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If you are craving something comforting, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes, this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a rich, creamy coconut curry broth infused with fragrant garlic and ginger, bursting with the vibrant tang of red curry paste, and studded with perfectly cooked dumplings that soak up all those delicious flavors. It’s warm, satisfying, and has just the right amount of spice and freshness from the crisp greens and herbs—making it a fantastic meal that’s effortless to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe has been thoughtfully chosen to build a harmonious balance of rich, fresh, and bold flavors, while keeping the process wonderfully simple. They combine to create that iconic laksa experience with just a few pantry essentials and fresh bits that bring the dish alive.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: The perfect cooking fat to gently fry and bring out the aromas of garlic and ginger.
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic: Adds a punch of warmth and depth to the curry base.
- 1 tsp freshly minced ginger: Offers a zesty brightness and slight heat that wakes up the broth.
- â…” cup (195 g) red curry paste: The spicy heart of this dish with layers of complex, fragrant spices; choose a good quality paste for best results.
- 400 ml (13½ fl oz) coconut milk or cream: Provides a luscious, silky richness—cream if you want a thicker laksa.
- 4 cups (1 litre) chicken stock: Builds the broth’s savory backbone.
- 1 tsp fish sauce: Adds an umami saltiness; can be swapped for tamari or soy sauce for a different twist.
- 1 tsp sugar (optional): Balances the spice and acidity to round out the flavor.
- 18–20 freezer dumplings: Whether veggie, chicken, pork, or prawn, these little parcels soak up the broth and make the dish truly hearty.
- 1 bunch bok choy or choy sum: Adds a mild, fresh crunch that lights up the dish’s texture.
- 1 cup (90 g) bean sprouts: Gives a cool, crisp contrast to the warm soup.
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro): Fresh leaves brighten the flavors with a citrusy, herbal note.
- Fresh sliced bird’s eye chilli (optional): For those who love an extra kick of heat.
- Crispy fried shallots: Provide irresistible crunch and a sweet, caramelized depth on top.
- Lime wedges: To squeeze over for a luscious, zesty finish that lifts the whole bowl.
How to Make Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ginger and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the freshly minced garlic and ginger, then cook for just 30 seconds until they’re wonderfully fragrant. This quick step is crucial because it releases their essential oils, laying down a fragrant base for the laksa’s rich broth.
Step 2: Add the Curry Paste
Next, stir in that glorious red curry paste. Cook it with the garlic and ginger for about one more minute. This gentle frying draws out the aromatic oils and intensifies the depth of the paste, which will infuse the entire soup with its bold, spicy character.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Flavors
Pour in the coconut milk (or cream if you prefer a thicker consistency) alongside the chicken stock. Then add the fish sauce and, if you like a touch of sweetness, the optional sugar. Stir everything together, releasing an intoxicating blend of coconut richness and spices ready to soak the dumplings perfectly.
Step 4: Drop in the Dumplings and Simmer
Bring your broth to a gentle simmer, then carefully drop in the frozen dumplings. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until plump and tender. In the last couple of minutes, add the bok choy, allowing it to soften slightly while still retaining its natural crunch and sweetness.
Step 5: Serve Your Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe
Once everything is cooked and smelling incredible, it’s time to serve. Ladle the steaming hot laksa into bowls, and prepare to dress them up with vibrant fresh toppings that make every bite delightful.
How to Serve Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe comes alive with the right garnishes. Fresh bean sprouts add a crisp contrast, coriander leaves bring fresh herbal brightness, and crispy fried shallots lend a satisfying crunch and slightly sweet, caramelized flavor. Don’t forget a few slices of bird’s eye chilli if you crave some heat and finish with a generous squeeze of lime to brighten and balance all those creamy, spicy flavors.
Side Dishes
While this laksa can certainly shine as a stand-alone meal, pairing it with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad can elevate the experience. The rice helps mellow any heat and stretches the meal, while the cucumber salad adds a refreshing, cool crunch alongside the rich soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe in charming individual bowls with mini ladles for a dinner party, or garnish with edible flowers alongside the coriander for an Instagram-worthy touch. You can also swap out the dumplings for homemade ones to add a personal touch or showcase different fillings for variety and excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it quickly before refrigerating. Keep the garnishes separate until serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your laksa, it’s best to do so without the fresh greens and garnishes. Freeze the broth and dumplings in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your laksa on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or stock if it has thickened too much during storage. Toss in fresh bok choy or bean sprouts during reheating to revive their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of dumplings in this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer veggie, pork, chicken, or prawn dumplings, any type works well here. Just adjust cooking time if using fresh dumplings and enjoy experimenting with your favorites.
Is it possible to make this laksa dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free when using coconut milk or cream. Just be sure to check your red curry paste for any hidden dairy ingredients, as some brands may contain milk powder.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Definitely. Using vegetable stock makes it a vegetarian-friendly option as long as your dumplings are also veggie-based. It will still deliver great flavor and richness.
How spicy is this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe?
The spice level depends on the curry paste and extras like bird’s eye chili. The base recipe has a pleasant level of heat that can be adjusted by adding more or less curry paste and optional fresh chili slices according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a meal prep lunch?
Yes, this laksa reheats wonderfully, and prepping it ahead saves a lot of time. Just keep the garnishes separate and add them fresh when serving to keep the dish lively.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe has won a permanent spot in my recipe box for good reason—it’s packed with layered flavors, comforting textures, and comes together faster than you’d expect from such a rich and satisfying dish. Whether you’re after a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a bowl of cozy goodness to impress guests, this laksa is ready to become your go-to. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy every warm, aromatic slurp!
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Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Description
Quick Dumpling Laksa is a flavorful and comforting Southeast Asian-inspired soup featuring savory dumplings simmered in a rich and aromatic coconut red curry broth, garnished with fresh greens, herbs, and spicy chili. Perfect for a fast and satisfying meal that balances creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tsp freshly minced ginger
- â…” cup (195 g) red curry paste
- 400 ml (13½ fl oz) coconut milk or cream
- 4 cups (1 litre) chicken stock
- 1 tsp fish sauce (can be substituted with tamari or all-purpose soy sauce)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to taste)
Dumplings and Vegetables
- 18–20 freezer dumplings (veggie, chicken, pork or prawn/shrimp) or homemade pork and cabbage dumplings
- 1 bunch bok choy or choy sum, sliced in half lengthways
- 1 cup (90 g) bean sprouts
Garnishes
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), leaves picked
- Fresh sliced bird’s eye chili (optional)
- Crispy fried shallots
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the ginger and garlic – Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors into the oil.
- Add the curry paste – Stir in the red curry paste to the pot and cook for another minute. This helps release the essential oils and deepen the flavor of the curry base.
- Add the remaining flavors – Pour in the coconut milk or cream, chicken stock, fish sauce, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a rich, smooth broth.
- Drop the dumplings in – Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the dumplings into the pot and let them simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dumplings are fully cooked through.
- Add the bok choy – About 2 minutes before the dumplings are done, add the halved bok choy or choy sum to the simmering broth. This will cook the greens until tender but still vibrant.
- Serve – Ladle the hot laksa soup with dumplings into bowls. Top each serving with fresh bean sprouts, coriander leaves, sliced bird’s eye chili if desired, crispy fried shallots, and a generous squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a good quality red curry paste; homemade or store-bought options work well.
- Coconut cream will make the broth richer and thicker; coconut milk is lighter but still flavorful.
- Sugar is optional; adjust sweetness to balance the spice and saltiness according to taste.
- Try different types of dumplings based on your preference: vegetable, chicken, pork, or seafood varieties all work beautifully.
- Fresh herbs and garnishes are key to capturing authentic laksa flavors and adding freshness.
