If you’re craving a bowl full of comfort, flavour, and textures, look no further than Burmese Khao Suey. This one-bowl dish includes a coconut milk-based noodle soup packed with veggies or meat, as it can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian, and topped with fried garlic, onions, peanuts, and lemon juice. Try this authentic Burmese khao suey recipe at home with the easy recipe shown below.
How to Make Authentic Burmese Khao Suey
Ingredients:
For the Coconut Curry Base:
- 2 TSP Oil
- 4 cloves of Garlic (minced)
- 1 inch Ginger – (grated)
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 TSP Gram flour
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Red chili powder
- Salt to your taste
- 2 cups Coconut milk
- 1 cup Water or stock
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
For the Noodles:
- 200 grams of egg noodles or flat wheat noodles (boiled)
Optional Protein Add-ons:
- Boiled chicken, tofu, mushrooms, or prawns – as desired
Toppings:
- Fried garlic
- Fried onions
- Roasted peanuts
- Boiled eggs (halved)
- Spring onions (chopped)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh coriander
- Chili oil or flakes
- Crispy noodles
Step 1
- Take oil in a large pan and put it on a slow flame.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onions and stir them until the onions turn golden and crisp.
- Now add gram flour (besan) and cook and stir for 2–3 minutes, until it becomes deliciously fragrant.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt and mix them well.
- Now, slowly and gradually pour in the coconut milk while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add water or stock to adjust the thickness as per your convenience.
- Bring to a gentle consistency and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Now add soy sauce and switch off the flame.
Step 2
- Boil your choice of noodles in a pot of boiling water.
- Drain and rinse the noodles in cold water so your noodles do not get sticky.
- Set aside in individual serving bowls.
Step 3
- Add pre-boiled or sautéed chicken, tofu, mushrooms, or prawns to the curry base as per your liking.
- Let them simmer in the curry for 2–3 minutes so your noodles will absorb the flavours.
Step 4
- Pour the hot coconut curry that you have made over the noodles in the bowl.
- Add your choice of toppings: fried garlic, crispy onions, chopped spring onions, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, coriander, and lemon juice, and mix them well so the noodles will get the flavours of all the spices and curry.
- Serve with extra toppings and chili oil on the side for a custom experience.
Expert Tips for Khao Suey
- Always use thick coconut milk for a richer, flavorful, and creamier curry.
- For a vegan version, use tofu and skip egg/noodle options with animal content.
- You can roast the besan before adding it to the curry to avoid a raw taste.
- Assemble all the toppings beforehand so they are easy to add.
- A squeeze of lemon right before eating balances the richness perfectly.
Variations You Can Try
- Vegetarian Burmese Khao Suey: Use mixed veggies like carrots, beans, baby corn, and tofu as add-ons in your noodles.
- Chicken Khao Suey: Add shredded boiled chicken to the curry, which gives the chicken taste and flavor.
- One-Pot Version: Add noodles directly to the curry and simmer briefly.
- Spicy Khao Suey: Add chili paste or extra red chili powder to the curry base.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought coconut milk?
Yes, you can, but just keep in mind while buying that it is thick and unsweetened, so it does not spoil your recipe’s taste.
What noodles work best for Khao Suey?
Egg noodles, flat wheat noodles, spaghetti can work or even any noodles of your preference.
How to store leftover Khao Suey?
Store the curry base and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and you can use them for 2 days
Is Burmese Khao Suey gluten-free?
Yes, if made with gluten-free noodles and soy sauce.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the curry base and toppings in advance. Just boil noodles fresh and assemble before serving.
