Kuy Teav (Cambodian Pork Noodle Soup)
Local name: គុយទាវ
In short: A clear pork bone broth over flat rice noodles with ground pork, bean sprouts, garlic oil, herbs and lime, a favorite Cambodian breakfast. It takes about 2 h 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 2 h 30 min
- Total
- 2 h 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 400 kcal
Kuy teav is the noodle soup that Cambodians eat for breakfast, usually sold out by mid-morning. A clear, gently sweet broth made from pork bones and dried squid is poured over flat rice noodles, ground pork and fresh herbs. Each diner adds lime, chili, pepper and sauces at the table. The garlic oil and crisp fried garlic are what make it special.
Instructions
- Blanch the bones in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse them clean. Return them to a clean pot with the squid, daikon, onion and water.
- Bring to a boil, skim, then simmer gently for 2 hours. Season with the fish sauce, sugar and salt, then strain the broth into a clean pot.
- For the garlic oil, heat the oil with the garlic over low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until golden. Drain, keeping the oil and the crisp garlic separate.
- Bring the broth to a simmer and poach the ground pork in small lumps for 3 to 4 minutes, until it reaches 71°C (160°F). Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Soften the noodles in hot water for 30 seconds (fresh) or cook them following the packet. Drain well.
- Divide the noodles, sprouts and lettuce into bowls. Add a teaspoon of garlic oil, the pork and the spring onions. Pour over the boiling broth.
- Top with crisp garlic and pepper. Serve with lime, chilies, hoisin and chili sauce on the side.
Tips
- Do not let the broth boil hard, or it turns cloudy. Skim often during the first 20 minutes for a clear, clean-tasting soup.
- For a dry version, serve the noodles tossed in garlic oil, soy sauce and a pinch of sugar, with the broth on the side.
Questions and answers
Can I make the broth ahead?
Yes, it keeps for 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat it to a rolling boil before pouring it over the noodles.
What toppings are typical for kuy teav?
Ground pork, sliced pork, pork liver, shrimp or meatballs, plus bean sprouts, herbs and crisp garlic. Phnom Penh style often adds shrimp and offal.
Is kuy teav spicy?
No, the soup itself is mild and sweet. Diners add chili, lime and sauces at the table to adjust the flavor.
How long does it take to make Kuy Teav (Cambodian Pork Noodle Soup)?
About 2 h 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 2 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kuy Teav (Cambodian Pork Noodle Soup)?
About 400 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 38 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 400 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
