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The Recipe · No.578 · Khao Soi

Khao Soi, and where to source it

Khao Soi — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Khao Soi Thai 5best2buy.com

Khao soi is a curry broth built by frying the paste in split coconut cream until the oil runs red, then loosening it with more coconut milk. The signature is the double noodle — soft egg noodles in the bowl, a fried nest on top for crunch.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineThai
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  eggs · gluten · fish
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chicken legs
Bone-in legs simmer in the curry and stay tender; the bones add body.
4
Khao soi curry paste
Turmeric, dried chile, and coriander seed; a good jarred paste saves a long pound.
4 tbsp
Local / market
Egg noodles
Fresh wheat egg noodles; cook most soft and fry a handful crisp for the top.
12 oz
Fish sauce
The salt backbone that keeps the coconut from reading flat.
2 tbsp
Coconut milk
Full-fat; scoop the thick cream off the top to fry the paste first.
2 cans
Lime and shallot
Lime wedges, sliced shallot, and pickled mustard greens go on the side.
2 limes
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Split the creamSimmer the thick coconut cream over medium until the oil separates, about 4 minutes.
  2. Fry the pasteAdd curry paste and fry 3 minutes until it darkens and smells toasted.
  3. SimmerAdd chicken, the rest of the coconut milk, and fish sauce; simmer 20 to 25 minutes until the meat pulls from the bone.
  4. Fry the noodlesFry a handful of raw noodles in hot oil until crisp and gold, then drain on paper.
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Frying pan · Spider strainer · Ladle · Chef knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Khao Soi in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Khao Soi? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Khao Soi ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Khao Soi gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).

Is Khao Soi vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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