The Asian Larder

Laksa: Malaysian Spicy Coconut Noodle Soup

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A rich, spicy coconut broth over noodles and prawns, built from a fragrant paste of chilli, lemongrass and shrimp paste.

Tips for the best laksa

  • Frying the paste properly before adding liquid is what brings out its flavour, do not skip this step.
  • Full-fat coconut milk gives a richer, less watery broth than reduced-fat versions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make my own laksa paste?

Yes, though a good shop-bought jar is a reasonable shortcut and keeps the flavour close to a hawker-stall version.

Is laksa very spicy?

It varies by paste brand, most are medium heat. Check the label if you are sensitive to spice.

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  • Laksa paste. A shortcut to a proper hawker-style broth.
Huì

Huì

Huì is a Beijing-born chef working in the UK. She writes The Asian Larder, with tested Asian recipes for British home cooks and honest advice on where to buy every ingredient.
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