Spicy Veggie Laksa with Crispy Tofu
Spicy veggie laksa with crispy tofu – packed with veggies, this easy Thai soup with noodles is absolutely full of flavour!
I adore a Thai curry, and I’m always looking for new ways to use my favourite Thai curry paste. It’s such an easy way to make an immensely tasty dinner. This spicy veggie laksa is basically a new twist on an old favourite – any excuse!
What is laksa?
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that’s made in various forms all over East Asia, with each region putting their own spin on the dish. I suppose this is my own spin, since I didn’t really follow any recipe in particular – it may not be authentic, but it was bloomin’ delicious.
I tend to prefer egg noodles usually, but since laksa traditionally uses rice noodles (…at least, it does according to my trusty Wikipedia – don’t say I don’t do my research…), I used them this time instead. To be honest I thought they tasted much the same as usual – not sure why I thought I didn’t like them before! They also have the added benefit of being gluten-free and vegan, so hopefully most people will be able to enjoy this recipe. Spreading the veggie laksa love!
I topped my spicy veggie laksa with some crispy tofu – a great way to add some protein to the dish. I used my usual tofu cooking method, frying it until it was golden brown and crispy all over – be patient with it, it takes a little while! It’s so worth it to avoid soggy, spongey tofu.
Et voilà! This spicy veggie laksa is an easy vegan dinner that’s jam packed with flavour. I made mine nice and fiery, but feel free to skip the extra chillies if your curry paste is hot enough on its own!
Spicy Veggie Laksa with Crispy Tofu
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Ingredients
For the crispy tofu:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 200 g extra firm tofu, cut into 1.5cm dice (~ 1 cup when diced)
- Salt
- Black pepper
For the veggie laksa:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 small mild red chilli, finely diced (optional)
- 2 tbsp red Thai curry paste
- 1 carrot, sliced or cut into ribbons with a peeler
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (I used yellow)
- 1/4 head broccoli florets
- inch ~ 6 spears asparagus, cut into 2 pieces
- 250 ml tinned coconut milk (~ 1 cup)
- 250 ml vegetable stock or water (~ 1 cup)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Black pepper
- 200 g fresh rice noodles (~ 2 cups)
To serve:
- Fresh coriander (cilantro)
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan, and add the diced tofu. Season generously with salt and pepper, and leave to cook over a medium-high heat for around 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and very crispy all over.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan or wok, and add the minced garlic, ginger, and chillies if using. Cook over a medium heat for a couple of minutes, until fragrant. Add the curry paste, veggies, coconut milk, veggie stock, and soy sauce, along with a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for around 5-8 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but not overcooked. Add the rice noodles, and cook for a couple more minutes, until the noodles are cooked.
- Serve the veggie laksa with the crispy tofu, topped with plenty of fresh coriander (cilantro) and basil.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on your exact ingredients. Please calculate your own nutritional values if you require accuracy for health reasons.
This looks fantastic! I need to try your recipe soon!
I have a huge fan of any type of Asian noodle dish. This spicy broth with the contrast of crunchy tofu sounds perfect.
Ohh what a delicious sounding idea for a dish – I want to try more tofu ideas. x
Tofu is so versatile, you should definitely give it a try in this :)
That sounds really lovely, Becca. ideal for these ‘not quite summer’ sorts of days when you want something warming but not too heavy. Thanks for reminding me of your Tofu bacon, I have still to try it.
Yes it’s hard to know what to cook when it’s raining, but still warm! Give the tofu bacon a go, I’ve had a few lovely comments from people who have tried it!
I love Thai food and this looks delicious, but I’m not keen on tofu so I would switch it for chicken :)
I never say no to laksa. Thanks for making it easy to make at home!
I’m sure it’s not exactly authentic, but I’d rather have an inauthentic version at home than nothing at all ;)
Tofu is great for making spicy dishes and curries as it takes on the flavour well. A great hearty but healthy dish.
This dish looks beautiful! I love anything spicy. I can’t wait to give this a try!
Absolutely love the flavours in a laksa and am a huge fan of crispy fried tofu too, the way it’s puffy inside and crisp outside and can soak up the lovely laksa soup!
Exactly – dunk it in and it soaks up all those flavours :)
What make of curry paste did you use, Becca? The ones l’ve noticed all have fish in them.
I used Tesco’s own brand one, but I think in the past I’ve used Asda’s own brand one too. It seems that the own brand ones are often vegetarian, I guess it’s a way for them to cut costs!!