Lao Noodle Soup (Khao Piak Sen)
A comforting and hearty Lao noodle soup featuring thick, chewy rice noodles in a savory broth, often enriched with chicken or pork and fresh herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8 cups Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Rice flour
- 1/4 cup Tapioca starch
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 medium Shallots(thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp White pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 3 stalks Green onions(chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- for serving Lime wedges
- for serving Chili flakes
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced shallots until fragrant and lightly browned.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Pour in the chicken broth, fish sauce, salt, and white pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 4
While the broth simmers, prepare the noodles. In a bowl, whisk together rice flour and tapioca starch with 1 cup of water until smooth. Gradually whisk in another 3 cups of water.
💡 Tip: Ensure there are no lumps in the flour mixture. - 5
Slowly pour the noodle mixture into the simmering broth while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the soup thickens and the noodles are cooked through and chewy, about 10-15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Keep stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the noodles. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or salt if needed.
💡 Tip: The broth should be savory and well-seasoned. - 7
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl gets plenty of noodles and chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges and chili flakes on the side.
💡 Tip: Offer condiments like chili oil, pickled chilies, and bean sprouts for diners to customize their soup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The consistency of the noodles can be adjusted by adding more or less liquid.
- ✓For a richer broth, you can use chicken bones when making the broth.
- ✓Leftover Khao Piak Sen can be reheated, but the noodles may thicken further; add a little water or broth when reheating.
🔄 Variations
- Use pork belly or ground pork instead of chicken.
- Add sliced mushrooms or other vegetables.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken, perhaps adding tofu.