Laksa

Tips: Make a great laksa

Use our helpful tips and tricks to learn how to prepare, cook, and serve laksa.

Cut ingredients evenly

For consistent and even cooking, it is important to cut all vegetables and the chicken into uniform pieces. This allows for even heat distribution but also ensures that each ingredient is cooked just right.

Ensure tender chicken

To achieve perfectly tender chicken, it is essential to carefully manage the cooking time. Add the chicken pieces to the broth only when it is gently simmering. This helps to maintain the moisture and tenderness of the chicken. Keep a close watch during this stage to avoid overcooking, which can result in dry and tough meat.

Prepare the broth in advance

Preparing the broth in advance can be a great way to save time and enhance flavours. After cooking, let the broth cool to room temperature before refrigerating. When you are ready to use the broth, reheat it over medium heat, just up to a simmer. Do not let it boil vigorously, as that can diminish some of the delicate flavours.

Try our recipe for spicy laksa

Treat your friends and family to a delightful noodle soup with our spicy laksa recipe. While this dish requires some time to prepare, it is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Southeast Asian cuisine. A classic laksa combines various elements to deliver a dish that is bursting with flavour and satisfaction. At the heart of our dish is a savoury broth enriched with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. This laksa is a real crowd-pleaser, so feel free to serve the next time you have guests over.

Want to explore more Asian-inspired dishes? Try our delicious chicken ramen or a quick and easy chicken and prawn pad Thai.

A rich and creamy broth with warm flavours

The broth for this laksa is made from coconut milk, cooking cream, and chicken stock, which meld together into a rich, creamy texture. It is seasoned with a blend of warm, earthy spices, including paprika, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, creating a deep and complex flavour that is both comforting and exotic. The addition of ginger, garlic, and lemongrass infuses the broth with a burst of freshness, perfectly balancing the warm spices. A final touch of fish sauce provides a savoury umami depth, rounding out this delightful and flavourful mixture.

Tender chicken and broccoli

In this laksa recipe, the chicken and the broccoli join forces and are cooked together in the broth. They absorb the warm, rich flavours of the broth while slowly working their way to their great textures. The chicken is sliced thinly and allowed to simmer gently. That way, it becomes succulent and flavourful, exploring the aromatic broth spices. Added later in the process, the broccoli retains a slight crunch and provides a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken.

Served with fresh herbs, ramen noodles, and crispy roasted onion

A classic laksa is celebrated not only for its rich, spicy broth but also for its spectacular array of toppings. Fresh coriander and mint leaves provide a burst of herbal brightness. Together, their cool, crisp flavours cut through the richness of the broth, making sure it never overpowers the other ingredients.

Chewy ramen noodles form a satisfying base, eagerly absorbing the delicious soup. Topping it off, crispy roasted onions add a delightful crunch and a whisper of sweetness. It is a simple addition that complements the savoury, spicy broth.

Discover an authentic classic from Southeast Asia

Laksa is a beloved noodle soup with roots in Southeast Asia, cherished across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Originally inspired by Chinese cuisine, laksa has evolved into a regional favourite with diverse variations. The ingredients can vary significantly by location – some versions feature chicken, like ours, while others add seafood. Regardless of the variation, each bowl of laksa promises a rich and authentic experience with deep, intricate flavours.

Experiment with prawns, tofu, fish, and other ingredients

There are quite a few ways to experiment with the classic laksa. You can substitute chicken with other types of meat. Seafood options are also commonly used in laksa, so find the type you prefer. Prawns or shrimp bring a delicate texture alongside a succulent sweetness. They are easy to cook and will provide a good contrast to the noodles and the broccoli.

Similarly, firm white fish like cod, snapper, or halibut are wonderful additions to your laksa. Their mild flavour allows the spices and aromas to shine through while they maintain their tender texture during cooking.

Tofu is an excellent alternative to chicken, soaking up the rich, spicy broth flavours very well. Cut it into cubes, pan-fry until golden brown, and then add them to the laksa. That way, they are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.