How to Make Laksa – The Ultimate Spicy Coconut Curry Soup
Laksa is a bold, spicy, and creamy Southeast Asian noodle soup, featuring a fragrant coconut curry broth, tender shrimp or chicken, and fresh herbs. This Malaysian and Singaporean favorite is packed with rich flavors and comforting warmth perfect for spice lovers!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Malaysian, Singaporean, Southeast Asian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal
- For the Laksa Paste or use store-bought laksa paste – about 4 tablespoons:
- 2 shallots chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch ginger or galangal minced
- 2 lemongrass stalks white part only, finely chopped
- 3 dried red chilies soaked & chopped (or 1 tsp chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste optional
- 1 tablespoon oil
- For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 14 oz can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce for vegetarian
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ pound shrimp chicken, or tofu, sliced
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 2 cups baby bok choy or spinach
- For the Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles thick laksa noodles or vermicelli
- For Garnish:
- 1 boiled egg halved
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil
- Sliced red chilies
- Fried shallots
- Lime wedges
Step 1: Make the Laksa Paste (Skip if Using Store-Bought)
Blend all laksa paste ingredients into a smooth paste. Add water if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Broth
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the laksa paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk.
Stir in fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Protein And Noodles
Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu and cook for 5 minutes until done.
Meanwhile, cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide noodles into bowls.
Ladle the hot laksa broth and protein over the noodles.
Top with bean sprouts, bok choy, boiled egg, and garnishes.
Serve with lime wedges for extra tang!
- Spice it up! Add chili oil or sambal for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Use tofu, vegetable broth, and soy sauce instead of shrimp/chicken.
- Want it creamier? Add extra coconut milk for a richer broth.
- Store-bought shortcut: Use ready-made laksa paste to save time!
Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 20g