The Cambodian Num Bahn Chok Recipe is a refreshing noodle dish that stands out for its clean and vibrant presentation. The dish features thin rice noodles that are often served cold, making them soft and light to the bite. These noodles form the base, and they are usually topped with a generous ladle of green curry broth. The broth, made with a mix of fresh ingredients, has a light texture, neither too thick nor too runny, giving the dish a balanced consistency.
Vegetables like crisp cucumbers, bean sprouts, and finely shredded banana blossom are added on top of the noodles in the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok Recipe, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the noodles. The fresh herbs, often including mint and basil, contribute a refreshing bite, making the dish taste both light and flavorful.
Visually, the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok Recipe is an inviting plate with its mix of vibrant greens from the herbs and vegetables and the pale yellow-green hue of the broth. The noodles sit neatly in the center, while the garnishes and broth surround them, creating an appetizing spread.
The overall texture of the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok Recipe is a balanced mix of tender noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a smooth yet slightly creamy broth. This combination of textures makes each bite satisfying without feeling heavy. The dish’s makeup is simple, but it offers a pleasant mix of flavors and textures, making the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok Recipe a fresh and enjoyable meal.
Ingredients For the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok Recipe
Rice Noodles
Shredded Cooked Chicken
Fish Sauce
Tamarind Concentrate
Coconut Milk
Water
Lemongrass
Red Bell Pepper
Yellow Bell Pepper
Green Bell Pepper
Bean Sprouts
Cilantro
Mint
Basil
Peanuts
Lime wedges
Salt
Pepper
Cooking Instructions For the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok Recipe
- Cook the rice noodles in a big pot of boiling water until they are soft, following the package directions. Rinse and reserve.
- Bring the fish sauce, tamarind concentrate, coconut milk, water, and lemongrass to a boil in a big saucepan set over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once.
- Cook the chopped bell peppers for a further 5 minutes, or until they reach a tenderness you can taste.
- Mix the cooked noodles with the shredded chicken in a big serving bowl.
- Incorporate the chicken and noodles with a gentle toss in the hot sauce mixture.
- Garnish with peanuts, bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, mint, and basil.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with lime wedges.
10 Reasons Why to Eat Cambodian Food
1. Balanced Flavors – Cambodian cuisine is known for its balanced mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Unlike some other cuisines that might lean heavily on one flavor profile, Cambodian food expertly combines these elements in a single dish. This balance creates a satisfying and well-rounded taste experience, appealing to a broad range of palates.
2. Fresh Ingredients – Cambodian dishes emphasize the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime to seasonal vegetables, the freshness of ingredients plays a key role in enhancing the flavor. This focus on fresh produce not only adds to the taste but also makes the food healthier and more nutritious.
3. Healthy Options – Many Cambodian meals are light, with a focus on vegetables, fish, and rice, making them a great option for health-conscious eaters. Soups like Samlor Machu (a sweet and sour soup) are packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, making it both filling and nutritious. Grilled dishes also provide a lower-calorie alternative without compromising on taste.
4. Cultural Diversity – Cambodian food has been influenced by Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and even French culinary traditions. This unique blend of cultures has resulted in a rich culinary landscape, offering dishes with diverse textures, flavors, and preparation methods. Whether you’re craving noodles, curries, or grilled meats, Cambodian cuisine has something to offer.
5. Fish Amok – This is one of Cambodia’s most famous dishes, a delicate fish curry steamed in banana leaves. Its rich, creamy coconut base is flavoured with fresh herbs and a special spice mix called kroeung. Fish Amok is a symbol of Cambodia’s culinary identity, and trying it gives you a real taste of the country’s heritage.
6. Khmer Barbecue – Cambodian barbecue is not just about the food, it’s an interactive dining experience. Grilled meats are served with a variety of dipping sauces, vegetables, and rice, allowing diners to customize each bite. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a social meal with friends and family while exploring different combinations of flavors.
7. Nom Banh Chok – This traditional breakfast dish, also known as Khmer noodles, is a light yet flavorful way to start the day. The dish features fresh rice noodles topped with a fragrant fish-based broth, herbs, and green vegetables. It’s a staple in Cambodian households, offering a refreshing and healthy breakfast option that’s perfect for a warm day.
8. Affordable – One of the best things about Cambodian food is that it’s incredibly affordable. Whether you’re dining at a street stall or a local restaurant, you can enjoy a full, delicious meal without spending much. This makes Cambodian cuisine accessible to both locals and travelers on a budget.
9. Street Food – Cambodia’s street food scene is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from grilled meats to exotic snacks like fried insects. Street vendors provide a quick, affordable, and exciting way to sample authentic Cambodian flavors. It’s an adventurous way to explore local cuisine while immersing yourself in the culture.
10. Community Experience – Cambodian meals are often shared, with several dishes placed in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy. This tradition fosters a sense of togetherness and conversation during mealtimes. It’s not just about the food; it’s about enjoying the company of others and creating lasting memories around the table.
10 Reasons Why I Love Cambodian Food
1. Bold Flavors – Cambodian food masterfully blends salty, sour, sweet, and bitter flavors in a single dish. This balance creates a dynamic eating experience that keeps your taste buds engaged. Each dish is full of surprises.
2. Fresh Herbs and Vegetables – Cambodian dishes make extensive use of fresh ingredients like cilantro, lemongrass, and basil. These herbs provide a refreshing and vibrant flavor that enhances the natural taste of the food. It’s a burst of freshness in every bite.
3. Variety of Textures – From the crunch of fresh vegetables to the chewiness of rice noodles, Cambodian cuisine offers a delightful variety of textures. This mix keeps each dish interesting and satisfying. You’re never bored with just one texture.
4. Healthy Cooking Techniques – Cambodian food often uses methods like steaming, grilling, and light stir-frying. These techniques help retain nutrients while keeping the dishes light and flavorful. You get great taste without feeling heavy.
5. Cultural Influence – Cambodian cuisine is a beautiful fusion of flavors influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking. This mix of cultures brings depth to the food, making each dish feel like a journey through history.
6. Unique Ingredients – Cambodian dishes often feature special ingredients like prahok (fermented fish paste) and galangal. These bold and distinctive ingredients give Cambodian food a flavor profile that stands out. It’s truly unforgettable.
7. Variety in Dishes – Whether it’s soups, stir-fries, or grilled meats, Cambodian cuisine offers an incredible range of dishes. You can find something for every palate, from mild to spicy, and everything in between.
8. Street Food Scene – The street food in Cambodia is lively and offers a wide variety of quick, tasty bites. From skewers to noodles, the flavors of Cambodian street food are as exciting as they are accessible. It’s food on the go, done right.
9. Affordability – Cambodian food is simple yet full of flavor, often using inexpensive ingredients. This makes it easy and affordable to recreate at home without needing fancy or expensive products. Great food doesn’t have to break the bank.
10. Delicious Desserts – Cambodian desserts are light, sweet, and often use tropical fruits and coconut. From sticky rice to banana-based sweets, they offer a pleasant, refreshing way to end a meal. The perfect balance of sweet and satisfying.
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Best method for cooking Cambodian rice dishes at home?
The best method for cooking Cambodian rice dishes at home involves understanding the type of rice typically used and the traditional techniques that bring out its flavors. Cambodian cuisine commonly features fragrant, long-grain jasmine rice, which is prized for its soft texture and slightly sticky quality when cooked.
Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, which can make the rice too sticky. Use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio to get the perfect texture. For example, for every cup of rice, add 1.5 cups of water. Bring the water and rice to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes.
To enhance the flavor, Cambodian home cooks sometimes add pandan leaves or a pinch of salt while cooking the rice. Another popular technique is using a rice cooker, which simplifies the process by automatically adjusting the heat and cooking time for perfect results every time.
For more traditional Cambodian rice dishes like Bai Sach Chrouk (pork with rice) or Amok Trey (steamed fish curry), the rice serves as the perfect base, soaking up all the savory sauces and seasonings. Simple and versatile, properly cooked rice is a staple for any Cambodian meal.
FAQ For the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok Recipe
Q: What is the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe?
The Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe is a traditional dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry sauce, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
Q: What ingredients are needed for the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe?
The Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe typically requires rice noodles, fish, kroeung (Cambodian spice paste), coconut milk, lemongrass, turmeric, and fresh garnishes like cucumbers, bean sprouts, and herbs.
Q: How long does it take to prepare the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe?
Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to prepare, including time to cook the fish and make the green curry sauce.
Q: Can I use other proteins in the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe besides fish?
Yes, while the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe traditionally uses fish, you can substitute chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different variation.
Q: What side dishes pair well with the Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe?
The Cambodian Num Bahn Chok recipe is often served with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and pickled vegetables to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Cambodian Num Bahn Chok
Equipment
- Large pot or wok
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Cutting board and a sharp knife
- Colander
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz rice noodles
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups fish sauce
- 1/4 cup tamarind concentrate
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lemongrass, finely chopped
- 1/2 chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 chopped yellow bell pepper
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup crushed roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook rice noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine fish sauce, tamarind concentrate, coconut milk, water, and lemongrass. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped bell peppers to the sauce and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they are tender.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked noodles and shredded chicken.
- Pour the hot sauce mixture over the noodles and chicken, and toss gently to combine.
- Top with bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, mint, basil, and crushed peanuts.
- Serve with lime wedges and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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