Sambal Belacan – Malaysian Shrimp Paste Chili Condiment

Sambal belacan in a ceramin dish

Sambal belacan is a raw chili condiment built around fresh chilies, lime juice and toasted fermented shrimp paste. It’s intensely aromatic, spicy and sharp with a salty depth that turns a small spoonful into a powerful flavor boost. The texture is usually coarse rather than smooth. Chilies are crushed with belacan and citrus so the […]

Curry Laksa – Malaysian Curry Noodle Soup with Shrimp

A bowl of prepared Malaysian curry laksa with coconut milk, noodles, cilantro, chilies and more

Curry laksa is a coconut-based noodle soup layered with aromatics, chiles and warm spices. The broth is rich and creamy with a bright red color from the spice paste, and it coats the noodles with a deep savory flavor. Unlike the sour fish broth in assam laksa, curry laksa relies on coconut milk, curry paste […]

Penang Assam Laksa – Malaysian Tamarind Fish Noodle Soup

A bowl of Penang assam laksa soup with garnishes on a wooden table.

This recipe for Penang assam laksa is a bold Malaysian noodle soup built around a sharp tamarind broth and flaked fish. It’s lighter than coconut based laksa, but far more intense, with layers of sour, spicy and herbal flavor in every spoonful. The broth is simmered with aromatics, then balanced with fresh herbs, raw vegetables […]