Thai Tom Yum Dry Noodles (Kway Teow Haeng Tom Yum)

Steps

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1. 1
   Soak the small rice noodles in room-temperature water for about 25–30 minutes until fully pliable, then drain (can be refrigerated for up to a week).
   ▶ ≈2:13
2. 2
   Bring water to a boil, add ground pork and a splash of fish sauce, stir until fully cooked and broken up, then remove the pork and reserve the cooking liquid.
   ▶ ≈3:37
3. 3
   Marinate the thinly sliced pork with soy sauce and sugar, mixing until no liquid pools at the bottom.
   ▶ ≈4:02
4. 4
   Cut the pre-cooked meatballs into bite-size pieces; they only need reheating later.
   ▶ ≈4:22
5. 5
   Heat neutral oil in a small pot over medium-high heat, test with one piece of chopped garlic; once bubbling, lower heat and add remaining garlic, stirring frequently until golden (it will darken further off heat). Strain to separate the crispy garlic and garlic oil; both keep in the fridge for months.
   ▶ ≈5:03
6. 6
   In each serving bowl, mix the seasoning individually: lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, chili flakes (to taste), chicken bouillon powder (optional), garlic oil, and a tablespoon of the reserved pork cooking liquid (or water/stock as substitute).
   ▶ ≈6:04
7. 7
   Prepare the toppings: coarsely ground peanuts, dried shrimp fluff (optional), chopped green onions, cilantro (optional), the fried garlic, bean sprouts, and a lime wedge on the side.
   ▶ ≈9:41
8. 8
   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then divide the soaked noodles into equal portions, separating them with paper towel.
   ▶ ≈10:43
9. 9
   First reheat the meatballs in boiling water for about 1 minute until they puff up, then remove. Next, blanch the sliced pork for about 20 seconds until cooked through, then remove and drain.
   ▶ ≈12:04
10. 10
    Only start cooking the noodles once everyone is ready to eat: dunk one portion of noodles into the rolling boil for about 10 seconds, shake off excess water, then immediately toss into the seasoned bowl and mix well.
    ▶ ≈13:55
11. 11
    Top the mixed noodles with bean sprouts, blanched sliced pork, meatballs, ground pork, peanuts, dried shrimp fluff, cilantro, green onions, and fried garlic, then mix again. Squeeze lime juice if desired and eat immediately while hot.
    ▶ ≈15:30