Khao Thom – Thai Rice Soup

This is khao thom, which literally translates into “rice boiled”. It’s a hearty Thai rice soup typically made with pork and shrimp. My recipe uses chicken, since I know in western pantries chicken stock is more commonly found, but feel free to decide what proteins sound delicious to you. Khao thom is a popular breakfast dish in Thailand, but of course you can prepare it any time of day. Just keep in mind that if you save some for later, the rice will continue to soak up the liquid and thicken the soup especially if prepared to be eaten the next day. I would recommend increasing the chicken stock or adding more water if that’s your plan!

Ingredients

shrimp, raw peeled
chicken, raw
chicken stock
cooked rice
tang chai or preserved salted cabbage
garlic
ginger
celery
cilantro
green onion
egg
sugar
white pepper
fish sauce
lime
fried garlic
prik nam pla or Thai garlic fish sauce
oil

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot with oil, sweat celery, garlic, and ginger together on medium heat for 1 minute.

Step 2

Add chopped chicken, chopped shrimp and tang chai.

Step 3

Add fish sauce, white pepper, and sugar while protein is cooking.

Step 4

Add cooked rice and mix altogether.

Step 5

Pour in chicken stock and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

When soup has reached desired consistency, serve hot topped with cracked raw egg, fried garlic, cilantro, scallions, white pepper, prik nam pla, and lime.

Specialty ingredients you'll need: