Ingredients
- 400g coconut milk
- 200g chicken stock
- 150g canned tomatoes, diced
- 100g onion, finely chopped
- 80g dried shrimp, soaked and blended
- 50g red chili paste
- 30g ginger, grated
- 30g garlic, minced
- 20g tamarind paste
- 20g palm sugar
- 15g fish sauce
- 10g dried shrimp paste (belacan)
- 10g curry powder
- 5g turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Per serving
Calories: 150 kcal
Proteins: 2 g
Fats: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Method
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Heat a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the dried shrimp and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add a bit of oil and sauté the onion, ginger, and garlic until fragrant and softened.
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Add the dried shrimp paste (belacan), chili paste, curry powder, and turmeric powder to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes to release the flavors.
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Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
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Add the diced tomatoes, blended dried shrimp, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and fish sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine.
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Gradually pour in the coconut milk while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
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Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
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Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before using or serving.
The Laksa lemak sauce is typically served with noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, along with various toppings such as prawns, fish cakes, bean sprouts, tofu puffs, and fresh herbs.
In conclusion, Laksa lemak sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce that originates from Malaysia and Singapore. Its main ingredient, coconut milk, gives the sauce a creamy and slightly sweet taste. The combination of spices, herbs, and seafood elements like dried shrimp and fish sauce adds depth to the sauce. Laksa lemak sauce is a versatile and popular component in traditional Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine, especially when served with noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
Facts about the Laksa lemak sauce
- Laksa lemak sauce is a key component of the popular Southeast Asian dish called Laksa, which is a spicy noodle soup.
- The word “lemak” in Laksa lemak refers to the use of coconut milk in the sauce, which gives it a rich and creamy texture.
- Laksa lemak sauce is known for its bold and complex flavors, combining elements of spiciness, sweetness, and tanginess.
- The sauce is made with a combination of aromatic ingredients such as dried shrimp, chili paste, ginger, garlic, and various spices.
- Laksa lemak sauce often includes tamarind paste, which adds a tangy and slightly sour taste to balance the richness of the coconut milk.
- The sauce can be customized based on personal preference, with the level of spiciness adjusted by adding more or fewer chili paste or dried chilies.
- Laksa lemak sauce is typically simmered for some time to allow the flavors to meld together and to thicken the sauce slightly.
- The sauce is a versatile base and can be used in different variations of Laksa, such as seafood Laksa, chicken Laksa, or vegetarian Laksa.
- In addition to being used in Laksa, the sauce can also be used as a flavorful topping or dipping sauce for other dishes.
- Laksa lemak sauce has gained popularity beyond its country of origin and is enjoyed by food enthusiasts worldwide for its unique and delicious taste.