Asian Noodle Soup

There are undoubtedly several variants, with each location and family having its unique recipes.

The basis is typically, but not always, coconut milk. Some are gentler in flavor, while others are strong and curry-like. Some even have a sour component added to them.

Proteins and garnishings differ by kind as well.

The Laksa we’re making today is most similar to Nyonya Laksa, with the addition of shredded chicken and a cilantro garnish, as is traditional in Sarawak Laksa.

Ingredients
Noodles – Rice vermicelli and hokkien egg noodles.
Protein – Chicken and shrimp.
Coconut milk – Full fat.
Laksa paste – More on this in the next section.
Chicken stock – For flavor and volume.
Aromatics – Garlic, ginger, lemongrass.
Other seasonings – Fish sauce, sugar and red chilis.
Tofu puffs – These act as sponges for the tasty broth. You can find them in Asian grocery stores.
Eggs – Hard boiled.
Garnishings – Cilantro, bean sprouts, more red chilis, lime wedges.

How to Make Laksa
Heat oil in a soup pot over medium high heat. Add garlic, ginger, red chili and lemongrass. Sauté 2-3 minutes. Add laksa paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in coconut milk, chicken stock, fish sauce and sugar. Add in chicken, simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and shred it, before adding back into the pot.
Add shrimp and tofu puffs. Cook till shrimp are cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
Cook noodles according to directions on package. Drain and divide them among four bowls.

Ladle in laksa soup and add eggs. Garnish with bean sprouts, cilantro and sliced red chilis. Squeeze on lime juice. Serve immediately.

Variations
As mentioned, there are many different types of laksa. Here are a few variations you can try:

Try different meats, or omit them altogether for a vegetarian version.
A popular variation is curry laksa. Add a tablespoon of curry powder for different flavors.
Asam laksa has a sour flavor and omits coconut milk. Replace it with 2-4 tablespoons of tamarind paste.
Use other garnishings. Cucumber and long beans are also common.

Give this iconic spicy noodle soup a try in your kitchen. Share it with your friends and family, and help its fame grow. Once you take a slurp, you’ll see why Laksa is considered one of the tastiest foods in the world!

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