Puerto Rican Style Laksa

Ingredients

While the original Malaysian Laksa typically features ingredients like shrimp paste, fish cakes, and rice noodles, our Puerto Rican adaptation incorporates local ingredients such as plantains, sofrito, and adobo seasoning. These additions infuse the dish with the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine, creating a delightful blend of cultures. We alse have the original recipe for Laksa, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) adobo seasoning 1 tablespoon (15ml) adobo seasoning
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) sofrito 1 tablespoon (15ml) sofrito
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste 1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 plantains, peeled and sliced 2 plantains, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup (240ml) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup (240ml) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup (240ml) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (240ml) bean sprouts 1 cup (240ml) bean sprouts
• 1 cup (240ml) fresh cilantro, chopped 1 cup (240ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes, cut into wedges 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions Rice noodles, cooked according to package instructions

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 20g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
2. 2.
   Stir in the adobo seasoning, sofrito, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   Pour in the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced plantains to the pot and cook until they are tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cooked chicken and shrimp. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
6. 6.
   Add the bean sprouts and fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Puerto Rican Style Laksa over cooked rice noodles. Garnish with lime wedges.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin for a sweeter flavor. If you can't find plantains, you can substitute with green bananas.
• Sofrito — Sofrito is a traditional Puerto Rican seasoning made with onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs. You can find it in most Latin grocery stores or make your own by blending the ingredients together.
• Adobo seasoning — Adobo seasoning is a popular spice blend in Puerto Rican cuisine. It typically contains garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Look for it in the spice aisle of your local grocery store.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a chopped chili pepper to the Laksa.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer the coconut milk for a few extra minutes to reduce it slightly.
• Feel free to customize the protein in this dish. You can substitute the chicken and shrimp with tofu, fish, or additional vegetables.
• Top the Laksa with crushed peanuts or fried shallots for added texture and flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Style Laksa hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Accompany it with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

Present the Laksa in individual bowls, with the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and plantains on display. Drizzle a swirl of coconut milk on top for an elegant touch.