How to Make Laksa – Authentic Laksa (Recipe Guide)

We will write a full guide on how to make Laksa one of the most popular dishes in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Laksa is a flavorful Southeast Asian noodle soup that combines Chinese and Malay culinary elements. Laksa varies widely across regions, with some of the most popular varieties being Penang Laksa, known for its tamarind-sour flavor, and Singaporean or Malaysian Laksa, which features a coconut milk base.

Here, we’ll focus on making an authentic Coconut Laksa, often called Curry Laksa.

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How to Make Laksa

Laksa Recipe Ingredients

For the Laksa Paste:
4 dried red chilies, soaked in hot water until soft
2 fresh red chilies
1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
1 inch piece of galangal, peeled and sliced
3 cloves garlic
3 shallots, peeled
1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional, but adds authenticity)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
For the Soup:
400 ml (about 1 2/3 cups) coconut milk
750 ml (about 3 cups) chicken or fish stock
200 grams (about 7 ounces) rice noodles (vermicelli or thick rice noodles)
200 grams (about 7 ounces) chicken breast, thinly sliced
200 grams (about 7 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 fish cakes, sliced (optional)
200 grams (about 7 ounces) tofu puffs, halved
Bean sprouts, for garnish
Fresh coriander (cilantro), for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
Boiled eggs

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Step By Step How to Make Laksa

1. Make the Laksa Paste

Blend the soaked dried chilies, fresh chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, turmeric, and coriander in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Paste

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and fry the laksa paste for about 5 minutes until aromatic.

3. Prepare the Soup

Pour the coconut milk and stock into the pot with the laksa paste. Bring to a simmer. Add the chicken slices and continue to simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Cook the Noodles

Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and divide them among serving bowls.

5. Add Seafood and Tofu

Add the shrimp and fish cakes to the simmering soup. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Add the tofu puffs, which will soak up the soup and become wonderfully flavorful.

6. Assemble and Serve

Pour the hot soup over the noodles in the bowls. Top each bowl with bean sprouts, fresh coriander, and a lime wedge. If using, place a halved boiled egg in each bowl. Serve hot, inviting diners to squeeze lime juice over their soup before eating.

Tips To Make Laksa

The soul of any laksa lies in its paste. Spend time making sure your paste is well blended and fried until aromatic to release all its flavors. Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and richness.

Customize toppings according to preference. Common additions include mint leaves, sliced cucumber, and pickled vegetables.

How Many Calories Has A Laksa

Coconut Milk is 920 calories for 400 ml.
Chicken Stock is around 150 calories.
Rice Noodles (200 grams) is 700 calories.
Chicken Breast (200 grams) is about 330 calories.
Shrimp (200 grams) is around 200 calories.
Fish Cakes (200 grams, optional) is 200 calories.
Tofu Puffs (200 grams) is about 380 calories.

A serving of laksa can contain approximately 2900 calories, if you divide for 6 people is around 500 calories per person.