Seafood Laksa Nyonya
Malaysian • All Foods
How to Make Seafood Laksa Nyonya (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Seafood Laksa Nyonya is one of Malaysia’s most beloved noodle soups, celebrated for its aromatic, slightly spicy, and creamy broth enhanced by santan (coconut milk). Rooted in the Peranakan (Nyonya) tradition—a rich blend of Malay and Chinese culinary influences—this dish showcases Malaysia’s multicultural heritage. The base is made from a fragrant rempah (spice paste) featuring local ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and belacan, which are simmered with fresh seafood and served over rice noodles. Laksa Nyonya is cherished for its harmonious balance of flavors: the creaminess of santan, the tang of tamarind, and the depth of spices. It’s a popular snack or light meal in Malaysian homes and hawker stalls, especially in Penang and Malacca. Incorporating fresh herbs like daun kesum (Vietnamese mint) and local vegetables, this healthy version uses lighter santan and lean seafood for maximum nutrition without sacrificing authenticity. Seafood Laksa Nyonya is perfect for those seeking genuine Malaysian flavors in a nourishing bowl.
Ingredients(for 1 large bowl (approx. 400g per serving))
- 120g Rice vermicelli noodles (bee hoon)
- 100g Prawns, peeled and deveined (udang segar)
- 80g Squid, cleaned and sliced (sotong)
- 200ml Low-fat coconut milk (santan rendah lemak)
- 500ml Fish stock
- 4 pieces Tofu puffs (tauhu goreng) - optional
- 1 cup Bean sprouts (tauge)
- 1/2 small Cucumber, julienned (timun)
- 5 leaves Fresh daun kesum (Vietnamese mint) - optional
- 1 stalk Lemongrass, bruised (serai)
- 1 Red chili, sliced (cili merah) - optional
- 2 tbsp Laksa paste (homemade or good quality store-bought, see instructions)
- 2 tbsp Tamarind juice (air asam jawa)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tbsp Cooking oil (minyak masak)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the laksa paste by blending 2 dried chilies (soaked), 2 shallots, 1 clove garlic, 1 inch galangal, 1 tbsp belacan, and 1/2 stalk lemongrass until smooth.
5 minutes
Use a little water if needed to help blending.
- 2
Heat oil in a pot, sauté the laksa paste with bruised lemongrass until fragrant and oil separates.
3 minutes
Low heat prevents burning; stir continuously.
- 3
Pour in fish stock and bring to a boil. Add tamarind juice and season with salt.
3 minutes
Adjust tamarind juice to your preferred tanginess.
- 4
Add prawns and squid, simmer until just cooked (2-3 minutes). Remove seafood and set aside to prevent overcooking.
4 minutes
Seafood cooks quickly—do not overboil.
Why This Dish is Healthy
By using low-fat santan and fresh seafood, this laksa is lighter but still satisfying. The inclusion of plenty of vegetables increases fiber and micronutrients, supporting digestion and immunity. This version omits deep-fried toppings and uses minimal oil, making it suitable for calorie-conscious eaters and those seeking authentic Malaysian flavors with a healthful twist.
This Seafood Laksa Nyonya is rich in lean protein from prawns and squid, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair. The broth, made with low-fat santan, offers healthy fats and is lower in saturated fat than traditional recipes. Fresh vegetables like bean sprouts and cucumber add fiber, vitamins A and C, and important minerals such as potassium and magnesium. The use of herbs and spices enhances flavor without excessive sodium or fat.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use fresh prawns and squid for the sweetest, cleanest seafood flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Do not boil the santan—gentle simmering prevents the broth from splitting.
- 💡Tip 3: For extra aroma, add a few pandan leaves to the broth while simmering.
Storage & Serving
Store the broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the broth gently to avoid curdling the santan. Add seafood and fresh toppings just before serving.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 480.0 kcal |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8.5 g |
| Total Fat | 6.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
| Sugars | 1.2 g |
| Iron | 1.1 mg |
| Calcium | 38.0 mg |
| Sodium | 480.0 mg |
| Potassium | 180.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 32.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 22.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 65.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.9 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 µg |
| Folate | 12.0 µg |
