Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 6 large chicken drumsticks
  • 5 cm fresh ginger ((peeled) - about 10 grams.)
  • 5 cm fresh galangal ((peeled) - about 10 grams.)
  • 5 cm fresh turmeric ((peeled) - about 15 grams.)
  • 7 candlenuts ((or use macadamia nut))
  • 2 large lemongrass stem ((white part only, cut in small parts) - 30 grams.)
  • 10 pieces dried red chillies
  • 1½ tbsp dried shrimp
  • 20 grams belacan or terasi
  • 5 garlic cloves ((peeled))
  • 2½ oz shallots ((peeled))
  • 1 fresh red  jalapeño or serrano ((seeded))
  • 7 tbsp neutral oil ((divided))
  • 2-4 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar ((add more according to your liking))
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut cream
  • 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 pound large shrimp ((peeled, deveined, shells reserved))
  • 11 oz fish balls
  • 7 oz fried tofu puffs ((halved))
  • 1 pound rice noodles
  • bean sprouts ((blanch in boiling water for 45 seconds))
  • cilantro
  • lime wedges

Instruction

  • Soak dried red chili peppers in hot water for 20 minutes. Reserve 3-4 tbsp of liquid. Soak dried shrimp in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain.
  • In a food processor, pulse all laksa paste ingredients and 3-4 tbsp of dried chili pepper soaking liquid until smooth. Heat 4 tbsp of oil in a skillet, cook the paste, keep stirring for about 4-5 minutes over medium high or until the oil separates from the paste. Set aside.
  • In a large pot over high heat, add chicken and enough water to cover the meat. Boil for 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot, transfer it to a plate, and discard all liquid.
  • In a large clean pot, heat 3 tbsp of oil over high heat. Add shrimp shells and cook, keep stirring for 4-5 minutes. Add broth and drumsticks. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to medium-low, simmer gently, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  • Remove the shrimp shells from the pot. Add laksa paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add coconut milk, tofu, and fish balls. Simmer until they are warm throughout for 10-15 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until they are fully cooked for about 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, sugar, or fish sauce if needed.
  • Serve with rice noodles, fish balls, shredded chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, cilantro, lime wedges, and sambal.