Are you craving a flavorful and aromatic noodle soup that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Khao Piak (ข้าวเปียก), a beloved Thai noodle dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. This easy recipe delivers a delicious broth bursting with ginger, garlic, and the subtle spice of chilies, all perfectly complementing the soft, chewy noodles. Get ready to transport your taste buds to Thailand with this authentic and incredibly tasty homemade dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
-
For the Broth:
- 6 cups Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 inch Ginger, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass, bruised and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon White pepper
-
Other Ingredients:
- 8 ounces Dried flat rice noodles (or other suitable noodles)
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded (or cooked tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup Chopped scallions, for garnish
- 1/4 cup Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine chicken broth, ginger, garlic, chilies, and lemongrass. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This step is crucial for developing a rich and flavorful broth; the longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
-
Season: After simmering, remove the lemongrass and add fish sauce, brown sugar, and white pepper. Stir well to combine and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take away!
-
Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Usually, this involves cooking them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Drain well and set aside.
-
Assemble the Khao Piak: Divide the cooked noodles among four bowls. Ladle the flavorful broth over the noodles. Top with shredded chicken (or tofu), chopped scallions, and cilantro.
-
Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup to add a burst of fresh citrusy flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade Khao Piak!
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilies to control the spiciness according to your preference. For a milder version, use just one chili or omit it entirely.
- Noodle Choice: Feel free to experiment with other types of noodles, such as egg noodles or even vermicelli.
- Protein Options: Beyond chicken and tofu, you could add shrimp, pork, or even mushrooms for added protein and flavor.
- Garnish: Get creative with your garnishes! Consider adding bean sprouts, fried shallots, or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding the noodles and other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy Khao Piak recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Its delicious flavors and simple preparation make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend afternoons. Enjoy this taste of Thailand in the comfort of your own home!