Experience Myanmar’s (formerly Burma’s) delicious and fragrant noodle dish, Khao Suey. Every bite of this flavorful dish is enhanced by its rich coconut milk broth, fragrant spices, and variety of toppings.
A creamy coconut milk broth infused with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger, is the basis for Khao Suey. In order to create a velvety base for the noodles, the broth is simmered until it is rich and flavorful.
In order to assemble the dish, a bowl of noodles is filled with ladles of coconut milk broth, followed by ladles of the fragrant broth. Khao Suey is truly magical because of the variety of toppings served alongside the noodles. Toppings commonly used include:
- Crispy fried onions or shallots for added crunch
- Chopped cilantro or fresh herbs for a burst of freshness
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced or quartered
- Crispy fried garlic for extra flavor
- Lime wedges for a tangy kick
- Sliced green onions or scallions for added depth
Khao Suey Recipe
Ingredients
For the Coconut Curry Broth:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger grated
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons yellow curry paste
- 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce optional
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles and Toppings:
- 8 oz rice noodles or egg noodles cooked according to package instructions
- Assorted toppings: boiled eggs sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, fried onions, fried garlic, sliced chili peppers, lime wedges, crispy fried noodles, fried tofu, shredded chicken, cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, etc.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Curry Broth
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onions to the pot. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Stir in yellow curry paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in coconut milk and vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), turmeric powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles and Toppings
- While the broth is simmering, cook the rice noodles or egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare your choice of toppings by slicing, chopping, or cooking them as desired.
Step 3: Serve Khao Suey
- To serve, place a portion of cooked noodles in individual serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot coconut curry broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets a generous amount of broth.
- Arrange the assorted toppings on top of the soup, allowing each diner to customize their bowl with their favorite toppings.
- Serve Khao Suey hot with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Curry Paste: You can use store-bought yellow curry paste or make your own homemade curry paste using a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
- Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preferences. Popular choices include boiled eggs, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, fried onions, fried garlic, sliced chili peppers, lime wedges, crispy fried noodles, fried tofu, shredded chicken, cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, and shredded cabbage.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry paste or chili peppers according to your preference for spice. You can also make the soup milder by reducing the amount of curry paste used.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the coconut curry broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat the broth on the stove before serving and cook the noodles fresh.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: To make Khao Suey vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the fish sauce. Load up on plant-based toppings like fried tofu, sliced vegetables, and bean sprouts for added flavor and texture.
Khao Suey bowls can be customized with the toppings of the diner’s choice, creating a dish that is both personal and flavorful.
In addition to being consumed on its own, Khao Suey is often accompanied by pickled vegetables, chili paste, or fried tofu, among other condiments and sides.
Every spoonful of Khao Suey will transport you to the bustling streets of Myanmar with its fragrant broth and tender noodles. Gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in this delicious Burmese noodle dish!
Khao Suey is a delicious and comforting Burmese coconut noodle soup that offers a symphony of flavors and textures. With its creamy coconut broth, tender noodles, and a variety of customizable toppings, this hearty soup transports you to the vibrant streets of Myanmar. It will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds as a satisfying and nourishing meal.