How to make authentic Laksa Soup! This Malaysian Coconut Curry Noodle Soup can be made with your choice of chicken, shrimp or tofu (or all) with rice noodles in the most fragrant coconut broth. Top with fresh bean sprouts, lime, cilantro. Learn how to make authentic Laksa Paste from scratch, or use store-bought laksa paste– either way, you will love this!
Meet one of my favorite meals on the blog! This recipe for Laksa Soup – Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup is full of amazing flavor and surprisingly simple to make. The secret to this soup is its flavorful base, and rich coconut broth enhanced with Laksa paste -which you can make from scratch or buy.
Add your choice of protein to the flavorful coconut broth, then ladle it over fresh rice noodles, top with a handful of crunchy bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, and mint, and serve with lime wedges. So much flavor here friends!
It’s a soup that takes you far, far away, and it has been a hit at home when the temperatures are cooler.
HOW TO MAKE LAKSA SOUP | 2-MIN VIDEO
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE LAKSA SOUP:
peanut oil or coconut oil
Homemade Laksa Paste (see recipe) – or buy 1-2 jars (7-ounce) of store-bought Laksa Paste – ( I like this brand- see notes)
chicken stock or broth
lime leaves
salt
brown sugar or palm sugar
chicken (breast or thigh meat) or sub fish or crispy tofu
raw large shrimp (or more chicken or veggies)
coconut milk. Do not use “lite” – and if you like an even richer broth, add a third can.
lime juice
fish sauce
ice noodles
Garnishes: bean sprouts, lime wedges, cilantro or Vietnamese mint, scallions, sambal chili paste, fried shallots (available in jars at an Asian market)
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS or Substitutions: Fried tofu cubes, fish balls ( frozen), scallops or other firm fish, clams, mussels, and veggies like snow peas, mushrooms, carrots, bell pepper, chopped spinach or greens
WHAT IS LAKSA PASTE MADE OF?
Laksa paste is a blend of lemongrass, dried chilies, shallots, galanga, turmeric, spices, dried shrimp and shrimp paste, all blended up in the food processor, then sautéed in a little oil to deepen the flavor.
It will take you on a fun adventure to your local Asian market, perhaps introducing you to new ingredients and can be made authentically from scratch.
Or if you prefer, I’ve included an easier, fast “cheater version” as well, using store-bought laksa paste.
Like I said, the easy “cheater version”, is simply to purchase pre-made Laksa Paste in a jar. I like this brand!
Or if you want to make the laksa paste from scratch – it’s actually not that hard and has no preservatives or msg.
LAKSA PASTE INGREDIENTS:
dried red chilies
dried shrimp (available at Asian Markets) optional photo above
shallots
garlic cloves
galanga
lemongrass
fresh turmeric (ground turmeric is OK, too)
candlenuts or substitute soaked cashews, brazil nuts or macadamia nuts (soak in hot water 15 mins- optional- you can leave the nuts out)
shrimp paste (or shrimp sauce) optional, but elevates
coriander
cumin
sweet paprika
peanut oil or coconut oil olive
HOW TO MAKE LAKSA PASTE
Soak dried red chilies and dried shrimp in boiling water for 20 minutes. You can leave out the dried shrimp but it will lack its beautiful authentic depth. The dried really shrimp elevates this soup. Use 3 chilies for a milder version. 5-6 for spicy!
