Khao Yam (Southern Thai Rice Salad)
Local name: ข้าวยำ
In short: Cool jasmine rice tossed with raw herbs and vegetables, toasted coconut, dried shrimp and a salty-sweet southern Thai fish sauce dressing. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 35 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 310 kcal
Khao yam is a southern Thai rice salad: cool jasmine rice served with piles of finely cut raw vegetables and herbs, toasted coconut, dried shrimp and a salty-sweet fish sauce dressing. Everything is mixed just before eating, so each bite brings crunch, a fresh herbal scent and a sweet and sour finish. It is traditionally a breakfast, but it makes a good light lunch, and the herbs can follow what is in season.
Instructions
- Simmer the water, fish sauce, palm sugar, lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves for 5 minutes. Cool completely, strain and stir in the lime juice.
- Toast the coconut in a dry pan over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring, until golden. Grind the dried shrimp in a spice grinder or mortar until fluffy.
- Slice the beans, cabbage, cucumber, mango, lime leaves and lemongrass as finely as you can. Fine cutting is important to the texture. Rinse and drain the bean sprouts.
- Divide the rice among bowls, or mound it on a large platter. Arrange the vegetables, bean sprouts and herbs around it in separate piles.
- Scatter the coconut, dried shrimp and chili flakes over the top.
- At the table, pour over the dressing and toss everything together. Taste and adjust with lime and chili, and serve at once.
Tips
- For the famous blue rice, steep a handful of dried butterfly pea flowers in the cooking water, then remove them before cooking the rice.
- Do not toss until the last moment. The vegetables lose their crunch when they sit in the dressing.
Questions and answers
Can I make khao yam ahead of time?
Prepare the dressing, toasted coconut and cut vegetables up to a day ahead and chill them separately. Bring the rice to room temperature, then assemble and toss.
Is khao yam vegetarian?
Not as written, since it has fish sauce and dried shrimp. Use soy sauce, extra lime juice and more coconut instead for a vegetarian version.
What herbs can I add?
Many southern cooks add pomelo segments, cut winged beans and sour leaves such as cashew or mango leaves. Use what you have and keep everything finely cut.
How long does it take to make Khao Yam (Southern Thai Rice Salad)?
About 45 min in total: 35 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Khao Yam (Southern Thai Rice Salad)?
About 310 kcal per serving, with 9 g of protein, 55 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 310 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
