Introduction
Laksa is a popular Southeast Asian dish, especially in Malaysia and Singapore. This spicy noodle soup features a rich coconut curry base, often combined with seafood or chicken and a variety of toppings like bean sprouts, boiled eggs, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons laksa paste (or to taste)
- 400ml coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 200g cooked chicken (shredded) or shrimp
- Salt to taste
- 200g rice noodles or egg noodles
- Fresh bean sprouts
- Boiled eggs (halved)
- Fresh cilantro or mint (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
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Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Broth:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add Laksa Paste:
- Stir in the laksa paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
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Combine with Coconut Milk:
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the shredded chicken or shrimp. Season with salt to taste. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
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Assemble the Dish:
- To serve, place a portion of cooked noodles in a bowl, ladle the hot laksa broth over the noodles, and top with bean sprouts, halved boiled eggs, and fresh herbs. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Health Considerations
- Adjust the amount of laksa paste to control spice levels, making it suitable for different palates.
- Consider using low-sodium broth to reduce overall sodium content.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy Laksa hot, garnished with fresh herbs and lime juice to brighten the flavors. It pairs well with crispy fried tofu for added texture.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or more vegetables and use vegetable broth.
- If laksa paste is unavailable, you can blend dried chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and shrimp paste to create a homemade version.
