What To Know
- Laksa Johor, a culinary masterpiece from the southern Malaysian state of Johor, tantalizes taste buds with its rich, aromatic broth and an array of tantalizing ingredients.
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
- The combination of flavors and ingredients tells a story of the region’s maritime history, culinary influences from neighboring countries, and the creativity of its people.
Laksa Johor, a culinary masterpiece from the southern Malaysian state of Johor, tantalizes taste buds with its rich, aromatic broth and an array of tantalizing ingredients. If you’re eager to replicate this delectable dish in your own kitchen, follow this comprehensive guide on how to make laksa Johor.
Ingredients for the Broth
- 1.5 liters of water
- 1 kg of ikan bilis (anchovies)
- 500g of prawns, shelled and deveined
- 200g of dried shrimp
- 100g of asam jawa (tamarind pulp)
- 50g of belacan (shrimp paste)
- 50g of gula melaka (palm sugar)
- 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 10 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 5 torch ginger flowers, sliced
- 2 red chilies, pounded
Ingredients for the Noodles and Toppings
- 500g of yellow noodles
- 200g of bean sprouts
- 100g of taugeh (bean sprouts)
- 100g of fried shallots
- 100g of sliced cucumber
- 100g of sliced hard-boiled eggs
- 100g of sliced fish cake
- 100g of sliced cockles
- 100g of sliced squid
- 100g of sliced prawns
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the ikan bilis, prawns, dried shrimp, tamarind pulp, belacan, gula melaka, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, torch ginger flowers, and red chilies.
- Reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the broth has reduced and thickened.
2. Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the yellow noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Prepare the Toppings:
- Blanch the bean sprouts and taugeh in boiling water for a few minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- Chop the vegetables, slice the fish cake, and prepare the cockles, squid, and prawns.
4. Assemble the Laksa:
- In a bowl, place a portion of noodles.
- Top with the broth, vegetables, and seafood.
- Garnish with fried shallots and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for an Authentic Laksa Johor
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially the ikan bilis and prawns.
- Don’t skimp on the belacan; it adds a distinctive shrimpy flavor.
- Simmer the broth for as long as possible to extract maximum flavor.
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve the laksa hot with a side of sambal belacan for extra spice.
Variations
- Add a hard-boiled egg to each bowl for a protein boost.
- Use a variety of seafood, such as mussels, clams, or scallops.
- Add sliced pineapple or mango for a touch of sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or vermicelli.
The Culinary Legacy of Laksa Johor
Laksa Johor is more than just a dish; it’s a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Johor. The combination of flavors and ingredients tells a story of the region’s maritime history, culinary influences from neighboring countries, and the creativity of its people.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the secret to a delicious laksa Johor?
A: The key is in the broth. Use fresh ingredients, simmer it for a long time, and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Q: Can I make laksa Johor ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the broth up to 2 days in advance. Just reheat it before serving. The noodles and toppings should be added just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with laksa Johor?
A: Sambal belacan, fried shallots, and lime wedges are all classic accompaniments to laksa Johor.
