Khao Piak Sen
Khao Piak Sen is a comforting Laotian chicken noodle soup featuring chewy, hand-pulled rice-tapioca noodles in a gentle broth.
Contents (2 sections)▾
Ingredients
- 300 g rice flour
- 100 g tapioca starch
- 1 tsp salt
- 500 ml chicken broth
- 200 g cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cm ginger, sliced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili oil
- water, as needed
Steps
In a bowl, mix rice flour, tapioca starch, and salt. Gradually add water until a soft dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough rests, heat chicken broth in a pot over medium heat. Add sliced ginger and simmer for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Roll out the rested dough into thin sheets and cut into strips to create the fresh noodles. Ensure they are uniform for even cooking.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the fresh noodles for about 3-5 minutes until they float and are tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In serving bowls, place the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, and ladle hot ginger-infused broth over them. Top with scallions and fried garlic.
Drizzle with chili oil to taste and serve immediately, allowing the heat to enhance the flavors.
Why this works
The technique behind Khao Piak Sen revolves around the fresh hand-pulled noodles, which offer a unique chewy texture due to the combination of rice flour and tapioca starch. This blend not only gives the noodles a delightful mouthfeel but also helps them hold together without breaking. The gentle chicken broth, enhanced by simmering with ginger, provides a subtle flavor that complements the richness of the shredded chicken. If the noodles seem too thick or refuse to cook properly, try rolling them thinner or letting them rest longer to enhance elasticity. Fresh noodles absorb the broth's flavor better than dried ones, ensuring a harmonious dish. Properly cooked noodles should float to the top, indicating they are ready; if they sink or feel gummy, adjust cooking time accordingly. This soup is simple yet satisfying, embodying the essence of Laotian comfort food.
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