Khao Soi (Lao Pork and Tomato Noodle Soup)
Local name: ເຂົ້າຊອຍ
In short: Wide rice noodles in clear pork broth topped with a savory minced pork and tomato sauce, fresh herbs, bean sprouts and lime. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 560 kcal
Khao soi in northern Laos is a noodle soup with a clear pork broth, broad rice noodles and a topping of minced pork cooked with tomatoes, chilies and fermented soybean paste. It is not a coconut curry soup. Each bowl comes with a plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts and lime on the side, and more chili for those who want it. It is a common breakfast in the north and easy to make at home.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Fry the garlic, shallots and chilies for 3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Add the pork and break it up. Cook for 5 minutes until no pink remains.
- Stir in the tomatoes, soybean paste, fish sauce, sugar and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the tomatoes collapse into a thick sauce and the pork reaches 71°C (160°F).
- Bring the stock to a simmer in a separate pot and keep it hot.
- Cook the rice noodles in boiling water according to the packet, then drain and divide among 4 bowls.
- Spoon the pork and tomato sauce over the noodles and ladle in the hot stock.
- Top with bean sprouts, herbs and spring onions. Serve with lime wedges and chili flakes for each person to add.
Tips
- Fermented soybean paste is sold in jars at Asian grocery stores. Use a miso paste in a smaller amount if you cannot find it, and add salt to taste.
- For a vegetarian version, use crumbled firm tofu and chopped mushrooms in place of the pork, vegetable stock, and extra soybean paste for depth.
Questions and answers
Is Lao khao soi the same as curry khao soi?
No. Lao khao soi is a clear pork broth with wide rice noodles and a savory tomato and pork topping. It does not contain coconut milk or curry paste.
Can I make the pork sauce ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps 4 days in the fridge and freezes for 3 months. Reheat it while you cook the noodles and heat the stock.
Can I use other noodles?
Yes. Flat rice noodles of any width work. Fresh wide noodles take only 1 minute to cook.
How long does it take to make Khao Soi (Lao Pork and Tomato Noodle Soup)?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Khao Soi (Lao Pork and Tomato Noodle Soup)?
About 560 kcal per serving, with 26 g of protein, 66 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 560 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 66 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1500 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
