Description
This Microwave Prawn Laksa Noodle Soup is a quick and flavorful Southeast Asian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring vermicelli noodles steeped in a rich and aromatic coconut milk broth infused with laksa paste, garlic, lime, and chili, it’s topped with succulent cooked prawns and fresh coriander for a refreshing finish. Using the microwave for cooking makes this recipe incredibly convenient without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 2 vermicelli noodle nests
Broth
- 400ml can light coconut milk
- 3 tbsp laksa or Thai red curry paste
- 550ml vegetable stock
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced (deseeded if preferred)
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp smooth peanut butter
- 2 tsp fish sauce
Toppings
- 150g cooked prawns, peeled
- Small handful of coriander leaves (leaves picked, stems finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Place the vermicelli noodle nests into a heatproof bowl. Cover them with boiling water and let them soak for 2 minutes until softened. Then rinse the noodles under cold water and drain them well to prevent overcooking.
- Make the broth base: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the light coconut milk, laksa or Thai red curry paste, vegetable stock, finely sliced red chilli, chopped garlic, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the broth: Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes until the broth mixture is boiling, indicating the flavors have melded and the liquid is hot.
- Add flavorings and prawns: Remove the cover and stir in the smooth peanut butter, fish sauce, cooked prawns, and the finely chopped coriander stems. These ingredients will enrich the broth with creaminess, umami, and freshness.
- Heat through: Cover the bowl again and microwave on high for 1 more minute, allowing the prawns to warm gently and the flavors to combine fully.
- Assemble and serve: Divide the soaked vermicelli noodles between two serving bowls. Ladle the hot prawn laksa broth evenly over the noodles. Garnish with the picked coriander leaves on top before serving immediately for a vibrant and aromatic meal.
Notes
- You can deseed the chilli to reduce the heat if you prefer a milder soup.
- Use cooked prawns to keep the cooking time short; raw prawns can be added but may require additional cooking time.
- If laksa paste is unavailable, Thai red curry paste is a good substitute but will alter the flavor slightly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the prawns and substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
- Ensure the bowl used for microwaving is large enough to prevent boiling over.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Keywords: prawn laksa, microwave soup, vermicelli noodle soup, quick Asian soup, laksa recipe, coconut milk soup, spicy noodle soup
