff is committed to ensuring your Gurgaon Thai Dining Experience is nothing short of delightful.
We understand that dietary restrictions and preferences can vary. Our menu features vegetarian and Non-Veg options and our chefs are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible. Feel free to inquire about customising your dish to suit your dietary needs.
Our Location
G 30, City Center, Pocket 8, Block B, Sector 12 Dwarka, Dwarka, Delhi, 110078
Plot No 21/9 Heritage School Road, near Indira Gandhi Eye Hospital, Sector 62, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
Contact: 09999516139 / 09560085021