Description
A flavorful and comforting Laksa Noodle Soup featuring tender chicken, aromatic laksa paste, creamy coconut milk, and a variety of fresh garnishes. This Southeast Asian dish combines spiced chicken broth with vermicelli and optional hokkien noodles, topped with bean sprouts, tofu puffs, and a spicy chili sauce for an authentic taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Stock
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock / broth
- 1 cup (250 ml) water
- 3 chicken drumsticks
Broth and Flavor Base
- 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
- 400ml can coconut milk
- 2 tsp fish sauce (or substitute soy sauce)
Noodles and Toppings
- 50g (1.5 oz) vermicelli noodles, dried
- 100g (3.5 oz) hokkien noodles (optional)
- 80g (2.5 oz) bean sprouts
- 80g (2.5 oz) tofu puffs, cut in half
Laksa Chilli Sauce
- 1/2 tsp white sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp soy sauce (light or all purpose)
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp laksa paste
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce or other chili sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste from jar (or more Sriracha)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (any plain oil)
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh coriander / cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Crispy fried shallots
- Finely sliced red chili
Instructions
- Make the Chicken Stock: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken stock, water, and chicken drumsticks. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone, and the liquid has reduced by roughly one-third.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the broth. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the flesh and set aside in a bowl. Keep the broth aside for the soup base.
- Prepare Laksa Chilli Sauce: In a small bowl, mix sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, laksa paste, Sriracha sauce, chili paste, and vegetable oil thoroughly. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Start Laksa Broth: Heat oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Add grated lemongrass and chopped birds eye chillis, cooking for another minute.
- Cook Laksa Paste: Stir in the laksa paste and increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the paste is aromatic and slightly darkened.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the prepared chicken stock, coconut milk, fish sauce, and 2 teaspoons of the laksa chilli sauce. Cover with lid and simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Finalize Broth: Taste and adjust seasoning with lime juice for sourness and additional fish sauce for saltiness if needed. Add tofu puffs into the broth, turn off heat, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes to soak flavors.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. If using, cook hokkien noodles as well and drain.
- Assemble the Laksa: Divide the cooked noodles evenly between two bowls. Top with shredded chicken, then pour the hot laksa broth over the top.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Add bean sprouts and your choice of garnishes such as fresh coriander, crispy fried shallots, lime wedges, and sliced red chili. Serve the laksa chilli sauce on the side to add as desired.
Notes
- Note 1: Using chicken drumsticks adds rich flavor but you can substitute with chicken thighs or breast if preferred.
- Note 2: Use only the white part of the lemongrass for grating as it is more tender and flavorful.
- Note 3: Birds eye chillis add authentic heat; adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Note 4: Laksa paste can be store-bought or homemade depending on preference.
- Note 5: Coconut milk provides creaminess and richness to the broth.
- Note 6: Hokkien noodles are optional but add an extra chewy texture to the soup.
- Note 7: Tofu puffs soak up the broth and add a pleasant texture contrast.
- Note 8: Crispy fried shallots add crunch and extra flavor when used as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Keywords: laksa, laksa noodle soup, chicken laksa, coconut milk soup, Southeast Asian soup, spicy noodle soup, vermicelli laksa, hokkien noodles soup
