Delicious Boat Noodle Soup for Every Occasion

Originating in Thailand, Boat Noodle Soup is a savory noodle soup bursting with delightful flavors that makes a great meal for any time of the day. Its hearty ingredients, mild spiciness and slightly sweet taste create a comforting and warming sensation that will keep you coming back for more. It’s a dish that will leave your tastebuds begging for seconds and your stomach full and happy.

Ingredients:

  • 1-pound ground pork or beef
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light soy sauce
  • 1 cup thin rice noodles or flat rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup Thai basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped (optional)

Method:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground pork or beef and cook until lightly browned.
  3. Add the garlic, chili flakes, and onion (if using) and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Add the chicken broth, fish sauce, tamarind paste, dark soy sauce, and dark brown sugar to the pot and stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Add the noodles to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
  7. Add the light soy sauce, lime juice, Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, scallions, and garlic (if using) to the pot.
  8. Stir to combine and cook for another few minutes until the flavors have had a chance to mingle.
  9. Garnish with more cilantro and serve hot.

The combination of savory pork, sweet tamarind, slightly spicy chili flakes and a hint of fragrant Thai basil creates a delightful harmony of flavors and aromas that will have your mouth watering. The addition of the noodles helps thicken the soup and make it more of a meal – it’s perfect for a cozy night in with friends, or a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

It’s a dish inspired by other Asian cultures too – the fish sauce and tamarind paste are often found in Thai curries, while the noodles, broth, and condiments make it remindful of Chinese and Vietnamese soups. There are so many variations you can make with this classic dish; you can add pork, beef, or tofu, as well as more vegetables and herbs for extra flavor.

So why not give Boat Noodle Soup a try? The combination of flavors and textures is sure to have you craving for seconds – it’s a treat to enjoy from the comforts of your own kitchen.