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How to Make Traditional Kai Look Keuy Deliciously: Calories and Serving Suggestions

Food08 Nov 2025 12:19 GMT+7

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How to Make Traditional Kai Look Keuy Deliciously: Calories and Serving Suggestions

Kai Look Keuy (English: Fried Boiled Egg with Tamarind Sauce) is a traditional Thai dish known for its sweet, mellow flavor and fragrant aroma from Thai spices simmered with boiled eggs. Its rich, sweet taste appeals to all ages. The recipe for this dish Kai Look Keuy is simpler than you might think, and you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. Thairath Online will share the straightforward traditional recipe for making "Kai Look Keuy" in an easy way —read and you can cook it yourself at home.

History and Origin of the Name "Kai Look Keuy"

The name "Kai Look Keuy" comes from a Thai folk tale comparing the flavor of the simmered eggs to the relationship between a mother-in-law and son-in-law, combining sweetness with a slight bitterness. This reflects a relationship that requires careful balance. Historically, this dish was often made as a snack or dessert for merit-making ceremonies, festivals, or special family meals, and is one of the traditional Thai recipes passed down through generations.

Simple Traditional Recipe for Making Sweet and Rich "Kai Look Keuy" and What Goes Into It

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boiled chicken eggs
  • ½ cup palm sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 3–4 sliced shallots
  • Dried bird’s eye chilies (to taste)
  • 2–3 crushed garlic cloves

Cooking Steps

  1. Peel the boiled eggs and set aside.

  2. In a pan, combine palm sugar, fish sauce, and water; stir and bring to a boil.

  3. Add garlic and shallots, simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes aromatic.

  4. Add boiled eggs and simmer, stirring to coat the eggs with sauce over low heat for about 10–15 minutes.

  5. Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with dried bird’s eye chilies for color and flavor, then serve.

Which Is Better for Kai Look Keuy: Chicken Eggs or Duck Eggs?

You can use either chicken eggs or duck eggs for Kai Look Keuy depending on your taste preferences.

  • Chicken Eggs are readily available, have firm but less oily texture, and a milder taste which allows the sauce to absorb well, suitable for those who prefer a lighter flavor.
  • Duck Eggs have a richer, firmer texture and provide a fuller, naturally sweet and creamy flavor, giving the dish a more intense taste.

Tips for Making Delicious "Kai Look Keuy" You Should Know

  • Choose fresh eggs, whether chicken or duck; duck eggs will yield a richer, sweeter flavor.
  • Boil eggs just right and peel carefully to avoid breaking the eggs before simmering.
  • Simmer the sauce made from palm sugar, fish sauce, shallots, and garlic until thick and fragrant.
  • Simmer the eggs in the sauce to absorb the balanced sweet and salty flavors.
  • Control the heat and simmering time to keep the egg texture tender and avoid burning the sauce.
  • This ensures the Kai Look Keuy has an appealing color, aroma, and delicious taste.

Calories in "Kai Look Keuy" and Common Pairings

Each Kai Look Keuy egg contains approximately 90–100 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used. This dish is commonly eaten with hot steamed rice as a main meal for lunch or dinner and can also be served as a snack or light afternoon meal. The sweet and salty sauce pairs perfectly with steamed or sticky rice.

Summary of Kai Look Keuy This traditional dish is both easy to make and delicious, with a harmonious sweet-salty flavor and aromatic Thai spices. Suitable for all meals and all ages, you can easily prepare it at home and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

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