Khao Chae
Khao Chae is a traditional Thai dish of rice soaked in jasmine-scented water, typically served with an array of flavorful side dishes. It's a refreshing and aromatic meal, perfect for warmer weather. The side dishes offer a delightful contrast of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 3 hr 45 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Per serving
- 949 kcal
Allergen information: may contain crustaceans and eggs. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
rice
- 2 cupjasmine rice
- 4 cupwater
scented water
- 10 pcsjasmine flowers
- 2 cupice
luk kapi
- 200 gbeef, minced
- 1 tbspshrimp paste
- 2 pcsshallot, finely chopped
- 2 clovegarlic, minced
- 2 tbsppalm sugar
- 0.5 cupvegetable oil
egg net
- 2 pcsegg
garnish
- 1 pcscucumber, julienned
- 1 pcsgreen mango, julienned
- 2 pcsspring onion, sliced
- 1 pcsred chili, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cupcilantro, chopped
Equipment
saucepan · steamer · large bowl · cutting board · knife · non-stick pan
The method
Step by step
- 1
Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for at least 30 minutes.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Rinsing removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
- 2
Drain the soaked rice and steam it for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and fluffy. Set aside to cool completely.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the rice is spread out to cool quickly and prevent clumping.
- 3
To prepare the scented water, place the jasmine flowers in a clean bowl with water. Let it infuse for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: For a stronger aroma, you can gently bruise the jasmine petals before adding them to the water.
- 4
For the luk kapi (shrimp paste balls), heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant.
About 5 min
- 5
Add minced beef and cook until browned. Stir in the shrimp paste and palm sugar, cooking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Break up any lumps of beef as it cooks.
- 6
Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, form small, bite-sized balls.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: If the mixture is too sticky, slightly dampen your hands.
- 7
Prepare the egg net by whisking the eggs. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and lightly oil it.
About 2 min
- 8
Drizzle the egg mixture into the pan in a thin, lacy pattern to create an egg net. Cook until set, then gently remove and let cool. Slice into thin strips.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: A squeeze bottle or a fork can help create a fine net pattern.
- 9
To serve, place a portion of cooled steamed rice in a bowl. Add ice to the jasmine-scented water and pour it over the rice until it's just covered.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The water should be cold to provide a refreshing contrast.
- 10
Arrange the luk kapi balls, egg net strips, julienned cucumber, green mango, sliced spring onion, red chili, and cilantro around the rice.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Serve immediately for the best experience.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 949.4kcal
- Protein
- 22.4g
- Carbs
- 121.3g
- Fat
- 41.3g
- Fibre
- 2.9g
- Sugar
- 18.7g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover side dishes and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
This dish is traditionally eaten cold; reheating is not recommended.
More recipes
All recipessnack
Fried Mantou with Condensed Milk
This simple recipe transforms plain mantou into a delightful crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treat. Deep-fried until golden, they are then drizzled with sweet condensed milk for a perfect snack or dessert. It's a quick and satisfying way to enjoy mantou with an extra touch of sweetness.
15 minsnack
Carrot and Cucumber Sticks with Hummus
A mixed veggie plate of carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus — colourful and crunchy.
4 min 194 kcalsnack
Greek Yogurt with Almonds
Creamy Greek yogurt topped with whole almonds — a protein and healthy-fat packed snack.
2 min 261 kcallunch
Prawn & Avocado Salad
Chilled prawns over avocado and mixed salad with lemon dressing.
5 min 239 kcalside dish
Plátanos Maduros Fritos
These sweet fried plantains are a staple in many Latin American cuisines, offering a delightful caramelized exterior and a soft, tender interior. They make a perfect sweet and savory side dish to complement a variety of meals. This vegan version focuses on simple preparation to highlight the natural sweetness of ripe plantains.
25 min 424 kcalbreakfast
Greek Yogurt with Strawberries and Granola
Greek yogurt layered with fresh strawberries and granola — a quick parfait-style bowl.
3 min 367 kcalsnack
Mixed Nuts
A mixed handful of almonds and walnuts — crunchy, nutritious, and zero effort.
1 min 185 kcal