Num Banh Chok (Khmer Rice Noodles with Fish Gravy)
Local name: នំបញ្ចុក
In short: Fresh rice noodles topped with a fragrant lemongrass, turmeric and coconut fish gravy, with crunchy raw vegetables, mint and basil. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 35 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 385 kcal
Num banh chok is Cambodia's famous street breakfast, sold by women from baskets and carts at dawn. Soft rice noodles are covered with a warm, gently spiced gravy of flaked fish, lemongrass, turmeric and coconut milk, then piled with raw vegetables and herbs. Cucumber, sprouts, beans and mint add freshness and crunch against the creamy gravy. It is eaten at any time of day, and at festivals.
Instructions
- Poach the fish in the water with 1 stalk of lemongrass for 8 minutes, until it flakes, at 63°C (145°F). Lift out the fish and flake it, keeping the poaching water.
- Pound or blend the remaining lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, garlic, shallots and lime leaves into a paste.
- Heat the oil in a pot and fry the paste for 3 minutes, until fragrant. Add the poaching water and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the flaked fish and mash it lightly into the broth. Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar and prahok if using. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, until the gravy is thick and loose, like a thin porridge.
- Cook or soften the noodles according to the packet. Divide them among 4 bowls.
- Ladle the warm gravy over the noodles. Top with sprouts, cucumber, long beans and herbs, and serve with lime and chilies.
Tips
- Fresh herbs and raw vegetables are essential, as they add crunch and cool the rich gravy. Banana blossom, water lily stem and morning glory are traditional if you can find them.
- Make the gravy a day ahead. It keeps for 3 days in the fridge and tastes better after resting. Reheat gently before pouring it over fresh noodles.
Questions and answers
What kind of noodles are used for num banh chok?
Fresh, soft, lightly fermented rice noodles pressed into thin strands. Fresh round rice noodles or thin dried rice vermicelli are the best substitutes.
Is num banh chok spicy?
No. The gravy is mild and fragrant. Fresh chilies and lime are served on the side so each person can add heat.
Can I freeze the fish gravy?
Yes, for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Stir well, because the coconut milk may separate slightly.
How long does it take to make Num Banh Chok (Khmer Rice Noodles with Fish Gravy)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 35 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Num Banh Chok (Khmer Rice Noodles with Fish Gravy)?
About 385 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 41 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 385 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
