- What if the coconut milk separates?
- This is natural (called 'pecah santan') and many prefer it. If you want it smooth, simmer gently and do not let it boil vigorously.
Laksa Baduy | Indonesian Coconut Chicken Soup
Laksa Baduy is a hidden gem from West Java, a specialty of the Baduy tribe. This soup isn't about heat, but aromatics: the earthy warmth of galangal (or ginger), turmeric, and coconut milk. Its hallmark is the combination of rice vermicelli and crunchy vegetables in a silky, spiced broth. One bowl is like a trip to the Indonesian rainforest.
Ingredients
13.5
oz
Coconut Milk (1 can, full fat)
1/2
lb
Chicken Breast Fillet
7
oz
Rice Vermicelli
2
large
Eggs
2
tbsp
Coconut Oil
1
medium
Red Onion
3
cloves
Garlic
1
inch
Fresh Ginger (or Galangal)
1
whole
Lime (juiced)
3.5
oz
Green Beans (or Long Beans)
1
bunch
Fresh Cilantro
1
tsp
Fish Sauce (or shrimp paste)
1
tsp
Salt
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or wok
- Small pot for noodles
- Grater
- Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Fish
Egg
Tree Nuts
Instructions
1
✓
Dice the chicken and salt slightly. Heat coconut oil in a pot and sear chicken until white. Remove and set aside.
Tip: Searing seals the surface, keeping the meat juicy.
2
✓
In the same oil, sauté minced onion, garlic, and grated ginger.
Tip: Utilize the fond (browned bits) left from the chicken for extra flavor.
3
✓
Pour in coconut milk, add fish sauce, and about 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
4
✓
Return chicken to pot, add chopped green beans, and simmer gently for 10 minutes until beans are tender but crisp.
5
✓
Meanwhile, cook rice vermicelli and boil eggs. Rinse noodles with cold water.
Tip: Cold water stops cooking and washes away excess starch.
6
✓
Serve by ladling soup over noodles, topping with lime juice and plenty of cilantro.
Tip: The acid cuts through the rich coconut fat.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 13.5 oz Coconut Milk (1 can, full fat)
- 1/2 lb Chicken Breast Fillet
- 7 oz Rice Vermicelli
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 medium Red Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 inch Fresh Ginger (or Galangal)
- 1 whole Lime (juiced)
- 3.5 oz Green Beans (or Long Beans)
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
- 1 tsp Fish Sauce (or shrimp paste)
- 1 tsp Salt