Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Boil Water for Noodles

   Place a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil.

2. 2.Cook Noodles

   Once the water is boiling, add the vermicelli rice noodles to the pot. Cook until tender, then drain and set aside in a colander.

3. 3.Sauté Shrimp Shells

   In a small pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the shrimp shells (from the de-veined and de-shelled shrimp) and sauté until they turn orange, releasing their flavor.

4. 4.Infuse Broth

   Pour the entire carton of chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed shrimp shells. Bring to a simmer and let it infuse for a few minutes to extract maximum shrimp flavor.

5. 5.Remove Shrimp Shells

   Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove and discard all the shrimp shells from the infused broth.

6. 6.Prepare Laksa Paste

   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the entire jar of laksa paste and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the oil separates slightly.

7. 7.Rinse Paste Jar

   Add about 1/4 cup of water to the empty laksa paste jar, swirl it around to loosen any remaining paste, and pour it into the pot.

8. 8.Combine Broths

   Carefully pour the shrimp-infused chicken broth into the pot with the laksa paste. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind coconut milk will be added later.

9. 9.Prepare Serving Bowls

   While the broth simmers, place a portion of the cooked vermicelli rice noodles into individual serving bowls.

10. 10.Add Tofu and Fish Balls

    Add the tofu puffs and fish balls to the simmering laksa broth. Cook for a few minutes until they are heated through and slightly softened.

11. 11.Add Seafood

    Add the de-shelled shrimp and scallops to the broth. Cook for only 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the scallops are opaque, to prevent overcooking.

12. 12.Stir in Coconut Milk

    Remove the pot from the heat or reduce to very low heat. Stir in approximately 3/4 of the can of coconut milk. Mix gently until fully incorporated. Do not boil the laksa after adding coconut milk, as it can curdle.

13. 13.Serve Laksa

    Ladle the hot laksa broth, along with the seafood, tofu puffs, and fish balls, over the noodles in the prepared bowls. Garnish with fresh spinach if desired.

14. 14.Enjoy

    Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Easy Laksa!