Easy Laksa Paste and Snapper Laksa
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
846 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Soup, Dinner
Easy Laksa Paste and Snapper Laksa
Description
The Easy Laksa Paste recipe begins by finely processing cashews, then blending with aromatics such as shallots, garlic, lemongrass, chilies, cilantro stalks, ginger, turmeric, paprika, sugar, salt, and oil to create a coarse, flavorful paste. This paste is sautéed until fragrant, then coconut milk, chicken stock, water, and fish sauce are added to build a rich, slightly spicy broth. Snapper pieces are simmered gently until tender, accompanied by baby bok choy.
The broth is creamy from coconut milk and enriched by the nutty texture from ground cashews in the paste. The fresh and fragrant herbs and spices yield a complex flavor profile with warmth and mild heat. Served over rice noodles, the dish balances silky noodles, delicate fish, crisp bok choy, and fresh garnishes, including cilantro leaves, bean sprouts, and lime wedges for brightness.
Creative garnishes such as julienned cucumber, carrots, fresh herbs, and nuts can add crunch and freshness, letting this laksa be tailored to taste. The recipe accommodates varying spice levels depending on the number of chilies used. This soup makes a satisfying, aromatic meal with multiple textures and layers of flavor.
Ingredients
Laksa Paste
- ½ c cashews Or other soft nut like macadamias
- 1 small shallot About 2-3 tbsp
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 talk lemongrass white part only, sliced into small rounds
- 1-3 red chili Depending on heat level desired, Thai variety
- 1 Bunch cilantro stems save the leafy tops for garnish
- 1 " piece ginger peeled and grated
- 1 " piece Turmeric You can substitute 1 teaspoon dry ground turmeric if desired, peeled and grated
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon coconut sugar Or regular granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
Soup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can coconut milk Regular, 400 ml
- 2 c chicken stock
- 1 c water
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 lb snapper Or other firm fleshed Oceanwise cod, fresh, cut into 2" pieces, bones removed
- 2 baby bok choy Or other asian green, cut in half lengthwise
Garnishes to serve
- 300 grams rice noodles prepared according to package
- 1 c bean sprout
- cilantro leaves leftover
- 1 lime cut into 4 wedges
Instructions
Laksa Paste
- For the paste, first process the cashews very finely in a food processor (or high powered blender). The smaller they are the better as this will help add "thickness" or body to the soup. Once chopped, add garlic, lemongrass, shallot, chilis, and cilantro stalks and process until they are a coarse paste then add remaining ingredients and process again until smoothly combined. (It should be a rough paste)
Soup
- Heat a soup pot on medium-low heat, add oil and then saute laksa paste (reserve 1 tablespoon to stir in at end) until it turns slightly darker and cooks through. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Add coconut milk and stir until well combined, add stock, water, fish sauce and remaining tablespoon of Laksa paste and bring to a simmer. Taste and season with salt or fish sauce as desired. Meanwhile fill 4 large soup bowls about ½ full with prepared rice noodles and set aside.
- Add fish and simmer until just cooked, approximately 3-5 minutes. 1 minute before it is finished, add in the bok choy and let cook just until wilted.
- Spoon fish, broth and bok choy over noodles in bowls and garnish with bean sprouts, cilantro and lime wedges. Bring a jar of sambal oelek to the table so everyone can season to taste and enjoy :-)
Notes
- Use finely chopped cashews in the paste to help thicken the soup and add body.
- Customize garnishes with julienned vegetables, fresh mint or basil, crushed peanuts, or other crunchy vegetables to add texture and freshness.
- Adjust chili quantity to control the heat level of the laksa paste according to your taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 846 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 846kcal | 42% |
| Carbohydrates | 85g | 28% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 1095mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 1059mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 2808IU | 56% |
| Vitamin C | 36mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 155mg | 16% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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