Vietnamese-style Laksa

Ingredients

While the original Malaysian Laksa is known for its rich and spicy broth, this Vietnamese adaptation takes a lighter approach. The broth is infused with fragrant herbs and spices, and the toppings are inspired by traditional Vietnamese ingredients. This fusion dish offers a unique twist on the classic Laksa, perfect for those who enjoy Vietnamese flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Laksa, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) rice noodles 500g (1.1 lb) rice noodles
• 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
• 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 3 kaffir lime leaves 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 200g (7 oz) tofu, sliced 200g (7 oz) tofu, sliced
• 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cup bean sprouts 1 cup bean sprouts
• Fresh cilantro, chopped Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Fresh mint leaves, torn Fresh mint leaves, torn
• Fresh Thai basil leaves Fresh Thai basil leaves
• Sliced chili peppers, for garnish Sliced chili peppers, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the coconut milk and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat some oil and fry the tofu until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same pan, cook the shrimp until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
6. 6.
   Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar to the broth. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the broth over the noodles.
8. 8.
   Top each bowl with tofu, shrimp, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint leaves, Thai basil leaves, and sliced chili peppers.
9. 9.
   Serve the Vietnamese-style Laksa with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice noodles — Cook the noodles according to package instructions, but make sure not to overcook them as they can become mushy.
• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release their flavor.
• Tofu — To achieve a crispy texture, make sure to drain the tofu well and pat it dry before frying.
• Shrimp — Ensure the shrimp is peeled and deveined before cooking to remove any unwanted grit or sand.
• Thai basil leaves — Tear the leaves just before serving to preserve their freshness and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier Laksa, add sliced chili peppers or chili sauce to the broth.
• Customize the toppings by adding sliced chicken, beef, or additional vegetables.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer it for a longer time to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
• Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the broth by adding more or less brown sugar and lime juice.
• To save time, prepare the broth in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style Laksa hot, garnished with fresh herbs, sliced chili peppers, and lime wedges. Provide chopsticks and spoons for a traditional Vietnamese dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Laksa in individual bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors of the toppings. Arrange the noodles neatly at the bottom and ladle the flavorful broth over them. Garnish with a generous amount of fresh herbs and sliced chili peppers for an appetizing presentation.