Thai Hot Pot from Noodles & Company features a flavorful broth infused with aromatic lemongrass, spicy red curry, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice noodles, simmering to create a vibrant and comforting meal with a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Ladle
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Strainer or colander
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 8 oz (225g) rice noodles
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small onion
- 2 cups napa cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions
- 1 Thai chili pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Lemongrass stalks are essential for delivering the authentic aromatic flavor that defines Thai Hot Pot, so try to use fresh lemongrass rather than dried or powdered forms. Red curry paste varies in spiciness depending on the brand, so adjust the amount to match your preferred heat level without overpowering the broth's balance. Using boneless skinless chicken breast ensures tender pieces that cook quickly and blend well with the vegetables and noodles. Rice noodles should be soaked and drained properly before adding to avoid clumping and to maintain their delicate texture. Your homemade Thai Hot Pot from Noodles & Company copycat menu will capture the vibrant and comforting flavors of the original dish, perfect for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Prepare all vegetables: slice bell pepper, onion, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, green onions, and Thai chili pepper; mince cilantro; bruise and slice lemongrass.
- Slice chicken breast into thin, bite-size pieces.
- Soak rice noodles in warm water until just pliable; drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced onion, lemongrass, and red curry paste; sauté until fragrant, 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk; stir to combine.
- Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar; stir well.
- Bring broth mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add chicken breast, bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms, and napa cabbage to the pot.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove lemongrass pieces from soup with tongs or strainer.
- Add rice noodles to hot pot; cook until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice, green onions, Thai chili, and half the cilantro.
- Taste broth and adjust seasoning as needed (more fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, or lime juice).
- Ladle hot pot into bowls.
- Garnish with remaining cilantro and extra lime wedges if desired.
Substitution
Thai Hot Pot from Noodles & Company copycat menu offers a vibrant blend of spicy red curry broth with lemongrass and tender chicken, combined with fresh vegetables and rice noodles. If lemongrass is unavailable, you can substitute with lemon zest or lime leaves for a similar citrus aroma. When preparing the chicken, using thighs instead of breasts will yield a juicier and more flavorful result. Rice noodles should be soaked separately before adding to the hot pot to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking. You may adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the Thai chili pepper to suit your personal taste.
Tips
When preparing the lemongrass, bruise it by gently crushing the stalks before slicing to release the maximum amount of flavor into your broth. Ensure rice noodles are soaked in warm water until just pliable to prevent them from becoming mushy when added to the hot pot. Use a strainer or tongs to remove lemongrass pieces from the broth before serving, as they can be tough and fibrous. You can adjust the seasoning at the end by tasting the broth, adding extra fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, or lime juice to perfectly balance the spicy, savory, and fresh flavors.
Nutritions
Thai Hot Pot from Noodles & Company combines lean chicken breast, nutrient-rich vegetables like napa cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, and rice noodles, providing a balanced source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. The broth, enriched with coconut milk, adds healthy fats and essential vitamins, while ingredients like lemongrass, red curry paste, and Thai chili pepper offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Fish sauce and soy sauce contribute sodium, so monitoring your intake is important to maintain a balanced diet. This meal suits Your nutritional needs by delivering a flavorful, well-rounded dish that supports overall health.
Storage
Store your Thai Hot Pot in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Separate the rice noodles before storing to prevent them from becoming overly soft or mushy. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore broth consistency if needed.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken breast with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option, which will still absorb the rich flavors of the red curry broth. Using sweet potatoes in place of carrots adds a subtle sweetness and thicker texture to the soup, enhancing its heartiness. Consider replacing napa cabbage with bok choy or spinach if you prefer more leafy greens with a different crunch and nutritional profile. To deepen the flavor, toast the lemongrass and red curry paste in oil for a minute before adding liquids, which intensifies the aroma and richness of your hot pot.
Allergies
Thai Hot Pot contains common allergens such as fish sauce, which may trigger reactions in individuals with seafood allergies, and soy sauce, which contains soy, a known allergen. Coconut milk can also cause adverse reactions in people with tree nut or coconut allergies. If you have any of these allergies, it's important to review your ingredients carefully and consider suitable substitutes to ensure your meal remains safe.
Why this recipe?
Noodles & Company's Thai Hot Pot menu is cherished for its vibrant blend of authentic Thai spices, tender chicken or tofu, and fresh vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. You will appreciate the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that create a satisfying and comforting meal experience. The unique combination of ingredients and the customizable protein options make it a versatile choice for diverse palates. Recreating this popular dish at home offers you the opportunity to enjoy restaurant-quality Thai flavors while tailoring the heat and ingredients to your personal taste.