If you’ve been craving a bowl of comfort that bursts with vibrant flavors and warming spices, then this Laksa Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Combining the richness of coconut milk, the aromatic punch of lemongrass and ginger, and the satisfying texture of noodles and tender chicken, this soup is a beautiful dance of tastes and textures that will transport you straight to Southeast Asia with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating an unforgettable bowl of laksa. Each one is simple yet plays a crucial role, whether lending depth to the broth, a kick of spice, or a refreshing crunch to balance the creamy soup.
- Chicken stock/broth (2 cups or 500 ml): Forms the flavorful base that envelopes every morsel.
- Water (1 cup or 250 ml): Balances the richness to create a perfect soup consistency.
- Chicken drumsticks (3 pieces): Slow-cooked for tender, juicy meat and savory essence.
- Oil (1.5 tbsp): Used for sautéing the spices and aromatics to unlock their full flavor.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds a fragrant savory note that’s simply irresistible.
- Ginger (2 cm / 4/5″, finely grated): Brings a warm, zesty brightness to the broth.
- Lemongrass (1 stalk, white part grated): Infuses the soup with citrusy freshness that awakens your palate.
- Birds eye chillis (2, finely chopped): Packs a spicy punch that you can adjust to taste.
- Laksa paste (½ cup or 135g): The star seasoning that carries the curry’s bold flavors.
- Coconut milk (400ml can): Adds heavenly creaminess and balances the spices beautifully.
- Fish sauce (2 tsp): Enhances umami with an authentic Southeast Asian twist, or substitute soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
- Vermicelli noodles (50g, dried): Soft, delicate noodles that soak up the broth perfectly.
- Hokkien noodles (100g, optional): A thicker noodle option for those who love additional bite and texture.
- Bean sprouts (80g): Provide a crunchy, fresh contrast to the creamy soup.
- Tofu puffs (80g, cut in half): Soak up the broth’s incredible flavors and add a silky texture.
- Sugar (½ tsp, white): Balances the spiciness and acidity of the soup.
- Soy sauce (1½ tsp, light or all-purpose): Deepens the savory notes without overwhelming.
- Additional garlic (½ clove, minced): For layering extra garlic goodness.
- Extra laksa paste (1½ tsp): To intensify that classic laksa curry aroma.
- Sriracha sauce (1 tbsp): Brings a tangy, spicy heat to the broth.
- Chilli paste from jar (1 tbsp): Or substituted with more Sriracha for boldness.
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp): Neutral oil perfect for frying and sautéing.
- Fresh coriander/cilantro (for garnish): Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Lime wedges (for garnish): A squeeze of citrus brightens every bite.
- Crispy fried shallots (optional): Introduce a delightful crunch and sweet-savory notes.
- Finely sliced red chilli (optional): For those who enjoy an extra kick and a splash of color.
How to Make Laksa Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build a Flavorful Broth
Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely grated ginger, grated lemongrass, and chopped birds eye chillis. Sauté these aromatics gently until they become fragrant and golden, releasing their mouthwatering scent. Next, stir in the laksa paste and cook it for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavors. Pour in the chicken stock, water, and lay the chicken drumsticks into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the chicken to infuse the broth with richness.
Step 2: Add Creaminess and Seasonings
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, remove the drumsticks from the pot and let them cool slightly. Stir in the coconut milk to the simmering broth, blending its luscious creaminess beautifully with the spicy base. Season the broth with fish sauce, sugar, and soy sauce, tasting as you go to achieve that perfect balance between salty, sweet, and tangy. Shred the chicken meat off the bones, discarding the bones and skin, then return the shredded chicken to the pot to soak up more flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles and Toppings
While your broth simmers, prepare the vermicelli and optional Hokkien noodles according to package instructions—usually by soaking or quick boiling. This step ensures your noodles are tender and ready to embrace the broth’s richness. Rinse and drain the bean sprouts, slice tofu puffs in half, and get your garnishes ready. All these components will add exciting varied textures to your laksa bowl.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the steaming hot laksa broth over the noodles and chicken, making sure every bowl gets a good mix of tofu puffs and bean sprouts. Garnish generously with fresh coriander, crispy fried shallots, and sliced red chilli if you fancy. Don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side for that fresh, citrus zing that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Laksa Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are your secret weapon to making laksa feel extra special. Fresh coriander adds a herbal brightness that cuts through the rich soup. Crispy fried shallots provide a satisfyingly crunchy texture and a sweet-savory flavor. A little freshly sliced red chilli ups the heat and colors the dish beautifully, and a squeeze of lime juice introduces a refreshing tang that wakes everything up.
Side Dishes
Laksa is so satisfying on its own, but if you want to accompany it, light sides like a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar or a plate of steamed greens complement it well. You could also serve some prawn crackers or crispy fried chicken for extra indulgence. These sides add contrast without overshadowing the soup’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or just make your meal feel fancy, serve your laksa in individual deep bowls with layered noodles, broth, and toppings visible from the side. Use a combination of colorful garnishes for a vibrant look. For a fun twist, consider offering a DIY garnish station where everyone can customize their bowls with coriander, chillis, lime, and fried shallots to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover laksa broth and ingredients store wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate to prevent them from turning mushy. Place the broth in an airtight container and the noodles in another, so everything stays fresh and ready to reheat.
Freezing
If you want to save some laksa for a later date, freeze the broth without noodles. Coconut milk-based soups freeze well but always check the texture upon thawing. Freeze in portions for easy defrosting; then add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for the best experience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the broth gently on the stove until it’s steaming hot. Add the shredded chicken back in and freshly cooked noodles for optimal texture. Avoid boiling aggressively to keep the flavors balanced and coconut milk from separating.
FAQs
Can I make this laksa vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce to keep it plant-based while still delivering deep flavor.
What’s the difference between vermicelli and Hokkien noodles?
Vermicelli noodles are thin and delicate, usually made from rice, while Hokkien noodles are thicker and made from wheat, offering a chewy texture. Both work great in laksa depending on your preference for noodle bite.
Is laksa very spicy?
Laksa can range from mild to quite spicy depending on the laksa paste and chillis used. Feel free to adjust the amount of birds eye chillis and chilli paste according to your heat tolerance for a customized level of spice.
Can I prepare laksa paste at home?
Yes! Homemade laksa paste uses spices like dried chillis, turmeric, lemongrass, and shrimp paste for authentic flavor. Making your own paste allows control over ingredients and spice level, bringing freshness to your laksa.
How long does it take to cook this laksa noodle soup?
The total prep and cook time is about 60 minutes. It takes roughly 45 minutes to simmer the chicken and build the broth, with an additional 15 minutes to prep ingredients and assemble the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade laksa to warm your soul and excite your taste buds. This Laksa Noodle Soup Recipe blends richness, spice, and fresh brightness so beautifully, it quickly becomes an irresistible favorite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this comforting Southeast Asian classic your own—your future self will thank you for it!
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Laksa Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Description
This comforting and flavorful Laksa Noodle Soup combines a fragrant and spicy coconut broth with tender chicken, vermicelli and hokkien noodles, tofu puffs, and fresh herbs. Originating from Southeast Asia, this dish melds rich laksa paste with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and garlic to create a vibrant meal perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a spicy noodle soup.
Ingredients
Broth
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock / broth
- 1 cup (250 ml) water
- 3 chicken drumsticks
- 1 1/2 tbsp oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cm (4/5″) piece of ginger, finely grated
- 1 lemongrass, white part grated
- 2 birds eye chillis, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (135g) laksa paste
- 400 ml can coconut milk
- 2 tsp fish sauce (or substitute soy sauce)
- 1/2 tsp white sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
- 1 1/2 tsp laksa paste
Noodles & Toppings
- 50 g (1.5 oz) vermicelli noodles, dried
- 100 g (3.5 oz) hokkien noodles (optional)
- 80 g (2.5 oz) bean sprouts
- 80 g (2.5 oz) tofu puffs, cut in half
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce or other chili sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste from jar (or more Sriracha)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (any plain oil)
- Fresh coriander / cilantro (recommended)
- Lime wedges (recommended)
- Crispy fried shallots (optional)
- Finely sliced red chili (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth base: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, grated lemongrass, and finely chopped birds eye chillis. Cook for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
- Add laksa paste and chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup laksa paste and cook for another 2 minutes to release flavors. Then add the chicken drumsticks and pour in the chicken stock and water. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and add coconut milk: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove chicken, shred or leave whole, and return to the pot. Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt or more fish sauce.
- Prepare noodles and final touches: Soak vermicelli noodles in hot water for 5 minutes until soft, drain. If using hokkien noodles, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes and drain. In separate bowls, place noodles, bean sprouts, tofu puffs, and shredded chicken. Pour hot broth over the noodles. Top with minced garlic, Sriracha, chili paste, vegetable oil drizzle, fresh coriander, crispy fried shallots, sliced red chili, and lime wedges as desired.
Notes
- Note 1: Chicken drumsticks provide rich flavor and tender meat; you may substitute chicken thighs if preferred.
- Note 2: Use only the white part of lemongrass for better texture and flavor.
- Note 3: Adjust birds eye chili quantity to your preferred spice level or omit if you want a milder soup.
- Note 4: Laksa paste is essential for authentic flavor and can usually be found in Asian grocery stores or made at home.
- Note 5: Coconut milk adds creaminess; use full-fat for best results.
- Note 6: Hokkien noodles are optional and provide a chewy contrast to vermicelli.
- Note 7: Tofu puffs absorb the flavorful broth nicely; cut in halves for easier eating.
- Note 8: Crispy fried shallots add a delicious crunch and garnish.
