Siamese Laksa (Laksa Lemak)

This super tasty Siamese Laksa a.k.a. Lemak Laksa has all the deliciousness of asam laksa and the creaminess of curry laksa. It is a must try!

There are many different types of laksa (spicy noodle soup) in Malaysia. Almost every state has their own version of this popular dish. Most have a coconut based curry soup like Kuala Lumpur’s fabulous Curry Laksa. The exceptions to the rule are Laksa Kedah and Penang’s Asam Laksa with their tangy tamarind based soups.

The Different Kinds of Laksa

I am a big fan of laksa and hope to share as many versions as I can on this blog. Today’s Siamese Laksa, also known as Laksa Lemak is found on the island of Penang. It is like the creamy version of asam laksa with basically the same ingredients. The two are often mixed in one bowl by the locals.

Asam Laksa is a kind of Asam Pedas (spicy tangy soup) which does not require its spice paste to be fried. Siamese Laksa like most other coconut based curry, benefits from its spice paste being tumis (fried) to bring out its fragrance. Hence, Siamese Laksa is a little richer than asam laksa. It is more creamy and less tangy.

I am uncertain as to the origin of Siamese Laksa. Its name may or may not suggest an association with Thailand. Whatever the case may be, it is indeed a very tasty and delicious bowl of spicy noodle soup. I’ve always enjoyed this laksa and look forward to eating it when I visit Penang. Apart from Penang, I have not encountered it anywhere else on the Peninsula. So glad to be able to find the ingredients to make it at home now. 🙂

Note: Please do refer to my Asam Laksa post for pictures and explanations on some of the ingredients used in this recipe.

Similar Tools Used in Making This Siamese Laksa (Laksa Lemak)

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Oster 6-Cup Glass Jar 12-Speed Blender, Brushed Nickel
Skimmer 6″ diameter
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Cup and Spoon Set

5 from 3 votes

Siamese Laksa (Laksa Lemak)

This super tasty Siamese Laksa a.k.a. Lemak Laksa has all the deliciousness of asam laksa and the creaminess of curry laksa. It is a must try!

Author : Linda Ooi

Course : Main Course

Cuisine : Malaysian

Keyword : laksa lemak, siamese laksa

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Prep Time 45 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Servings : 6

Calories : 653kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 ikan kembung (yellowtail or chubb mackerel) gutted and scaled (about 20 oz/567g)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 slices asam gelugor (dried tamarind skin)
• 6 kaffir lime leaves
• 20 stalks daun kesom (polygonum/Vietnamese coriander or mint)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 can coconut milk (14 oz/414 ml)
• 2¼ cups water (540ml)
• 10 oz dried thick vermicelli (283g) or 2 packets (30 oz/950g) fresh thick rice noodles**

Garnish

• 1 small cucumber (julienned)
• ½ pineapple (julienned)
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 red chilies (seeds removed and thinly sliced)
• 6 stalks mint leaves (stem removed)
• 2 bunga kantan / torch ginger (thinly sliced) (optional)
• 4 tbsp hei ko (sweet shrimp paste)
• 1 lime (cut into wedges)

Spice Paste

• 7 dried chilies (seeded, soaked in warm water, and drained)
• 3 red chilies (seeded and cut into pieces)
• 10 shallots (peeled and cut into quarters)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (bottom third only, thinly sliced)
• 2 inch galangal (60g)
• 1 inch fresh turmeric (peeled)
• 6 candle nuts or macadamias
• ¾ inch cube belacan (shrimp paste), toasted

Instructions

 

• Blend spice paste ingredients with ¼ cup (60ml) water. Transfer to a bowl.
• Bring 2 cups (480ml) water in a large pan to a boil. Add mackerel, lower heat to medium low and poach for 15 minutes. Remove fish when cooked. Strain liquid with a metal strainer. You should get about 1 cup (240ml) fish stock.
• When fish is cool enough to handle, remove bones and flake the meat. Break into small pieces but keep some in bigger chunks.
  
• Heat vegetable oil in a large pot and stir fry ground spice paste and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add fish stock, coconut milk, and 2¼ cups (540ml) water.
  
• Add asam gelugor and daun kesum.
• Return flaked fish to the pot.
  
• Bring soup to a gentle boil. Season with sugar and salt. Lower heat, and allow it to simmer to 10 minutes.
• Cook dried thick vermicelli in boiling water for a minute. Then turn off heat and let it soak for 6 to 8 minutes until soften. Remove and drain before serving.
  
• Place some noodles in a bowl. Top with a little julienned cucumber, pineapple, onion, red chili, mint leaves, and torch ginger (if available). Pour gravy over the noodles.
• Serve immediately with hei ko (shrimp paste) and lime wedges.

Notes

** Fresh thick rice noodles should be cooked in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and strain before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 653kcal

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Hei Ko – a Must-Have with Tangy Laksa

Like Asam Laksa, this Siamese Laksa has the same garnishes (toppings) including hei ko (shrimp paste). It is highly recommended for a richer and more authentic flavor. Do give it a try.

Enjoy…..and have a wonderful day! 😎