Shrimp Coconut Curry with Vermicelli (Malaysian Laksa)

malaysian-laksa Malaysian Laksa comes in many forms with each region having their own version. It is likely a combination of both Chinese and Malay cuisine however it is also a staple in Indonesia and Singapore. It is either a spicy curry style or a sour type usually from tamarind known as sour asam. This version is a coconut curry style that was delicious. The soup with a coconut milk base along with chicken stock was flavoured with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. The curry paste was an instant type found in your local Asian market. The soup had vermicelli noodles, shrimp, puffed tofu cakes, hard-boiled egg along with pea sprouts and bean sprouts to garnish. Laksa in any form is a delicious soup and found in many Southeast Asian countries. It can be served with some extra curry paste if more heat is desired. A staple Malaysian dish indeed.

3 Tbsp. oil
½ pkg Malaysian instant curry paste (120 g)
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
2 stalks lemongrass, white part only
4 kaffir lime leaves
10 tofu puffs
½ cup evaporated milk
½ cup coconut milk
kosher or sea salt
½ lb vermicelli noodles
1 cup bean sprouts
12 shrimp, cooked
2 eggs, hard-boiled, sliced
8 tofu puffs

Garnish:
pea sprouts

In a large stockpot, add the oil and sauté the instant curry paste until well combined.

Add the chicken broth, water, lemongrass, lime leaves, 4 tofu puffs and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat to a simmer and add in the evaporated milk and coconut milk.

Add kosher or sea salt and keep the stock on simmer stirring occasionally.

Soak the vermicelli noodles with some warm water until soft, drain and set aside.

In a serving bowl, put the noodles, and a handful of bean sprouts.

Top the noodles with 3 cooked shrimp, a tofu puff, and a few egg slices.

Use a ladle and pour the laksa broth over the noodles.

Garnish with some bean sprouts and pea sprouts.

Serve with a side of curry paste, if desired.

Serve hot.

Makes 4 servings.

Cook's Notes: Malaysian instant curry paste and Tofu Puffs are available in Asian Markets.