Vegetarian Laksa Soup Recipe

Here is is a Malaysian style Laksa Soup Recipe without meat purely vegetarian proving that it is possible to get authentic taste with plant-based ingredients.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Jump to:

• The Flavourful Broth
• How To Make Laksa Soup
• My Tried and True Tips
• Vegetarian Laksa Soup Recipe

Laksa. Just the name conjures images of steaming bowls, vibrant colours, and an explosion of sweet, spicy, umami flavours.

This iconic noodle soup, deeply rooted in Malaysian and Singaporean culinary traditions, is renowned for its rich, aromatic broth. While often associated with seafood or chicken, the good news for plant-based foodies is that vegetarian Laksa Soup can be just as incredibly satisfying and flavourful.

Disclaimer: This is not an authentic laksa recipe but something delicious with true flavours with easily available ingredients.

The Flavourful Broth

The key to an outstanding Laksa Soup, vegetarian or otherwise, lies in its broth. Here’s what goes into our vegetarian Laksa paste:

• Aromatics: Shallots, garlic, and ginger form the foundation.
• Spices: Turmeric, coriander seeds, combination of dried red and fresh chilli bring warmth and depth.
• Herbs: Lemongrass, or lime zest are crucial for that citrusy, aroma.
• Cashews give thickness to the soup.
• Sweetness and Acidity: A touch of brown sugar and lime juice.

Beyond the paste, here’s what you’ll need for making vegetarian Laksa:

• Noodles: Thick rice vermicelli (laksa noodles) are traditional, but you can also use thin rice vermicelli, shirataki, or ramen noodles.
• Full-fat, thick coconut milk is essential for that rich, creamy texture.
• Vegetable Stock will be the base for your soup.
• Sesame Oil to cook the paste and for that nutty flavour.
• Fried Tofu Puffs (Tau Pok): These spongy tofu squares soak up the broth beautifully and add a delightful texture.
• Bean Sprouts: For freshness and a slight crunch.
• Umami Boosters: Dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated), light soy sauce, or even a touch of white miso paste can provide the required depth of flavour.
• Other Vegetables (Optional): Bok choy, snap peas, turkey berry, or mushrooms can also be added.
• Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, fried onion, lime wedges, toasted peanuts, chilli oil.

Ingredients For Laksa	Substitute
Shallots	Chopped Red Onion
Lemongrass	Lime Zest and Juice
Coriander Seeds	Coriander Powder
Vegetable Stock	Vegetable Stock Cube or Powder
Fried Tofu Puffs	Fried Firm Tofu or Bean curd
Umami Flavour	Dried Shitake Mushrooms, Light Soy Sauce, Tamari Sauce, Miso Paste

How To Make Laksa Soup

1) Prepare the Laksa Paste:

• Soak dried red chillies and cashews in hot water for 15 minutes.

• After 15 minutes, combine the rehydrated chilies, fresh red chilli, shallot, garlic, ginger, lime zest, turmeric powder, and coriander seeds. Add a tablespoon or two to help it blend.
• Blend until you have a smooth, fragrant paste. Keep it aside.

2) Cook the Laksa Paste:

• Heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the prepared laksa paste and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is very fragrant and the oil separates from the paste (this indicates it’s properly cooked and will prevent a raw taste). Be patient with this step, as it’s crucial for flavour development.
• Pour in the vegetable stock and bring it to a simmer.
• Add the coconut milk and stir well to combine.

• Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously, as it can cause the coconut milk to split).At this stage, kaffir lime leaves or lemon grass (if you are using).
• Add umami ingredients at this stage like soy sauce or miso paste along with brown sugar. Stir to combine. Taste and season with salt as needed.
• Add the fried tofu puffs and vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the tofu puffs have softened and absorbed the broth.
• Towards the end add the lime juice.

3) Prepare Noodles and Garnishes:

• While the broth is simmering, cook your chosen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Blanch the bean sprouts quickly in boiling water (or simply add them directly to the hot soup in your bowl just before serving).

4) Assemble and Serve:

• Divide the cooked noodles among individual serving bowls.
• Ladle the hot Laksa Soup generously over the noodles.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, fried onion, a squeeze of lime juice, and a spoonful of chilli oil or sambal for an extra kick if desired.

More Soup Recipes

• Healthy Manchow Soup
• Lemon Coriander Soup
• Thai Green Curry Soup
• Vegetable Rice Soup
• Thai Coconut Soup
• Vegetable Thukpa

Get my guide of 15+ Vegetable Soup Recipes

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