Curry Laksa Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy, and incredibly flavorful soups, then Curry Laksa is a must-try dish. This aromatic, rich, and hearty soup hails from Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Singapore, and combines a heady mix of spices, coconut milk, and a variety of textures-from chewy noodles to crispy fried tofu. It’s the kind of dish that hugs your soul, satisfying every craving for spice, warmth, and comfort all in one go.

What makes this dish even more exciting is its versatility. Curry Laksa can be tailored to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary requirements, making it both a family favorite and a restaurant staple. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, chicken, or prefer a vegetarian version, there’s a Curry Laksa recipe out there for you. So, let’s dive into how you can recreate this iconic Southeast Asian soup in your very own kitchen.

This recipe brings together the bold flavors of traditional Malaysian Laksa while allowing room for customization based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. It’s perfect for an evening when you’re craving something hearty, spicy, and just a little exotic.

Ingredients Needed

For The Soup Base

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ginger, minced
2 tablespoons red curry paste (or Laksa paste, if you have it)
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (adjust based on desired consistency)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional but traditional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (for balance)
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon turmeric (optional but adds to the depth of flavor)
1-2 tablespoons chili paste or sambal oelek (for heat)

For The Noodles And Toppings

200 grams rice noodles (or egg noodles, depending on preference)
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or tofu for a vegetarian version)
1/2 cup bean sprouts
2 boiled eggs, halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2-3 sprigs of mint (optional)
Lime wedges (for garnish)
Crispy fried shallots (for topping)
2-3 stalks of spring onions, chopped
1 small cucumber, julienned (optional for freshness)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. You can toss them in a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Start The Soup Base
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger, and sauté until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the red curry paste (or Laksa paste) and cook for another 2 minutes to release its oils and intensify the flavor.
Build The Broth
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken (or vegetable) broth. Stir to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add in the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, turmeric (if using), and chili paste. Stir until everything is well blended. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. You can adjust the seasoning here by adding salt, pepper, or more chili paste for extra spice.
Assemble The Soup
- Divide the cooked noodles into bowls.
- Pour the hot, fragrant curry soup base over the noodles, making sure to cover them completely.
- Add your choice of toppings-shredded chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, boiled eggs, fresh herbs, lime wedges, and crispy shallots.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately while hot. Give the soup a quick stir before enjoying. The noodles will soak up the curry broth, making every bite flavorful and satisfying!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Curry Laksa contributes to the unique profile of this dish, and understanding their role can help you appreciate the depth of flavors.

Coconut Milk: The creamy, rich base of Curry Laksa. It balances the spices and gives the soup its velvety texture, creating a contrast to the sharpness of the chili paste and curry.
Red Curry Paste (or Laksa Paste): This is the heart of the curry flavor. It’s a blend of various spices like lemongrass, chili, garlic, and shrimp paste (if you’re using Laksa paste), providing the soup with its signature bold and slightly spicy flavor.
Fish Sauce: While optional, fish sauce is a staple in Southeast Asian cooking. It adds a savory umami depth to the soup that enhances the overall flavor without being too overt.
Turmeric: This ingredient not only adds color but also imparts a slight earthy bitterness, balancing the richness of the coconut milk.
Chili Paste/Sambal Oelek: For those who love heat, sambal oelek (or any chili paste) brings a fiery kick. Adjust the amount according to your tolerance for spice!

Expert Tips

Adjusting Heat: If you’re not a fan of very spicy food, you can reduce the amount of chili paste or sambal oelek. Alternatively, you can use a mild curry paste or omit the chili entirely for a more subdued version of Curry Laksa.
Toppings: The beauty of Curry Laksa is that it’s highly customizable. While the traditional toppings are boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and crispy shallots, feel free to add your personal favorites like shrimp, tofu, or even sautéed vegetables. The more textures, the better!
Noodle Choice: Traditionally, rice noodles are used in Curry Laksa, but egg noodles are also a delicious alternative. The type of noodle you choose will slightly alter the soup’s overall feel. For a chewier texture, egg noodles are your best bet.
Make-Ahead Tips: The soup base can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. When ready to serve, just reheat the broth, cook the noodles, and assemble the toppings fresh.

Recipe Variations

One of the reasons Curry Laksa is so beloved is because of its versatility. Here are a few variations to consider:

Seafood Laksa: Add prawns, squid, or fish cakes to the soup for a delicious seafood twist. This is a popular variation, especially in coastal regions of Southeast Asia.
Vegetarian Laksa: Omit the chicken or seafood and go full plant-based by using tofu, mushrooms, or even tempeh. You can also add extra vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes.
Spicy Chicken Laksa: If you love bold flavors, try spicing up your Curry Laksa with some marinated, grilled chicken or roasted chicken chunks. The smoky flavor complements the richness of the coconut broth.
Laksa Lemak: This variation is even creamier, as it uses more coconut milk, which makes the soup even more indulgent. It’s especially good if you want a richer and more velvety texture.

Final Words

Curry Laksa is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes with the contrast of noodles and toppings makes this soup an all-in-one bowl of joy. It’s comforting yet exciting, familiar yet exotic. Whether you’ve made it before or this is your first time, every spoonful will transport you to the streets of Southeast Asia, where food is an art, a culture, and a celebration of flavors.

Curry Laksa Soup Recipe