Thai Sauce & Kao Mun Gai: The Ultimate Comfort Food
One of our family’s all-time favorite comfort meals is Kao Mun Gai (Thai Hainanese Chicken Rice). This beloved dish is versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a late-night snack. In fact, some of the best Kao Mun Gai spots in Bangkok come alive after dark. Our favorite? A little late-night gem aptly named “Midnight Kao Mun Gai.” Nestled in the bustling city streets, they serve their delectable chicken rice wrapped in parchment and newspaper—an eco-friendly touch that’s as charming as it is practical.
Memories of Mom’s Kao Mun Gai
As I write this, I can’t help but reminisce about my mom’s (Chef Tanya’s) version of Kao Mun Gai. Growing up, it was a weekend staple in our home. As a busy single mom, she would prepare a large pot of fragrant Kao Mun Gai rice and boil chicken to double as soup stock and protein for the dish.
On especially hectic days, she’d even use rotisserie chicken (Costco’s rotisserie chicken, anyone?) as a quick substitute. Despite these shortcuts, one thing never changed: her Kao Mun Gai sauce. Friends and family would rave about its authentic, unique, and mouthwatering flavor.
Due to popular demand (including my own!), my mom decided to include her famous Kao Mun Gai sauce in the Namjai Thai collection. It’s the perfect addition to bring authentic Thai flavors into your kitchen.
Ways to Enjoy Kao Mun Gai
There’s no wrong way to savor this dish! Traditionally, it’s served with tender chicken, fragrant garlic rice, and a generous drizzle of the signature sauce. But you can also get creative:
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Pair the sauce with plain jasmine rice for a simpler meal.
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Use it as a marinade for tofu or other proteins.
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Drizzle it over a fresh salad for a Thai-inspired dressing.
If you’re ready to try Kao Mun Gai the traditional way, you’re in for a treat! Below is an easy recipe to create this comforting dish at home.
Recipe: Garlic Rice for Kao Mun Gai
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon chopped garlic
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1 tablespoon chopped ginger
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1-2 tablespoons oil
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3 cups jasmine rice (rinsed and drained well)
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½ teaspoon salt
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Soy sauce (optional)
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4 cups chicken broth (1:1.25 is a common ratio, so to be safe and avoid from making the rice too soft, add 4 cups of broth for 3 cups of rice is perfect!)
Instructions:
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Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant (but not browned).
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Add the jasmine rice and stir for 2-4 minutes.
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Season with salt and soy sauce (if using) and mix well.
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Transfer the rice mixture to a rice cooker. Add the chicken broth, stir, and cook according to your rice cooker’s settings.
Serve the rice with boiled, rotisserie, or fried chicken and a generous helping of Namjai Thai Kao Mun Gai Sauce for the ultimate Thai comfort food experience.
Why Choose Namjai Thai Sauce for Your Kao Mun Gai?
At Namjai Thai, we pride ourselves on delivering authentic Thai flavors straight to your kitchen. Our Kao Mun Gai (KMG) sauce is crafted with traditional ingredients to ensure every bite transports you to the streets of Bangkok. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Thai cuisine, our sauce makes creating restaurant-quality dishes at home a breeze.
Ready to elevate your meals? Grab your bottle of Namjai Thai Kao Mun Gai Sauce today and start cooking!
Enjoy!
- Gigi
