Khao Tom (Thai Rice Soup Recipe)
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Khao tom is a delicious Thai rice soup recipe that’s perfect for breakfast on a cold winter’s day. A steaming bowl of the flavorful lemongrass and galangal infused broth with pork meatballs is the ultimate comfort food.
With each spoonful of my grandmother’s soup, you can taste authentic Thai flavors.
What is khao tom
In Thai cuisine, “khao tom” is a dish that directly translates to “rice boiling” in English. It’s the Thai name for “boiled rice” or “rice soup”.
Imagine a flavorful broth made with rice, meat or seafood, vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices.
This popular dish in Thailand is enjoyed for breakfast, throughout the day, or late in the evening.
Some say it’s the perfect meal for when you’re hungover, but in our village it’s more of a remedy for when you’re feeling ill or during a cold winter’s day.
Khao tom soup is surprisingly easy to make. We’ll simply add jasmine rice to a simmering broth along with your choice of protein; chicken, pork, shrimp, or fish.
Fragrant herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves flavor the soup and give it a unique aroma.
This Thai soup comes in many delightful variations, with many households having their own unique methods of preparation and recipes.
For a vegetarian rice soup, some like to add egg or tofu, but in my family, we love it with tender pork meatballs.
To me, this Thai soup with rice is not just a meal, it’s a collection of memories from my childhood. My grandmother would prepare this soup for me before school or whenever I fell ill, same with tom jued.
This classic Thai rice soup recipe is perfect to warm you up on a chilly day or whenever you’re craving a taste of authentic Asian cuisine.
Why try this recipe
- Family recipes are always great, and this one is my grandmother’s pride. With each spoonful, you’ll experience the taste of authentic Thai food.
- Everyone likes recipes that are easy to make, and this soup recipe is just that. Whether you’re a chef or just starting out, with the step-by-step instructions, you can whip up a steaming bowl of goodness with little effort.
- The leftovers of your lemongrass rice soup can be enjoyed during any time of the day, even as a late-night snack. Tip: Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or warm.
- Add extra protein for more nutrition and health benefits. Chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu, anything works. A mix of different meats and seafood is another possibility.
- By making this soup, your family might create your own heartwarming memories and traditions, as we have in our family.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Water
- Rice – Fragrant jasmine rice is the main ingredient in this khao tom recipe.
- Garlic – Adds aroma and depth.
- Bouillon cube – Enhances the broth flavor.
- Minced pork – Roll up into meatballs. Pork meatballs give the soup extra flavor and texture. For a vegetarian rice soup, simply omit the pork. To make khao tom gai, simply sub the pork with chicken.
- Salt – Enhances the taste and balances the flavors.
- Light soy sauce – Adds umami and a touch of saltiness.
- Green onions, celery – Provides a refreshing flavor and a great garnish.
- Coriander root – Infuses the broth with a herbal taste and aroma.
- White pepper – Adds a subtle hint of spice.
- Oil – Use a neutral oil such as sunflower oil or vegetable oil.
How to make khao tom
This delicious khao tom recipe comes together with little effort. First, we’ll make a base of pounded coriander root and garlic. Then, we’ll stir-fry the rice into the pounded mixture, which gives the rice extra flavor. Lastly, we’ll make the soup broth.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Pound garlic and coriander root with a mortar and pestle.
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Heat a wok or skillet over medium heat, add oil and fry the garlic and coriander root mixture.
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When the garlic turns golden brow, add white pepper and white rice. Toss and mix for approx 30 seconds.
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Place a soup pot over medium heat and add water, bouillon cube, salt, and light soy sauce.
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Bring to a boil and add the rice. Close the soup pot lid and let boil for 10 minutes.
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Add celery and the pork meatballs 1 by 1 to ensure they don’t clump together. Cook for 5 more minutes, or until the pork meatballs float to the surface. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh green onions.
How to serve
Scoop a generous portion of the soup into individual bowls. Make sure to add broth, rice, and meat. Add toppings and garnishes such as chopped green onions, cilantro, fried garlic, chilies, a lime wedge, a dash of white pepper, etc.
Optionally, you can serve this rice meal with one of my side-dishes or fresh vegetables and boiled eggs.
How to store
Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store in your fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze: I suggest dividing your meal into individual portions and transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove top or use a microwave.
Fun fact
- Thai cuisine is so versatile, with many variations of dishes. One dish that’s pretty similar to this recipe is “jok” or Thai congee. It’s a creamy and comforting rice porridge.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
What is khao tom?
Khao tom is a traditional Thai rice soup made with a healthy broth of rice, a protein such as chicken, pork, shrimp, or fish, and fragrant herbs and spices like lemongrass and galangal. It’s a comforting dish that can be eaten for breakfast, throughout the day, or as a late snack.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can simply cook the soup in advance and store it in your fridge. Reheat the soup over low-medium heat on the stovetop or use the microwave.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian khao tom. Simply replace the meat with tofu.
Is khao tom spicy?
No, khao tom is not a spicy soup. If you want to make it spicy, you can add fresh chili slices or garnish with dried chili flakes.
What is khao tom in English?
“Khao tom” (ข้าวต้ม) directly translates to “rice boiling”, so it means “boiled rice” or “rice soup” in English.
Where does khao tom come from?
Khao tom is a traditional Thai rice soup that originates from Thailand. It’s enjoyed by Thai people as a comforting meal, as breakfast, as a light meal, or as a late-night meal. In my Thai family, we eat khao tom when we’re sick because we believe that rice gives us energy.
More Thai soup recipes you’ll love
- Tom kha gai – Enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness with a creamy coconut milk broth, tender meat, and exotic herbs and spices.
- Tom yum kung – A spicy and fragrant soup with succulent shrimp, fragrant herbs, and tangy lime.
- Healthy fish soup – A healthy broth with fish, tomatoes, onions, shallots, and more.
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Khao Tom (Thai Rice Soup Recipe)
Description
This healthy soup is as easy as it is delicious, made with rice, minced pork, and light flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Pound garlic and coriander root with a mortar and pestle.
-
Heat a wok or skillet over medium heat, add oil and fry the garlic and coriander root mixture.
-
When the garlic turns golden brow, add white pepper and white rice. Toss and mix for approx 30 seconds.
-
Place a soup pot over medium heat and add water, bouillon cube, salt, and light soy sauce.
-
Bring to a boil and add the rice. Close the soup pot lid and let boil for 10 minutes.
-
Add celery and the pork meatballs 1 by 1 to ensure they don’t clump together. Cook for 5 more minutes, or until the pork meatballs float to the surface. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh green onions.
Equipment
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Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 369kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.3g4%
- Saturated Fat 0.8g4%
- Total Carbohydrate 113.6g38%
- Dietary Fiber 1.3g6%
- Sugars 34.5g
- Protein 30.5g61%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- This soup can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- For a vegetarian rice soup, simply omit the meat.
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