A colorful bowl of Khao Soi with tofu, shredded purple cabbage, bean sprouts, cucumber, and cilantro garnished with crushed peanuts

Easy Homemade Khao Soi Recipe – Thai Coconut Curry Noodles

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Khao Soi is a rich and aromatic Thai coconut curry noodle dish, perfect for those craving something hearty and full of flavor.

This Northern Thai specialty combines tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a medley of spices, topped with crispy noodles for texture. If you’re looking for something similar, check Gaeng Daeng.

Serve it with lime wedges, pickled mustard greens, or red onion slices for an authentic experience!

A bowl of Khao Soi with rich curry broth, noodles, lime wedges, and garnished with crispy shallots and fresh cilantro

Homemade Khao Soi Recipe

Khao Soi is a rich and aromatic Northern Thai coconut curry noodle dish featuring tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and warm spices. It is served with fresh egg noodles, crispy fried noodles, and garnished with lime, red onion, cilantro, and pickled mustard greens.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or wok
  • Medium saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Ladle
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Blender or mortar and pestle optional for homemade curry paste

Ingredients
  

Curry:

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 400 ml (1 can) coconut milk
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 chicken thighs bone-in, skinless
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar

Noodles:

  • 400 g fresh egg noodles or dried egg noodles
  • 1 cup vegetable oil for frying crispy noodles

Garnish:

  • Crispy fried noodles from above
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced red onion
  • Pickled mustard greens

Instructions
 

  • 1. Prepare the Curry:
    Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    Add the red curry paste and turmeric powder. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
    Gradually stir in the coconut milk, mixing well to combine with the curry paste.
    Add the chicken stock, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
    Add the chicken thighs to the curry. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
    A pot of simmering orange curry with a wooden spoon on a marble countertop
  • 2. Cook the Noodles:
    Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    Reserve a small portion of the noodles for frying (about 1/4 cup).
    A bowl of freshly cooked noodles topped with chopped green onions, ready for Khao Soi preparation
  • 3. Make Crispy Noodles:
    Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
    Fry the reserved noodles until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
    A frying pan on a stove with steaming noodles being cooked, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere
  • 4. Assemble the Dish:
    Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
    Ladle the chicken curry over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets a piece of chicken.
    Top with crispy noodles, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced red onion, and pickled mustard greens.
    A bowl of Khao Soi garnished with cilantro, sliced red onions, and green onions on a rustic background

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Fat: 20 g
Cooking Tips:
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red curry paste.
  • Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or vegetables and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
  • Homemade Curry Paste: For a more authentic flavor, consider making your own curry paste with dried chilies, shallots, garlic, galangal, and spices.
Keyword Asian Cuisine, Homemade, Spicy

What if you Lack some Ingredients?

If you don’t have access to all the traditional ingredients for Khao Soi, there are plenty of substitutions that can deliver a delicious and satisfying dish.

Instead of red curry paste, you can use a combination of readily available spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, and a touch of ground coriander to mimic the complex flavors. While it won’t be identical to the authentic paste, it will still provide a warm and aromatic base for the curry.

For coconut milk, heavy cream or a mixture of milk and a touch of coconut extract can work in a pinch, although it may lack the depth and richness of true coconut milk.

For the protein, chicken thighs can be swapped out for chicken breasts, shrimp, or even beef strips for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, tofu or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower make excellent choices.

For the fish sauce, soy sauce combined with a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar can replicate its umami and tangy qualities.

If egg noodles are unavailable, substitute with ramen noodles, spaghetti, or even rice noodles, keeping in mind that each type will slightly alter the texture and feel of the dish. Experimentation is part of the fun, and these alternatives can still deliver a meal that is both comforting and flavorful.

A bowl of creamy Khao Soi with noodles, garnished with sliced red onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges
Khao Soi is traditionally made with egg noodles and a blend of spices, creating a unique balance of creamy coconut milk and bold flavors

The Bottom Line

Khao Soi is a beautifully vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Northern Thailand straight to your table.

With its creamy coconut curry, tender noodles, and delightful toppings, it’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Serve it up with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy a comforting bowl of warmth and spice. We hope you feel inspired to try this easy homemade Khao Soi recipe and make it your own!

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