Spicy Chicken Laksa Recipe: A Thai Delight
Introduction
If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful soup that captures the essence of Thai cuisine, look no further than this Spicy Chicken Laksa. Bursting with zesty lime, aromatic coriander, and creamy coconut milk, this dish offers a delightful explosion of flavors in every spoonful. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, this recipe is both easy to prepare and wonderfully comforting.
Ingredients
To craft this delectable Thai-inspired Chicken Laksa, gather the following ingredients:
- 200 grams of red chilies, fresh and whole 🌶️
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced 🧄
- 4 tablespoons of green ginger, peeled and chopped 🧑🍳
- 5 teaspoons of ground coriander, adding a warm, citrusy kick 🌿
- 1 kilogram of skinless chicken breasts, sliced diagonally 🍗
- 1 cup of light coconut milk, rich and creamy 🥥
- 50 ml of fish sauce, for that distinctive umami flavor 🐟
- 3 tablespoons of lime juice, freshly squeezed for a tangy twist 🍋
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 🌿
- 3 green onions, sliced thinly 🌱
- 50 grams of fresh bean sprouts, crunchy and fresh 🥗
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish 🍈
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Directions
1. Prepare the Noodles
Start by soaking the noodles in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they are soft. Once they’re ready, drain them thoroughly and set them aside. This step ensures that your noodles are perfectly cooked and ready to soak up the delicious flavors of the soup.
2. Make the Spice Paste
In a food processor, combine the red chilies, minced garlic, chopped green ginger, ground coriander, and fresh coriander. Add a splash of oil to facilitate blending. Process these ingredients until you achieve a coarse paste. This vibrant paste will serve as the base of your Laksa, infusing the soup with rich, aromatic flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts diagonally into bite-sized pieces. This method not only makes the chicken tender but also ensures it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the soup beautifully.
4. Prepare the Soup Base
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the prepared spice paste to the pan and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the fragrant oils and spices. This step is crucial for developing the deep, aromatic flavor profile of the soup.
5. Add Coconut Milk and Stock
Pour in the light coconut milk and chicken stock. Stir the mixture thoroughly, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for approximately 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and creamy base for your Laksa.
6. Incorporate the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken breasts to the saucepan, along with the fish sauce. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. The fish sauce will enhance the umami richness of the soup, balancing the spicy and creamy elements beautifully.
7. Add Lime Juice
Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice. This final touch adds a refreshing zing and brightens up the soup with a vibrant citrus flavor.
8. Assemble the Laksa
Divide the soaked noodles evenly among serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, making sure each bowl gets a generous amount of chicken and broth.
9. Garnish and Serve
Top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves, sliced green onions, and crunchy bean sprouts. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus when desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 394.3 kcal
- Fat Content: 13.4 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.5 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 107.1 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 1121.1 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 33 grams
- Fiber Content: 2.2 grams
- Sugar Content: 4.7 grams
- Protein Content: 34.5 grams
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Chicken Laksa is perfect on its own or paired with a side of crusty bread. Its robust flavors and creamy texture make it a comforting choice for any meal of the day. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, a quick snack, or a light dinner, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.
Tips
- Adjust the amount of red chilies based on your spice tolerance. For a milder version, you can reduce the quantity or remove the seeds from the chilies.
- Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Enjoy this flavorful Chicken Laksa, and let its rich, aromatic flavors transport you straight to the heart of Thailand. 🌟🍜
