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Laksa Soup - A Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup Recipe

Comforting Laksa Soup Recipe - A Malaysian-style coconut curry noodle soup, that can be made with chicken or shrimp and rice noodles with fresh bean sprouts, lime and cilantro.

4.9 from 166 votes
55 mins
Total Time
8
servings
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Laksa Soup - A Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup

How to Make the Best Laksa Soup - A Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup

Laksa soup is one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved comfort foods—a rich, aromatic bowl that perfectly balances creamy coconut milk with bold curry spices. This Malaysian-style coconut curry noodle soup features tender chicken and plump shrimp swimming in a fragrant broth, served over silky rice noodles and topped with fresh garnishes that add brightness and crunch.

What makes this laksa truly special is the homemade paste, built from a foundation of aromatics like lemongrass, galangal, and dried chilies. While you can absolutely use store-bought laksa paste for convenience, making your own allows you to control the heat level and depth of flavor. The paste gets sautéed until deeply fragrant before the broth and coconut milk transform it into something magical.

The beauty of laksa lies in its versatility—you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap the chicken for crispy tofu for a vegetarian version, add extra vegetables like snow peas and mushrooms, or adjust the spice level to your liking. Don’t skip the garnishes: fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of sambal bring essential texture and freshness to each bowl.

Laksa Soup - A Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup

Laksa Soup - A Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup

Comforting Laksa Soup Recipe - A Malaysian-style coconut curry noodle soup, that can be made with chicken or shrimp and rice noodles with fresh bean sprouts, lime and cilantro.

4.9 from 166 votes
CourseMain
CuisineMalaysian
Keywordlaksa soup, laksa paste recipe, authentic laksa soup, coconut curry soup, malaysian soup, rice noodle soup
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings8 servings
Calories485kcal
AuthorAlex Raeburn
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Ingredients

Laksa Soup

Garnishes

Laksa Paste

Instructions

Preparation

  1. Make the Laksa paste by blending all paste ingredients together (or use store-bought laksa paste).
  2. Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Set aside.

Make the Soup

  1. In a large heavy-bottom soup pot or dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add all the homemade Laksa Paste (or the 7-ounce jar), and sauté, stirring constantly until it becomes very fragrant and deep in color, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken broth, scraping up all the brown bits. Add the lime leaves, salt and sugar and bring to a simmer.
  3. Add chicken and simmer 4-5 minutes. Add shrimp, cook for 2-3 minutes, then add coconut milk. Simmer until heated through. Do not boil too long or you will lose the lovely sweetness from the coconut milk.
  4. Add lime juice, starting with 1 lime, and add more to taste. Add fish sauce to taste, adding a teaspoon at a time. The broth should taste rich and deep, slightly salty, and just a little limey.

Serve

  1. Divide the cooked rice noodles among bowls. Ladle flavorful soup over top of noodles.
  2. Top bowls with a handful of fresh bean sprouts, fresh cilantro and/or mint. Serve with chili sauce and lime wedges.

Notes

  • For rice noodles, calculate two ounces (dry rice noodles) per person.
  • If using fresh rice noodles from the refrigerated section of an Asian market, use 1½ to 2 pounds instead of dry noodles.
  • For an even richer broth, add a third can of coconut milk.
  • If the broth tastes too fishy, add more lime juice to balance.
  • Optional additions include fried tofu cubes, fish balls, scallops, clams, mussels, snow peas, mushrooms, carrots, bell pepper, or chopped spinach.
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