The best part about traditional Malaysian dishes is how every state tends to add its own twist to the flavours—and the best example is the laksa!
From Johor all the way to Sawarak, the laksa takes on many forms and a range of different aromatic ingredients.
Today, we’re looking into an especially simple recipe of the notorious Assam Laksa with a generous topping of sardines!
Purely based on visual alone, you will find the Assam Laksa vastly different compared to the others.
Take the Sarawak Laksa, for example. While the Sarawak Laksa has a vibrant orange coloured broth, the blend of spices differ greatly from the Assam Laksa. Seemingly curry-based, its base is actually a blend of local spices like galangal, lemongrass and even the sambal belacan and shrimp paste.
Unlike the Sarawak Laksa which Anthony Bourdain dubbed, “Breakfast for the Gods,” the Assam Laksa’s main flavours are sour, spicy, and fishy. Laksa in general tends to contain coconut milk, seafood stock or a base of mixed spices.
The Assam Laksa, however, mainly derives its strong flavours from tamarind, ginger torch and mackerel.
It’s usually served with chewy round rice noodles and topped with a variety of fresh herbs and garnishes. Most commonly, it’s garnished with pineapples, shredded cucumber, mint leaves and red chili.
The recipe we’re looking into today though is one that doesn’t require you to prep the broth from scratch. As the matter of fact, you can find instant Assam Laksa paste at just about any supermarket near you!
Ibuencer Amazing.lisa.liza introduces to us her simple yet delicious twist to the Assam Laksa!
This particular serving takes less than 20 minutes of prepping. Perfect for a quick, filling meal especially on busy days.
Introducing the Assam Laksa topped with sardines, and here is how you can make it!
Sardine Assam Laksa
Ingredients
- Laksa noodles / round rice noodles
- 1 packet assam laksa paste
- 1 can sardines
- 1/2 onion
- cucumber shredded
- 5-6 stalks mint leaves
Instructions
- Boil your laksa noodles or round noodles until cooked soft, then set aside.
- Boil water in a pot. Be sure to add your preferred amount of water. Some may prefer less for a thicker consistency to the gravy, while some prefer a more soupy consistency.
- Add the laksa paste and sardines into the pot. Leave it to boil on lower heat.
- Garnish with diced onions, shredded cucumber, and mint leaves.
- Serve immediately as it's best enjoyed hot!
We’d love to see your take on this uber simple Assam Laksa recipe. Tag us on Instagram via your posts or stories!
For more updates, insightful reads and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!