Best 5 Chiang Mai Curried Noodles Khao Soi Gai Recipes

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**Khao Soi Gai: A Culinary Journey to Northern Thailand's Signature Curry Noodle Soup**

Originating from the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, Khao Soi Gai, or Northern Thai Curry Noodle Soup with Chicken, is a harmonious blend of diverse culinary influences that have shaped the region's unique cuisine. This tantalizing dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich and flavorful broth, complemented by a symphony of spices, herbs, and aromatics. Its distinctive yellow hue comes from the generous use of turmeric, while the addition of coconut milk lends a creamy richness that balances the dish's inherent heat. Served over crispy egg noodles and accompanied by an assortment of garnishes, including pickled cabbage, crispy shallots, and aromatic herbs, Khao Soi Gai embodies the essence of Northern Thai cuisine, offering a delightful symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

Embark on a culinary adventure with our curated collection of Khao Soi Gai recipes, each offering a unique interpretation of this beloved dish. Discover the traditional method of preparing the curry paste from scratch, ensuring an authentic and vibrant flavor profile. Explore variations that showcase the versatility of Khao Soi Gai, such as the vegetarian version featuring tofu or the innovative seafood rendition with succulent shrimp and mussels.

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Northern Thailand with our comprehensive guide to Khao Soi Gai. Let your taste buds travel to the heart of Chiang Mai as you savor this iconic dish that perfectly encapsulates the region's culinary heritage.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

KHAO SOI (CHIANG MAI) NOODLES



Khao Soi (Chiang Mai) Noodles image

Khao Soi Noodles (also known as Chiang Mai Noodles) are a creamy, rich, chicken and noodle dish that comes from the Northwestern region of Thailand. There's a reason this dish was once named the most delicious dish in the world - try it once and you'll inevitably crave it afterwards. This recipe includes instructions for using store-bought Khao Soi powder (super easy) or homemade curry paste (a bit more time consuming) and can be made on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in the slow cooker.

Provided by Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Categories     Main Dish

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 ounces Chinese-Style Egg Noodles
Vegetable Oil, for frying
2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil ((use vegetable, peanut, coconut, or avocado oil))
6 Chicken Drumsticks ((sub bone-in chicken thighs, cubed boneless chicken breast, or a combination))
1 3/4 cups Coconut Milk, divided ((regular, not light))
3 Tablespoons Khao Soi Curry Paste or 1 (1.76-oz) packet Khao Soi Seasoning ((see note))
2 cups Chicken Stock, regular or low-sodium
4 ounces Chinese-Style Egg Noodles
Pickled Mustard Greens ((rinse well and finely chop))
Thinly Sliced Shallots
Cilantro
Lime Wedges
Fish Sauce
Sugar

Steps:

  • Heat a Dutch oven, wok, or saute pan over medium heat. Add 2 Tablespoons oil. When the oil begins to simmer, sear chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes total. (It will finish cooking in the curry, so don't worry if it's not cooked through.) Set drumsticks aside, leaving pan over heat.
  • To heated pan, add 3/4 cup coconut milk (if using canned coconut milk that has separated, use the top, thicker portion of the milk) to the pan. Simmer coconut milk, stirring constantly, until it has reduced by half and you can see oil separating from the milk, 5 to 6 minutes. (Note: This step to "break" the coconut milk is part of the traditional process, but don't worry if your coconut milk doesn't show signs of separating after this initial cook time - just proceed with the recipe.)
  • To coconut milk, add Khao Soi curry paste or seasoning packet and simmer, stirring constantly, until thick and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add chicken pieces and stir to coat in curry paste.
  • Pour chicken stock and remaining 1 cup coconut milk over chicken.
  • Bring to a boil and then reduce temperature to maintain a low simmer. Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through and very tender, 20 minutes for cubed chicken and 30 minutes for drumsticks.
  • Turn on the pressure cooker's sauté function to normal / medium. When hot, add 2 Tablespoons oil. When the oil begins to simmer, sear chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes total. (It will finish cooking in the curry, so don't worry if it's not cooked through.) Set drumsticks aside, leaving sauté function on.
  • To heated pot, add 3/4 cup coconut milk (if using canned coconut milk that has separated, use the top, thicker portion of the milk).
  • To coconut milk, add Khao Soi curry paste or seasoning packet and simmer, stirring constantly, until thick and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add chicken and stir to coat in curry paste.
  • Pour chicken stock and remaining 1 cup coconut milk over chicken.
  • Turn off saute function and let the mixture cool slightly. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan (this is a key step to prevent the burn error).
  • Close and lock the lid. Set steam valve to Sealing. Cook on manual / high for 15 minutes.
  • Let pressure naturally release for 5 minutes and then manually release any remaining pressure.
  • Heat a Dutch oven, wok, or saute pan over medium heat. Add 2 Tablespoons oil. When the oil begins to simmer, sear chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes total. (It will finish cooking in the curry, so don't worry if it's not cooked through.) Set drumsticks aside, leaving pan over heat.
  • To heated pan, add 3/4 cup coconut milk (if using canned coconut milk that has separated, use the top, thicker portion of the milk) to the pan. Simmer coconut milk, stirring constantly, until it has reduced by half and you can see oil separating from the milk, 5 to 6 minutes. (Note: This step to "break" the coconut milk is part of the traditional process, but don't worry if your coconut milk doesn't show signs of separating after this initial cook time - just proceed with the recipe.)
  • To coconut milk, add Khao Soi curry paste or seasoning packet and simmer, stirring constantly, until thick and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Transfer coconut and curry mixture to the bowl of a slow cooker. Add chicken stock, remaining 1 cup coconut milk and chicken.
  • Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours.
  • When the curry is nearly finished, fill a wok, Dutch oven, or saucepan with about 4 inches of vegetable oil and place it over medium heat. Set a plate lined with paper towels nearby. When the oil is hot, fry 6 ounces of noodles in batches until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure that each portion of noodles is roughly the right size to top each bowl of soup. Transfer fried noodles to paper towels and season immediately with some salt.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 4 ounces noodles. Boil until just tender (they should still have a bit of a chewy texture). Drain.
  • When the curry is finished, taste and season with some salt, fish sauce, or a pinch of sugar if you'd like. (This is a key step for a great Thai curry. Customizing to taste means you'll get a curry that you love every time.)
  • Divided boiled noodles between serving bowls. Ladle curry over top. Finish with fried noodles and toppings

Nutrition Facts : Calories 409 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 28 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Sodium 282 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

KHAO SOI GAI (NORTHERN THAI COCONUT-CURRY NOODLES WITH CHICKEN)



Khao Soi Gai (Northern Thai Coconut-Curry Noodles With Chicken) image

You'll find khao soi, a deeply fragrant, coconut milk-based stew, throughout Southeast Asia, but the dish is a specialty of Chiang Mai, a city in Northern Thailand. Chicken is simmered in a creamy, spicy-sweet broth, then served over boiled egg noodles and garnished with crunchy fried noodles. (When made with beef, the dish is called khao soi nuea.) This version is adapted from Noree Thai, a restaurant in Los Angeles, which Noree Pla owns with her partner, the chef Fern Kaewtathip. Ms. Pla serves the khao soi she learned from her mother, which requires more than a dozen ingredients, but once you have the ingredients prepared, the dish comes together in less than an hour. For a lighter broth, use about half of the curry paste; for a more pungent khao soi, use it all.

Provided by Daniela Galarza

Categories     dinner, curries, noodles, poultry, main course

Time 4h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

3 dried red Thai chiles (or chiles de árbol)
2 fresh or dried makrut lime leaves (optional)
15 cilantro stems with leaves (about 1/4 bunch)
2 large shallots or 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 (1 1/2- to 2-inch) pieces fresh, unpeeled turmeric, scrubbed and roughly chopped (or 2 tablespoons ground turmeric)
1 (4-inch) piece lemongrass, from the base of the stalk, sliced
1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
4 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon shrimp paste or 2 teaspoons fish sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest (preferably from a fresh makrut lime)
3 cups neutral oil
1 (16-ounce) package dried, flat Chinese-style egg noodles, or dried tagliatelle pasta nests
Kosher salt
2 (13-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk (not shaken or stirred)
2 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
Kosher salt
8 chicken leg drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
2 to 4 tablespoons fish sauce
2 to 4 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
1/2 cup homemade or store-bought Yunnanese-style pickled mustard greens, for serving
1 shallot, peeled and thinly sliced, for serving
Chile paste or chile oil, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Make the curry paste: Bring 1/4 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the dried chiles and makrut lime leaves (if using) to a small bowl; pour the boiling water on top and let steep for 10 minutes.
  • While the mixture steeps, separate the cilantro leaves from the stems; set leaves and any tender stems aside for garnish. Roughly chop cilantro stems and add to a small food processor (or the bowl of a large mortar and pestle) along with the shallots, turmeric, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, curry powder, shrimp paste (if using) and lime zest.
  • Add the soaked chile mixture (including its liquid) and process (or crush with a pestle) until curry paste is smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, about 10 minutes for either method. Curry paste can be made up to 2 weeks ahead; store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
  • Prepare the fried noodles: In a medium (2-quart) saucepan, bring 3 cups neutral oil to 325 degrees over medium-high heat. Add 4 ounces noodles and fry, flipping once or twice, until light brown, 30 to 60 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer noodles to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside until ready to serve. Cool, strain and store remaining oil in a covered jar for another use.
  • Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium. Add about 1/4 cup coconut cream, scraped from the top of one of the cans of coconut milk, to the pot and let it melt, about 10 seconds. Add at least half of the curry paste - or more, for a more pungent khao soi - and stir until deeply fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and the remaining coconut milk, and increase heat to medium-high. Bring mixture just to a low boil, about 3 minutes.
  • Use 1 tablespoon salt to season drumsticks, then add them to the boiling curry mixture. Cover, and let simmer until chicken is cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes. Uncover, lower heat, and add remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock along with 1 cup water. (It should be more like soup than stew.) Season to taste with fish sauce, sugar and salt. Turn heat to very low, and cover to keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 teaspoons salt and remaining 12 ounces noodles. Cook until al dente. Drain and portion into four bowls. Add 2 drumsticks to each bowl, and about 2 cups curry broth. Garnish with fried noodles, pickled mustard greens, sliced shallots, chile paste or oil, reserved cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

CHIANG MAI NOODLES (THAI CHICKEN KHAO SOI)



Chiang Mai Noodles (Thai Chicken Khao Soi) image

Chiang Mai Noodles (Thai Chicken Khao Soi) with tender chicken, simmered in coconut milk cream broth. This Thai-inspired curry noodles taste creamy, rich, savory, zesty, and little spicy. Use my tips to make the best Kao Soi at home easy and taste amazing!

Provided by ChihYu

Categories     Main Course     Soup

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 17

3-4 tbsp Thai Kitchen red curry paste
4 tbsp avocado oil
4 oz. shallot (finely chopped, 2 large)
0.5 oz ginger (finely chopped)
1 tsp EACH coriander, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala powder
14 oz. Full fat coconut cream
2 lbs chicken drumsticks (or thighs (skin-on and bone-in))
2.5-3 cups water or chicken stock
1-2 tsp fish sauce (or to taste)
2 tbsp coconut sugar (or to taste)
4 pieces kaffir lime leaves (fresh or dry, optional)
Rice noodles
1 whole lime juice (plus extra for serving)
Coriander leaves (chopped, optional)
Fried onion (store-bought, optional)
Chinese pickled mustard greens (diced, optional)
Bean sprouts (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat a Dutch oven or 4-quart (or larger) heavy soup pot over medium-low heat until it feels warm. Add the curry paste, oil, shallot, ginger, and dry spice seasonings - coriander, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala powder. Saute over medium-low heat for 1 minute.
  • Add ½ cup coconut cream and keep sauteing over medium-low heat until you can see the oil starts surfacing to the top and is separated from the paste, about 3 minutes or longer. Stir often with a wooden spoon so that the paste won't get burnt.
  • Add the chicken and gently stir to coat the curry paste over the drumsticks. Add the remaining coconut cream, water, fish sauce, sugar, and lime leaves, if using. Give it a stir then cover the pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Then, lower the heat to simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
  • In the meantime, cook the noodles in a separate pot, following the package instructions.
  • Once the chicken has fallen off the bone tender, taste and start seasoning the broth further with fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice to taste. The flavor should be savory, sweet, a little spicy, and zesty sour flavor.
  • To serve, you can shred the chicken or serve a whole drumstick as people do in Thailand. Add the boiled noodles to individual serving bowls with chicken and a few spoonfuls of hot broth. Garnish with fried shallots, pickled chinese mustard greens, sliced shallots, and bean sprouts, if using. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 587 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Protein 22 g, Fat 42 g, SaturatedFat 24 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 93 mg, Sodium 240 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, UnsaturatedFat 16 g

CHIANG MAI CURRY NOODLES (KAO SOI)



Chiang Mai Curry Noodles (Kao Soi) image

In Northern Thailand, kao soi is a meal for one, served up in an enormous bowl and garnished with a playful tangle of crunchy egg noodles fried crisp for a contrast in texture to the tender noodles and smooth, sunny-colored sauce. The standard condiments include Chinese-style ground chilies in oil, chopped pickled cabbage and wedges of lime. *** To make crispy noodle nests, you'll need about ½ lb thin fresh egg noodles. Heat about 2 cups vegetable oil in a wok or small, deep skillet to about 375 F. Carefully add a handful of noodles, let it sizzle and brown a few seconds, turn gently with tongs, and transfer the "nest" to a platter to cool. Serve in individual soup bowls with chopsticks or forks for the noodles, and big spoons for the delicious curry sauce. Recipe courtesy of Nancie McDermott.

Provided by Sandi From CA

Categories     Curries

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
2 tablespoons red curry paste or 2 tablespoons panang curry paste
3/4 lb boneless beef such as tri-tip steak or 3/4 lb flank steak, thinly sliced crosswise into 2-inch strips
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons ground turmeric or 2 teaspoons curry powder
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce or 2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 lb angel hair pasta or 1/2 lb spaghetti
1/3 cup coarsely chopped shallot
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onion

Steps:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, and then add the garlic. Toss well and add the red curry paste, mashing and stirring to soften it in the oil, about 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook 1 to 2 minutes, tossing now and then to brown it evenly and mix it with the curry paste.
  • Add the coconut milk, chicken broth, turmeric, soy sauce, sugar and salt and stir well. Bring to a gentle boil and adjust heat to maintain a lively simmer. Cook about 10 minutes until meat is cooked through.
  • Stir in lime juice, remove from heat and cover to keep curry warm while you prepare the noodles.
  • Cook the noodles in a large pot of rapidly boiling water until tender but still firm, as little as 2 minutes for fresh noodles and 7 minutes or more for dried. Drain, rinse well in cold water, drain again and divide the noodles among individual serving bowls. Ladle on hot curry, and sprinkle each serving with the shallots, cilantro and green onions. Serve hot and garnish with crunchy noodle nests as noted in description if using.

CHIANG MAI CURRIED NOODLE AND CHICKEN SOUP (KAO SOI GAI)



Chiang Mai Curried Noodle and Chicken Soup (Kao Soi Gai) image

Haw Muslim traders from the south of China probably brought this dish to Chiang Mai (in northern Thailand). This version is based on one in David Thompson's authoritative book, Thai Food, and is posted in response to a request in the Asian Forum. Thompson says, 'The best noodles to use are the somewhat flat egg noodles, about 1/2-centimetre (1/4-inch) wide. Deep fry a few of them in very hot, clean oil to use as a garnish, but be careful -- they splatter as they expand and become crisp.' He also says that beef can be used in place of chicken. Preparation and cooking times are guesses. Recipe #269411 is supposed to be a nice complement to this.

Provided by Leggy Peggy

Categories     Thai

Time 1h

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 dried long red chilies, deseeded, soaked and drained
4 red shallots, unpeeled
3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 tablespoon fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 sprigs fresh coriander, roots scraped and chopped
1 teaspoon coriander seed, roasted and ground
1 pinch salt
4 tablespoons coconut cream
1 chicken leg, quartered (100 grams or 3 ounces)
1 tablespoon palm sugar
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
2 cups stock (or water)
75 g fresh egg noodles (recipe says 1 handful)
1 tablespoon green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Steps:

  • Pre-heat oven to 200°C.
  • To make the paste:.
  • Roast the chillies, shallots, garlic, turmeric and ginger until softened. Remove from oven. When cool enough to handle, peel the shallots and garlic. Then pound the roasted ingredients together (using a mortar and pestle) until smooth.
  • To make the soup:.
  • Simmer the coconut cream until it is thick and beginning to separate. Then add the paste and fry until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken, reduce the heat and simmer for several minutes.
  • Add the palm sugar, the two soy sauces and finally the stock. Stir well and then keep simmering until the chicken is cooked, about 20 minutes.
  • While soup is simmering, fry one-quarter of the egg noodles in hot oil, drain.
  • Check the seasoning: the soup should taste salty and slightly sweet from the coconut cream.
  • Blanch three-quarters of the egg noodles in boiling water, drain.
  • Put blanched noodles in a bowl, pour over the soup and add garnishes.
  • Can also serve with sliced red shallots. wedges of lime, pickled mustard greens and Recipe #269411.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Look for fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make khao soi, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. You might try adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices, or using a different type of noodle.
  • Make sure your broth is flavorful: The broth is the base of the dish, so it's important to make sure it's flavorful. Use a good quality chicken or vegetable stock, and add plenty of herbs and spices.
  • Cook the noodles al dente: The noodles should be cooked al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite. This will help them hold their shape in the soup.
  • Serve with plenty of toppings: Khao soi is traditionally served with a variety of toppings, such as crispy shallots, fried garlic, lime wedges, and pickled cabbage. These toppings add flavor and texture to the dish.

Conclusion:

Khao soi is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and crispy noodles, it's a perfect meal for any occasion. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give khao soi a try. You won't be disappointed!

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