Thai Sukiyaki, commonly known as Suki Thai, is a popular Thai hot pot and stir-fry dish featuring thinly sliced meat, seafood, fresh vegetables, glass noodles, and a signature spicy sukiyaki sauce. Unlike Japanese sukiyaki, Thai Sukiyaki has a lighter broth and is served with a bold, garlicky, chili-infused dipping sauce that gives the dish its unique flavor.

Found in Thai restaurants, street food stalls, and family dining establishments, Thai Sukiyaki is a comforting, healthy, and highly customizable meal perfect for sharing.

What is Thai Sukiyaki?

Thai Sukiyaki is a communal hot pot dish where ingredients are cooked in a flavorful broth and enjoyed with a special Thai suki sauce. There are two main styles:

  • Suki Nam – Served as a soup with broth.
  • Suki Haeng – A dry stir-fried version with less liquid.

The dish typically includes meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, eggs, and glass noodles, making it a complete and nutritious meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and nutrient-rich
  • Light yet satisfying
  • Perfect for sharing
  • Packed with vegetables and protein
  • Customizable with different ingredients
  • Authentic Thai restaurant favorite

Ingredients

For the Hot Pot

  • 200 g thinly sliced chicken
  • 200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200 g squid, sliced into rings
  • 200 g firm tofu, cubed
  • 100 g glass noodles, soaked
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

Vegetables

  • 2 cups Napa cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup water spinach (morning glory)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup celery, cut into pieces
  • 2 green onions, chopped

For the Broth

  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Thai Sukiyaki Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons fermented bean curd
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 Thai bird's eye chilies
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced chili
  • Lime wedges

Equipment Needed

  • Hot pot or large stockpot
  • Blender or mortar and pestle
  • Ladle
  • Serving bowls

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Step 1: Prepare the Sukiyaki Sauce

Combine the following in a blender or mortar and pestle:

  • Fermented bean curd
  • Garlic
  • Chilies
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sugar
  • Vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Water

Blend until smooth.

Taste and adjust the balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine:

  • Stock
  • Garlic
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Allow the broth to cook for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Add:

  • Napa cabbage
  • Mushrooms
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 4: Cook the Proteins

Add:

  • Chicken
  • Shrimp
  • Squid
  • Tofu

Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until cooked through.

Avoid overcooking the seafood.

Step 5: Add the Noodles and Egg

Add the soaked glass noodles.

Cook for 2 minutes.

Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering broth while stirring gently.

Add the water spinach and green onions.

Cook for 1 more minute.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the hot pot into individual bowls.

Serve with generous spoonfuls of Thai sukiyaki sauce.

Allow diners to mix the sauce into the broth according to their taste.

Chef’s Tips

  • Fresh vegetables provide the best texture.
  • Glass noodles absorb the flavorful broth beautifully.
  • Add seafood near the end to maintain tenderness.
  • Prepare extra suki sauce—it is often the highlight of the dish.
  • For an authentic restaurant-style experience, cook ingredients at the table.

Variations

Seafood Sukiyaki

Use shrimp, squid, mussels, fish, and scallops.

Chicken Sukiyaki

Focus on sliced chicken and vegetables for a lighter meal.

Vegetarian Sukiyaki

Use tofu, mushrooms, and vegetable broth.

Suki Haeng (Dry Sukiyaki)

Drain most of the broth and stir-fry the ingredients with suki sauce.

Health Benefits

This dish is packed with:

  • Lean protein from meat and seafood
  • Fiber from vegetables
  • Essential vitamins and minerals
  • Low-fat cooking methods
  • Nutrient-rich glass noodles

Serving Suggestions

Thai Sukiyaki pairs perfectly with:

  • Jasmine rice
  • Thai spring rolls
  • Fresh cucumber salad
  • Grilled seafood
  • Thai iced tea
  • Fresh fruit desserts

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Store the suki sauce separately for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

Thai Sukiyaki (Suki Thai) is a comforting and versatile Thai hot pot dish that combines fresh vegetables, tender proteins, silky glass noodles, and a flavorful signature sauce into one satisfying meal. Its balance of textures and flavors makes it a favorite for family gatherings and casual dining alike.

Whether enjoyed as a steaming hot soup or a dry stir-fried version, Thai Sukiyaki offers a delicious taste of Thailand’s communal dining culture and culinary creativity.