🇹🇭 Thai Cuisine · Soups & Stews

Khao Tom

Prep

5 mins

Cook

30 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Thai rice congee simmered until silky in a light chicken broth, topped with ginger, spring onion, and fried garlic.

Ingredients

  • 400g firm tofu
  • 300g jasmine rice
  • a handful of torn kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 tsp red curry paste
  • 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil
  • 2 snake beans, chopped
  • a handful of fresh mint, chopped
  • coconut cream, for serving
  • 400ml water
  • 2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 bean sprouts, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the torn kaffir lime leaves and sliced lemongrass gently until soft and fragrant.

  2. 2

    Stir in the ground turmeric and red curry paste, toasting briefly until the kitchen fills with their aroma.

  3. 3

    Add the firm tofu and bean sprouts, stirring well to coat everything in the spiced base.

  4. 4

    Pour in the coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Reduce the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently until the firm tofu is tender, about 30 mins.

  6. 6

    Stir in the jasmine rice and continue simmering for a few minutes more, until heated through.

  7. 7

    Finish with the coconut cream and adjust the seasoning to taste.

  8. 8

    Ladle into bowls, scatter over the Thai basil, and serve piping hot.

Tips

Taste and adjust the seasoning right at the end — the coconut milk reduces as it simmers, concentrating the flavor.

Skim off any foam that rises during the first few minutes of simmering for a clearer, cleaner broth.

This freezes well; portion into containers and reheat gently on the stovetop for a quick meal later.