Malaysian laksa is a fragrant noodle soup that brings together coconut, chile, aromatics, seafood, and fresh lime.
A store-bought or homemade laksa paste makes the broth practical, while prawns and noodles cook quickly right at the end.
Fry the paste briefly in oil before adding liquids. That small step wakes up the aromatics and gives the broth deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Top each bowl with bean sprouts, cilantro, lime, and extra chile. Serve with chopsticks and a deep spoon.
Recipe Notes
Keep noodles separate if storing leftovers so they do not absorb all the broth. Reheat the soup gently and add fresh garnishes.
Malaysian Laksa with Prawns
A fragrant coconut curry noodle soup with prawns, tofu puffs, bean sprouts, herbs, and lime.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
Laksa broth
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup laksa paste
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 3 cups chicken or seafood stock
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Noodles and toppings
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb large prawns peeled and deveined
- 6 pieces fried tofu puffs halved
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
- 2 medium limes cut into wedges
Instructions
Build the broth:
- Heat the oil in a large pot and cook the onion until soft.
- Add the garlic and laksa paste and fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stock, then stir in the fish sauce and sugar.
- Simmer gently for 15 minutes.
Cook the noodles and prawns:
- Soak or cook the rice noodles according to the package directions and divide them among bowls.
- Add the tofu puffs and prawns to the simmering broth.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the prawns are opaque and just cooked through.
Serve:
- Ladle the broth, prawns, and tofu puffs over the noodles.
- Top with bean sprouts and cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
- Use seafood stock for a more oceanic broth.
- Do not overcook the prawns.
- Adjust fish sauce, sugar, and lime to balance salty, sweet, and sour flavors.
Nutrition
Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 1450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9g