Real-Deal Khao Soi Gai (Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup With Chicken) Recipe

Name: Real-Deal Khao Soi Gai (Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup With Chicken) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 small bunch cilantro stems, leaves and thin stems reserved for another use; 2 whole small shallots, peeled and sliced into quarters; 4 whole cloves garlic; 1 (1-inch) knob fresh turmeric, roughly chopped; 2 thin slices fresh ginger; 1 stalk lemongrass, bottom 4 inches only, roughly chopped; 1 whole dried Thai bird chile (or 1 whole chile de arbol), more or less to taste; 1 teaspoon makrut lime zest, or 2 whole makrut lime leaves (see note); 1 teaspoon whole coriander seed; 6 pods Thai black cardamom or 1 pod green cardamom, inner seeds only; Kosher salt; 1 1/2 tablespoons Thai shrimp paste; 1 cup vegetable or canola oil; 1 pound fresh Chinese-style egg noodles, divided; 2 (15-ounce) cans coconut milk, or 2 cups fresh coconut milk (do not shake); 1 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock; 2 tablespoons palm sugar (see note); 4 chicken legs, split into drumsticks and thighs; Fish sauce, to taste; Sliced shallots, lime wedges, and pickled Chinese mustard greens (see note), for serving

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:1h 15min

Rich, creamy, and packed with uncompromising flavor from a slew of aromatics and shrimp paste, this classic Northern Thai Khao Soi Gai recipe combines tender braised chicken in a coconut-y curry broth with boiled and fried noodles.

Updated at: Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:03:45 GMT