Authentic Burmese Shan Khauk-Swe Recipe: Discover the Flavors of Myanmar

Ingredients

500g boneless chicken
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons Shan Khauk-Swe spice mix
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 cup coconut milk
2 cups chicken broth
500g egg noodles
4 boiled eggs, halved
1 cup chopped fresh coriander
1/2 cup sliced spring onions
1 sliced red chili (optional)
Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil.
Add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
Add the Shan Khauk-Swe spice mix, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pot. Stir to mix well with the onions and garlic.
Add the boneless chicken to the pot. Cook until the chicken is well-coated with the spices and slightly browned.
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well combined.
In the meantime, cook the egg noodles according to the packet instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Once the chicken is cooked, season the curry with salt to taste.
To serve, place a portion of noodles in a bowl. Ladle the chicken curry over the noodles. Top with a halved boiled egg, chopped fresh coriander, sliced spring onions, and sliced red chili (if using).

Tools for making

Large pot - for cooking the curry
Vegetable oil - for sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger
Chopping board - for finely chopping the onions, garlic, and ginger
Knife - for chopping the onions, garlic, and ginger
Grater - for grating the fresh ginger
Measuring spoons - for measuring the Shan Khauk-Swe spice mix, turmeric powder, and red chili powder
Cooking spoon - for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot
Large spoon - for ladling the chicken curry over the noodles
Cooking pot - for boiling the egg noodles
Colander - for draining the cooked egg noodles
Bowls - for serving the Shan Khauk-Swe
Serving spoon - for serving the Shan Khauk-Swe

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli to make a vegetarian Shan Khauk-Swe.
Seafood Variation: Use shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood instead of chicken for a delicious seafood Shan Khauk-Swe.
Spicy Twist: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped fresh green chilies to make the dish spicier.
Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle roasted peanuts or fried shallots as toppings for added texture and flavor.
Lime Juice: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the curry before serving to add a tangy kick.
Coconut Cream: Replace coconut milk with coconut cream for a richer and creamier texture.
Herb Infusion: Infuse the chicken broth with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, or Thai basil for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free version.

Recipe overview

Shan Khauk-Swe is a flavorful and hearty Burmese dish that's sure to impress at your dinner table. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating this delightful dish at home, using readily available ingredients. The dish consists of tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and aromatic curry, served over egg noodles and garnished with boiled eggs, fresh coriander, spring onions, and optional slices of red chili for an extra kick. The complexity of flavors achieved through the combination of spices, coconut milk, and chicken broth creates a truly unique and indulgent meal. Whether you're new to Burmese cuisine or an experienced cook looking to try something different, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Ready in under an hour, you can enjoy a taste of Burma in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use other meat instead of chicken? Yes, you can use other meats like beef or shrimp instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables of your choice. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Where can I find Shan Khauk-Swe spice mix? Shan Khauk-Swe spice mix is available at most Asian grocery stores. If you can't find it, you can make your own blend using a combination of ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder.
Can I adjust the spice level? Yes, you can adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of red chili powder according to your preference.
Can I use different noodles? Certainly! While egg noodles are traditionally used in Shan Khauk-Swe, you can use other types of noodles like rice noodles or soba noodles if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chicken curry ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the noodles fresh when you are ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - A large pot is needed for cooking the chicken curry.
Vegetable peeler - A vegetable peeler is useful for peeling the ginger.
Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping the onions, garlic, and ginger.
Knife - A knife is needed for chopping the onions, garlic, and ginger.
Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring the ingredients in the pot.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed for accurately measuring the spices.
Cooking spoon - A cooking spoon is necessary for ladling the chicken curry over the noodles.
Bowls - Bowls are needed for serving the Shan Khauk-Swe.

Origin stories

Khauk-Swe, a beloved Burmese comfort food, is known for its rich and hearty flavors. The term "Khauk-Swe" translates to "tossed noodles" in Burmese, alluding to its unique preparation method where noodles are served separately and the curry or soup is added at the end. The Shan version of this dish is particularly popular and is traditionally consumed in the cooler climate of the Shan State, a hilly region in the eastern part of Myanmar. A distinctive feature of this dish is the use of Shan spice mix, a unique blend of herbs and spices that imparts a signature taste, making it a beloved staple in many Burmese homes.

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.