Pork Curry Laksa with Rice Noodles is a comforting and aromatic Southeast Asian dish that combines rich, creamy coconut curry broth with tender pork, fresh herbs, and chewy rice noodles. This dish is a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, infused with the warmth of lemongrass, ginger, and aromatic spices.

Ideal for cold evenings or anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful soup, pork curry laksa offers a satisfying meal that is both indulgent and wholesome. With layers of complexity in the broth and fresh, vibrant toppings, this dish is a true culinary delight.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings the flavors of Southeast Asia into my kitchen with minimal effort. The creamy coconut curry is rich but not overwhelming, while the tender pork absorbs all the aromatic spices beautifully.

The rice noodles add a satisfying texture, and the fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime juice bring brightness and balance. Every spoonful is a mix of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, making it incredibly comforting yet exciting for the taste buds.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of pork, coconut milk, and curry spices creates a flavorful broth that is rich, warming, and satisfying.

The dish is versatile, allowing customization with vegetables, proteins, or noodle types. Its aromatic, layered flavors make it stand out from regular soups, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to experience the vibrant tastes of Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course / Soup
Cuisine: Malaysian / Southeast Asian

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 pound (450 g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups chicken or pork broth
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Noodles and Toppings

• 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for heat)
• Lime wedges

Cooking Directions

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Stir in curry paste, lemongrass, turmeric, and paprika; cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add sliced pork and cook until slightly browned.
5. Pour in broth and coconut milk, bring to a simmer. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Simmer 10–12 minutes until pork is tender.
6. Add vegetables to the broth for the last 2–3 minutes.
7. Assemble bowls with cooked rice noodles, ladle curry soup and pork over noodles, and top with bean sprouts, cilantro, chili, and lime wedges.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Curry Paste and Spices
Stir in red curry paste, chopped lemongrass, turmeric powder, and paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the aromas.

Step 4: Cook the Pork
Add the thinly sliced pork to the pot and cook until slightly browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken or pork broth and coconut milk. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes until the pork is tender.

Step 6: Add Vegetables
Add baby spinach or bok choy to the soup during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Stir gently to wilt the greens.

Step 7: Assemble the Bowls
Divide cooked rice noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the pork curry soup over the noodles. Top with bean sprouts, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, red chili, and a wedge of lime.

How to Serve

Serve hot in bowls with freshly squeezed lime for brightness. Pair with additional chili or sambal for heat if desired. A side of lightly pickled vegetables or a simple Asian salad complements the dish well.

Recipe Tips

• Slice pork thinly for quick cooking and tender texture.
• Adjust the amount of curry paste based on preferred spice level.
• Bruising the lemongrass releases more flavor into the broth.
• Allow the soup to simmer gently to prevent coconut milk from curdling.
• Rice noodles can be cooked in advance and reheated in hot broth before serving.

Variations

• Chicken Laksa: Substitute pork with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.
• Seafood Laksa: Add shrimp, fish, or squid for a seafood variation.
• Vegetarian Laksa: Omit pork and use tofu or tempeh with vegetable broth.
• Spicy Laksa: Add extra red chili or chili paste for more heat.
• Noodle Variations: Use egg noodles or udon instead of rice noodles for different textures.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for cooked coconut milk-based soups, as the texture may separate. Freeze raw pork and curry paste separately if needed.
• Reheating: Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation of coconut milk. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Small bowl for curry paste mixing

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked pork?
Yes, add pre-cooked pork near the end of cooking to heat through.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the broth in advance and reheat before adding noodles and vegetables.

Q3: How do I prevent coconut milk from curdling?
Simmer gently over low to medium heat and avoid boiling rapidly.

Q4: Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, reduce or increase curry paste and chili according to taste.

Q5: What other toppings work well?
Additional toppings can include sliced mushrooms, bean sprouts, fried shallots, or a soft-boiled egg.

Conclusion

Pork Curry Laksa with Rice Noodles is a flavorful, aromatic, and hearty dish that brings the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine to your table. With tender pork, rich coconut curry broth, and fresh vegetables over chewy rice noodles, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal. Quick to prepare yet full of layered flavors, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or special occasions. It’s comforting, aromatic, and colorful—an unforgettable bowl of warmth and flavor that is sure to become a favorite.