Homemade Lao Noodle Soup is a rich and soul-warming dish rooted in the culinary traditions of Laos. With tender slices of pork, aromatic herbs, and springy rice noodles in a deeply flavorful broth, this comforting bowl brings authentic Southeast Asian taste to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lao noodle soup is hearty yet refreshing, making it ideal for both cooler days and light, satisfying meals. The fragrant broth, infused with lemongrass and ginger, is complemented by the savory depth of pork and a hint of fish sauce. The combination of chewy rice noodles and fresh garnishes adds layers of texture and flavor, while the optional chili oil gives it a gentle kick. It’s simple to prepare but impressively delicious—comforting, nourishing, and full of cultural character.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 200g fresh rice noodles
- 300g pork shoulder or belly, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised and chopped into pieces
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots (optional)
- Chili flakes or chili oil (optional for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pork and cook until lightly browned. Remove the pork and set aside. - In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and the reserved pork. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust with salt or more fish sauce if needed.
- Cook the Noodles:
In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Assemble the Soup:
Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and pork over the noodles. - Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and bamboo shoots if using. Add chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for added heat.
- Serve hot with lime wedges or additional herbs on the side if desired.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 500 kcal per serving
Variations
- Beef Option: Substitute pork with thinly sliced beef for a different but equally satisfying version.
- Clearer Broth: Strain the broth after simmering to remove the aromatics for a cleaner presentation.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use tofu and vegetable broth, omitting fish sauce or replacing it with soy sauce.
- Add Egg: Top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
- Noodle Swap: Try with glass noodles or egg noodles for variety in texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the broth on the stove until simmering, and briefly warm the noodles in hot water before assembling. This prevents the noodles from becoming overly soft or absorbing too much broth.
FAQs
What makes Lao noodle soup different from other Asian soups?
Lao noodle soup typically features a lighter, aromatic broth with lemongrass and ginger, paired with fresh herbs and simple seasonings, reflecting the fresh and balanced flavors of Lao cuisine.
Can I use dried rice noodles?
Yes. Just soak or boil according to package instructions before serving.
Do I have to use pork belly?
No. Pork shoulder or even leaner cuts like pork loin can be used, though belly adds a richer mouthfeel.
Can I freeze the broth?
Yes, the broth freezes well. Do not freeze with noodles or fresh herbs.
How spicy is the soup?
The base is mild; the heat comes from added chili flakes or chili oil, so you can control the spice level.
What herbs go well with this soup?
Cilantro, green onions, Thai basil, and mint are all great additions.
Is lemongrass necessary?
Lemongrass is key to the soup’s distinctive aroma. If unavailable, add a small amount of lemon zest as a substitute.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Try bok choy, mushrooms, bean sprouts, or napa cabbage for added texture and nutrition.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
Rinse with cold water after cooking and toss lightly with a bit of oil.
What can I serve on the side?
Sticky rice, green papaya salad, or fried spring rolls pair well with this soup for a complete Lao meal.
Conclusion
Homemade Lao Noodle Soup is a beautiful expression of traditional Lao comfort food—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. With its aromatic broth, tender pork, and fresh herbaceous garnishes, it’s a meal that feels both light and hearty. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or a special homemade treat, this soup brings a taste of Laos into your kitchen with every warming bowl.
PrintHomemade Lao Noodle Soup
A rich and comforting Lao noodle soup made with tender pork, chewy noodles, and a flavorful broth, garnished with fresh herbs for a traditional and hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Lao
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 200g fresh rice noodles
- 300g pork shoulder or belly, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised and chopped into pieces
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots (optional)
- Chili flakes or chili oil (optional for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pork and cook until lightly browned. Remove the pork and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and cooked pork back into the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and more fish sauce if needed.
- Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Soup: In serving bowls, add the cooked noodles. Pour the hot broth with pork over the noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and bamboo shoots. Add chili flakes or chili oil for some heat if desired.
- Serve hot, with additional fresh herbs or lime wedges on the side if preferred.
Notes
- The lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce create a wonderfully fragrant broth that’s the heart of the dish.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the pork in some fish sauce and sugar for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking with the optional chili flakes or chili oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg