Authentic Burmese Kaukswe: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of chicken thigh fillets
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
  • 1 liter of chicken broth
  • 400 ml of coconut milk
  • 200 grams of thin egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 bunch of fresh coriander, finely chopped
  • 2 lemons, cut into wedges
  • 2 chopped spring onions for garnish
  • 2 sliced hard-boiled eggs for garnish
  • 1 sliced red chili for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped garlic and onions into the pot and sauté them until they are golden brown.
  3. Add the chicken thigh fillets into the pot and cook them until they turn white.
  4. Add the turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, fish sauce, and tamarind paste into the pot. Mix well with the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil.
  6. Add the coconut milk into the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. In a separate pot, boil the egg noodles until they are cooked, then drain them.
  8. Add salt to the soup according to your taste.
  9. When ready to serve, put some cooked egg noodles at the bottom of the bowl, ladle the chicken and soup over the noodles.
  10. Garnish the Kaukswe with chopped coriander, sliced hard-boiled eggs, chopped spring onions, and sliced red chili.
  11. Serve the Kaukswe with a wedge of lemon on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - used for cooking the soup
  • Separate pot - used for boiling the egg noodles
  • Chopping board - used for chopping garlic, onions, and coriander
  • Knife - used for chopping ingredients
  • Measuring spoons - used for precise measurement of ingredients
  • Ladle - used for serving the soup
  • Tongs - used for handling the chicken fillets
  • Strainer - used for draining the cooked egg noodles

Recipe variations

  • Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
  • Replace the thin egg noodles with rice noodles or udon noodles.
  • Add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs such as ginger, lemongrass, or curry powder to customize the flavor profile.
  • Add a dollop of chili paste or Sriracha sauce for an extra kick of heat.
  • Garnish with crushed peanuts or fried onions for added texture.
  • Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the broth for a creamy and nutty twist.
  • Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth or coconut water for a lighter taste.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce.
  • Make it seafood-based by using shrimp, squid, or fish instead of chicken.

Recipe overview

This delicious and comforting Kaukswe recipe is a popular Burmese dish that is sure to bring warmth to any table. It's a coconut chicken noodle soup with a burst of flavors from exotic spices like turmeric and cayenne pepper, combined with the tanginess of tamarind and fish sauce. The dish is garnished with fresh coriander, spring onions, and sliced red chili, adding a pop of color and freshness to this rich and creamy noodle soup. Finally, a squeeze of lemon just before eating brings out all the flavors and completes the dish. Enjoy the process of creating this unique, flavorful soup and savor every spoonful of this mouth-watering Kaukswe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thigh fillets? Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken thigh fillets are recommended as they tend to be more flavorful and tender in this recipe.
  2. Can I substitute vegetable oil with another type of oil? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, sunflower oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil.
  3. Where can I find tamarind paste? Tamarind paste is commonly available in most grocery stores, particularly in the international or Asian food section.
  4. Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk? Coconut milk adds a unique flavor and creaminess to the dish. Substituting it with regular milk will alter the taste and texture of the soup, but you can try using it if desired.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add your choice of vegetables or tofu for protein.
  6. How spicy is this dish? The amount of cayenne pepper mentioned in the recipe provides a moderate level of spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference for heat.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for cooking the soup and chicken.
  • Frying pan - Used for sautéing the garlic and onions.
  • Mixing spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients in the pot.
  • Knife - Used for chopping the garlic, onions, and coriander.
  • Cutting board - Used for cutting ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Used for accurately measuring the spices and sauces.
  • Soup ladle - Used for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Tongs - Used for handling the chicken fillets while cooking.
  • Pot for boiling noodles - Used for cooking the egg noodles.
  • Colander - Used for draining the cooked noodles.
  • Bowls - Used for serving the Kaukswe.
  • Garnish serving dishes - Used for arranging garnishes like sliced hard-boiled eggs, chopped spring onions, and sliced red chili.
  • Serving spoons - Used for adding garnishes to the Kaukswe.

Origin stories

Kaukswe, also known as Burmese Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup, is a beloved dish in the heart of Myanmar. Its name literally translates to "wheat" in the Burmese language, indicating the use of wheat noodles, a culinary influence from India. Yet, the dish cleverly weaves in Southeast Asian elements such as coconut milk, fish sauce, and tamarind, embodying the rich cultural melting pot of Myanmar. Traditionally, Kaukswe is served in special occasions and family gatherings, making it an emblem of unity and love shared over a hearty meal. It's not uncommon to find different variations of Kaukswe as the dish travels from household to household, each embracing their unique spin, much like the diverse narratives that the people of Myanmar themselves hold.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.