Discover the vibrant, comforting flavors of this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe, a brilliant fusion of rich coconut broth, fiery red curry, and tender dumplings that come together in just 20 minutes. This dish is the perfect way to impress family or friends with a warming bowl full of texture, spice, and fresh herbs, all while being incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re craving something exotic on busy weeknights or looking for a delightful crowd-pleaser, this recipe brings the best of Southeast Asian comfort food right to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of taste, texture, and color that make this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe truly unforgettable. From the creamy coconut milk that forms a luscious base to the fresh herbs that brighten the soup, each element works harmoniously.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A light, neutral oil perfect for gently sautéing aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic: Adds fragrant warmth and depth right at the start.
- 1 tsp freshly minced ginger: Brings a fresh, zingy kick that brightens the broth.
- â…” cup (195 g) red curry paste: The heart of the spiciness; choose a good quality paste for authentic flavor.
- 400 ml (13½ fl oz) coconut milk or cream: Coconut milk gives a silky, mildly sweet richness, while cream makes a thicker, indulgent broth.
- 4 cups (1 litre) chicken stock: Adds savory depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tsp fish sauce: The secret umami bomb that layers complexity; can be swapped with tamari or soy for a vegetarian twist.
- 1 tsp sugar (optional): Balances the heat and acidity for a perfectly rounded taste.
- 18–20 freezer dumplings: Whether veggie, chicken, pork, or prawn, the dumplings bring hearty texture and soak up the broth deliciously.
- 1 bunch bok choy or choy sum: Adds crunch and fresh green vibrancy to each spoonful.
- 1 cup (90 g) bean sprouts: Adds refreshing crispness for contrast.
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro): Its bright, citrusy notes lift the entire dish.
- Fresh sliced bird’s eye chilli (optional): For those who want to dial up the heat with a fresh punch.
- Crispy fried shallots: Adds irresistible crunch and a toasty, caramelized flavor.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze just before eating brightens all the flavors and adds that zesty wow-factor.
How to Make Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe
Step 1: Cook the ginger and garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the freshly minced garlic and ginger. Give them about 30 seconds to release their beautiful aromas and soften slightly. This base is what gives your laksa that inviting, layered flavor right from the get-go.
Step 2: Add the curry paste
Next, stir in the red curry paste. Continue cooking for another minute, allowing the paste to warm through and release its aromatic oils. This quick step ensures your broth will be bursting with the deep, complex flavors characteristic of a great laksa, setting the stage for all the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add the remaining flavors
Pour in the coconut milk or cream, along with the chicken stock, fish sauce, and optional sugar. Stir everything together until smooth and combined. This step transforms the pot into a rich, silky broth brimming with sweet, salty, and spicy layers that will hug those dumplings perfectly.
Step 4: Drop in the dumplings and greens
Bring the broth to a gentle simmer then carefully add your freezer dumplings. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender. In the last two minutes, add the bok choy or choy sum so they stay crisp-tender and vibrant green. This timing ensures a satisfying mix of textures in every bite.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Ladle the hot laksa into bowls and top with fresh bean sprouts, coriander leaves, optional bird’s eye chili, and a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lime juice to lift the flavors and add that signature tangy brightness that makes this dish unforgettable.
How to Serve Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes for this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe are not just for looks—they add fresh texture, vibrant color, and bursts of flavor. Crispy fried shallots give a delightful crunch; fresh bean sprouts add freshness and contrast, while coriander and a handful of bird’s eye chilies provide herbal brightness and fiery warmth. A wedge of lime finishes the bowl off with a refreshing zing that ties everything together perfectly.
Side Dishes
This laksa makes a satisfying meal on its own, but if you want to round out the experience, pair it with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or lightly toasted coconut rice for extra subtle sweetness. A small plate of pickled vegetables also works beautifully to balance the richness of the coconut broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe in individual deep bowls for a cozy, intimate meal or in a larger communal pot to share the warmth with friends. Garnish each bowl vividly and encourage diners to squeeze lime and add chillies to their individual taste. For an elegant touch, serve with an extra small bowl of crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs on the side, letting everyone customize their own bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover laksa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth flavors, making the next-day meal even more intense and soothing. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal for the fresh greens and garnishes. If you want to freeze, keep the dumplings and broth separate from the bok choy and fresh herbs. Freeze the broth with dumplings in sealed containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat to preserve the dumplings’ texture. Avoid boiling after adding delicate greens; instead, add bok choy fresh at serving time or reheat it lightly just before serving. Give everything a good stir and top with fresh garnishes again for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dumplings for this laksa?
Absolutely! Using frozen dumplings is a fantastic shortcut, and they reliably cook well in the simmering broth. Just make sure they’re well sealed and suitably sized to cook through in 5–7 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
You can make this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe vegetarian by choosing veggie dumplings and swapping the chicken stock for vegetable stock. Also, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari to keep the umami flavor while maintaining a vegetarian profile.
How spicy is this laksa?
The red curry paste gives this laksa a pleasant heat that you can easily adjust. If you prefer mild dishes, use less curry paste or choose a milder variety. Adding fresh bird’s eye chili at the table means guests can tailor the spice level themselves, keeping it flexible for all tastes.
Can I make the curry paste from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade red curry paste can add an extra layer of freshness and control over your spices. However, good-quality store-bought paste is convenient and still packs plenty of flavor, perfect for this quick recipe.
What can I use instead of coconut milk?
Coconut milk is key to creating the laksa’s creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor. If you need an alternative, try coconut cream for a richer feel or use a combination of plant-based milk and a little oil, but note that it will change the final taste and consistency slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe is a true gem when you want a hearty, flavorful meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all day. The marriage of spicy, creamy broth and tender dumplings makes every spoonful incredibly satisfying. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a delicious way to bring a touch of Southeast Asian sunshine into your weeknights. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, the amazing taste!
Print
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 vibrant and comforting Southeast Asian-inspired soup featuring flavorful red curry coconut broth, tender dumplings, and fresh vegetables. This easy 20-minute recipe combines spicy, creamy, and savory elements to create a satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
For the Laksa Broth
- 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 (or substitute 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 chilli (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, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aroma without browning.
- Add the curry paste – Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute, allowing the oils and flavors of the curry paste to bloom and enhance the broth’s depth.
- Add the remaining flavours – Pour in the coconut milk (or cream), chicken stock, fish sauce, and sugar if using. Stir everything together to combine, creating a rich and balanced laksa broth.
- Drop the dumplings in – Bring the broth to a gentle simmer then carefully add the freezer dumplings. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through, tender, and heated inside. Add the bok choy for the last 2 minutes to lightly cook and retain its crunch and color.
- Serve – Ladle the laksa soup into bowls. Top with fresh bean sprouts, cilantro leaves, sliced bird’s eye chilli if desired, crispy fried shallots, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- Note 1: Choose a quality red curry paste that suits your spice preference. For a milder or dairy-free version, look for curry pastes without shrimp paste or anchovies.
- Note 2: Using coconut cream instead of coconut milk will result in a richer, thicker soup.
- Note 3: Sugar is optional and can be adjusted to balance the sour and salty components of the broth according to your taste.
- Freeze dumplings and their fillings can vary, so adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
