If you are craving a vibrant, soul-warming bowl of Southeast Asian comfort food but short on time, this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe is going to become your absolute go-to. Imagine tender dumplings swimming in a fragrant, creamy coconut broth packed with layers of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. With a handful of fresh veggies and bold aromatics, this dish strikes the perfect balance between convenience and incredible taste, turning any weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in making your Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe burst with rich flavor, creamy texture, and a beautiful pop of color. From the spicy red curry paste to the refreshing crunch of bean sprouts, you’ll find every component contributes something special.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to gently soften garlic and ginger, releasing their warm and pungent aroma.
- Freshly minced garlic (1 tsp): Adds a fragrant base that brightens the broth.
- Freshly minced ginger (1 tsp): Gives a subtle zing and depth, perfectly balancing the richness.
- Red curry paste (⅔ cup / 195 g): The heart of the laksa’s spicy, aromatic kick—choose one free from dairy if needed.
- Coconut milk or cream (400 ml / 13½ fl oz): Creamy and luscious, coconut milk creates the silky base that carries all the flavors.
- Chicken stock (4 cups / 1 litre): Keeps the broth savory and full-bodied.
- Fish sauce (1 tsp): Adds umami richness; tamari or soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Sugar (1 tsp, optional): Balances heat and acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Freezer dumplings (18–20 pieces): Choose your favorite filling—from veggie to prawn—to add plenty of satisfying texture.
- Bok choy or choy sum (1 bunch): Adds fresh crunch and vibrant green color for brightness.
- Bean sprouts (1 cup / 90 g): For a crisp, refreshing topping that balances richness.
- Coriander leaves (¼ bunch): Fresh herbaceous notes that lift every spoonful.
- Fresh sliced bird’s eye chilli (optional): Adds extra heat and an eye-catching fiery punch.
- Crispy fried shallots: A crunchy garnish that delivers a whisper of caramelized sweetness.
- Lime wedges: Provide a zesty finish that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Garlic and Ginger
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the freshly minced garlic and ginger, cooking just about 30 seconds until they release their gorgeous aroma—this fragrant base is crucial for building those irresistible laksa flavors.
Step 2: Incorporate the Red Curry Paste
Add the red curry paste to the pot and stir it around for another minute. This gentle toasting helps release the essential oils in the paste, making the broth far more aromatic and flavorful than just stirring it in cold.
Step 3: Add Coconut Milk and Stock
Pour in the creamy coconut milk (or cream for a richer texture) along with the chicken stock. Stir everything together to blend those spicy, savory, and creamy flavors seamlessly into the soup base.
Step 4: Season the Broth
Mix in the fish sauce to deepen the umami notes. If you like a touch of balanced sweetness, sprinkle in some sugar here as well. These little additions make all the difference for a perfectly rounded broth.
Step 5: Cook the Dumplings and Vegetables
Bring your broth to a gentle simmer, then carefully drop in the freezer dumplings. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are heated through and tender. In the last couple of minutes, add the bok choy or choy sum halves to soften slightly while maintaining some crunch and vibrant color.
Step 6: Ladle and Garnish
Your Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe is ready to be served! Ladle the steaming soup and dumplings into bowls and finish with fresh bean sprouts, coriander leaves, optional sliced bird’s eye chilli for heat, crispy fried shallots, and a generous squeeze of lime for that perfect tangy kick.
How to Serve Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are where you can add your personal touch and lots of textural contrast. Bean sprouts add refreshing crunch, coriander brings fresh brightness, and fried shallots provide a satisfying crispy bite. Don’t forget the lime wedges for squeezing over just before eating—it truly wakes up the dish.
Side Dishes
Though this laksa is hearty on its own, pairing it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or lightly pickled vegetables can enhance the experience. A crisp cucumber salad with a hint of vinegar can also cut through the richness and add a pleasant balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the soup in individual bread bowls or coconut shells for a tropical vibe. You can also arrange the dumplings and veggies artfully on top before pouring the broth for an Instagram-worthy look that’s sure to impress your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover laksa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dumplings submerged in the broth to prevent them from drying out. When chilling, some separation may occur but just stir well before reheating.
Freezing
Freezing whole quick dumpling laksa is not ideal as dumplings can become soggy and the texture of fresh vegetables like bok choy will degrade. However, you can freeze the curry broth separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Add fresh dumplings and veggies after thawing and before serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the dumplings apart. Add fresh bean sprouts, coriander, and garnishes right before serving to keep their crunch and vibrant flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I make this Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, substitute fish sauce with tamari or soy sauce, and choose vegetable dumplings or homemade veggie-filled dumplings for a delicious plant-based laksa.
What type of dumplings work best?
Freezer dumplings with fillings like chicken, pork, prawn, or vegetables all work well in this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pork and cabbage dumplings add extra personality and homemade comfort.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the red curry paste you use and whether you include bird’s eye chilli garnish. The curry paste brings moderate heat that pairs beautifully with the cooling coconut milk, and you can adjust the fresh chilli to your preferred tolerance.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure your dumplings are gluten-free (there are many gluten-free options available), use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and check that the curry paste doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
How can I add more protein?
If you want to boost protein, add cooked shredded chicken, tofu cubes, or even a boiled egg on top. The dumplings themselves also provide a good source of protein depending on their filling.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Dumpling Laksa Recipe is a wonderful way to bring comfort and excitement to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Its balance of creamy, spicy broth with tender dumplings and fresh, crunchy toppings makes every spoonful a delight. Give it a try soon—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds and wondering how something so quick could taste so incredible!
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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 vibrant and comforting Southeast Asian-inspired soup that combines fragrant red curry paste, creamy coconut milk, and tender dumplings. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe layers aromatic garlic and ginger with rich spices, fresh vegetables like bok choy and bean sprouts, and zesty toppings, making it a perfect weeknight meal bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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)
Main Ingredients
- 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
Toppings
- 1 cup (90 g) bean sprouts
- 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 and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring they don’t burn.
- Add the curry paste – Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute. This helps to release the aromatic oils and deepen the flavor base of the soup.
- Add the remaining flavours – Pour in the coconut milk or cream, chicken stock, fish sauce, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients into a smooth broth.
- Drop the dumplings in – Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then carefully add the dumplings. Let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until they are cooked through and tender.
- Add bok choy – During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the sliced bok choy or choy sum to the pot to soften slightly while maintaining its vibrant color and crunch.
- Serve – Ladle the laksa into bowls. Top each serving with fresh bean sprouts, coriander leaves, sliced bird’s eye chilli if desired, crispy fried shallots, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- Use either coconut milk or cream depending on desired richness; cream yields a thicker, richer laksa.
- The red curry paste can be substituted with a dairy-free option if needed.
- Sugar is optional but helps balance the savory and spicy flavors.
- Dumpling varieties can be chosen based on preference—vegetarian, chicken, pork, or prawn equally work well.
- For extra heat and freshness, add more sliced chillies and a squeeze of lime before serving.
