We are excited to present our Vegan Khao Yum recipe, a vibrant, nourishing, and delicious dish. In this plant-based rendition, we showcase aromatic blue rice, an assortment of fresh vegetables, and a tangy Budu dressing. This magnificent Southern Thai Rainbow Rice Salad is a visual masterpiece that also offers a wholesome and fulfilling culinary experience, combining the finest elements of Thai cuisine.

History of the khai yum

Khao Yum is a popular dish from Southern Thailand, known for its diverse range of flavors and textures.

Legend has it that Khao yam was born out of a request by the ruler of a southern Thai region, who sought a concoction that would blend all the nutritious elements available at that time onto a single plate. A skilled doctor took up the challenge and crafted what we now know as the rice salad. Central to this creation was the inclusion of Indian mulberry, a tree often found near the residences of esteemed individuals in the community.

While some claim Khao yam's origins lie in the Malay culinary tradition, owing to the historical connection between Thailand's southernmost provinces (Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala) and the former Sultanate of Pattani, which encompassed present-day Kelantan in Northeastern Malaysia.

Recreating Khao yam can prove daunting due to its astonishing variety of ingredients, many of which are unique to the region. Nonetheless, Thai cooks assert that like numerous other Thai dishes, Khao yam's essence lies in its adaptability. It can be prepared with whatever fresh ingredients are available, as long as they complement its tangy, savory, and herbal character.

Ingredients you will need for khao yum

Blue Rice

Jasmine Rice
Butterfly pea flowers
Water (for soaking Butterfly Peas and cooking rice)

Budu Dressing

Vegan Anchovy Sauce or Soy Sauce
Fermented Soy Bean Paste or Miso Paste
Crushed Lemongrass (cut into large chunks)
Shallots
Galangal (cut into large chunks)
Tamarind Juice
Coconut Palm Sugar
Water
Kaffir Lime Leaves
Lime Juice

Khao Yum

Cooked Rice (from the above ingredients)
Pomelo
Edible Flowers
Betel Leaves (sliced)
Lotus Flowers
Mung Beans
Carrot
Mango
Green Beans
Roasted Coconut Flakes
Black Sesame Seeds
White Sesame Seeds
Kaffir Lime Leaves
Purple Cabbage
Chili Flakes

Equipment you will need

Pot for cooking rice
Small saucepan
Mortar and pestle
Mixing bowl and whisk
Chopping board, peeler, and a good chef's knife
Large plate for plating the salad

How to make vegan khao yum

Blue Rice

Soak butterfly pea flowers in the measured water and leave for 10 minutes so the color leaks out from the flowers.
Wash and rinse jasmine rice, cook with butterfly pea flowers, and set aside.

Budu Dressing

Mix soybean paste, vegan anchovy paste, and water very well
Add to the pot on low heat and cook until boil.
When the sauce started to boil add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and shallots.
Simmer for 5-8 minutes.
Flavor with coconut palm sugar, tamarind juice, and lime.
Adjust the flavor to your preference, make sure it is salty, sweet, and sour. The sauce should taste strong,
When the sauce is ready, drain the sauce and set aside.

Khao Yum

Wash and dry all vegetables.
Julienne green mango and carrot.
Finely sliced purple cabbage, betel leaves, and kaffir lime leaves.
Blanch Pakria in salt water to reduce the bitterness.
Tear pomelo into small pieces.
Tear lotus flowers and wash the lotus petals and dry them immediately.
Dice green beans into small bites.
Toast black and white sesame seeds and then grind them in the mortar and pestle.
Toasted cashew nuts until golden brown.
Plate up the rice, vegetables, herbs, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, and chili flakes onto a large plate.
Pour the sauce into a small bowl and serve on the side.

What to serve with khao yum

Vegan Khao Yum is a complete meal, bursting with flavors and textures. However, you can complement it with some other Thai vegan dishes such as Tom Kha Soup, Pomelo Salad, or Green Papaya Salad for a truly authentic and satisfying Thai feast.

More Thai vegan recipes to try

If you decide to give this recipe a try, we'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Your recreations bring us great joy, and we can't wait to see your culinary adventures. Happy cooking friends!