Vegetarian Laksa Soup Without Tofu

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Are you looking for a tasty and fragrant noodle soup that is meatless and does not contain tofu? Try this vegetarian laksa soup without tofu. It has fresh vegetables, a rich coconut curry flavor, and slurp-worthy noodles, all without using tofu for texture.

A bowl full of vegetarian laksa noodles without tofu.

This colorful laksa, which is influenced by Southeast Asian flavors, omits the meat and tofu while still producing a filling, cozy bowl that is healthy and customizable. Whether you’re vegetarian by choice or just exploring plant-based meals, this laksa is a one-pot wonder you’ll come back to again and again.

Why you’ll love This Vegetarian Laksa soup

No tofu? No problem—still hearty and satisfying.
Ready in under 30 minutes.
Loaded with fresh veggies and warming spices.
Naturally dairy-free and easy to make vegan.
Customizable for spice level, protein, and veggies.

What is Laksa?

Laksa is a delicious and spicy noodle soup that is popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Traditionally, Laksa is made with seafood or chicken, but this vegetarian version of my recipe maintains all the fantastic flavors without using meat or tofu. It features rich laksa paste(homemade), creamy coconut milk, veggies, and fresh herbs.

Why This Laksa Is Special

This laksa is special because it contains no tofu and is free, making it an excellent alternative for those who dislike tofu. Instead of tofu, I added fresh vegetables and green sprouts, which provide a delightful crunch in every bite of this delicious laksa soup.

Dairy-Free Laksa Soup (Rich, Creamy & Totally Comforting!)

If you’re craving a bowl of rich, spicy comfort that’s completely dairy-free, this laksa soup will hit the spot. Made with a creamy coconut milk broth, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, this Southeast Asian-inspired dish delivers all the depth of traditional laksa — without a drop of dairy.

Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, or just avoiding dairy, this recipe brings full flavor without compromise.

Ingredients for vegetarian laksa soup without tofu.

Ingredients for tofu-free vegetarian laksa soup.

Rice noodles, vermicelli noodles, or gluten-free noodles
Laksa paste (homemade or store bought) I used homemade, and it is an easy paste to prepare. Check the preparation below.
Coconut milk (full-fat for creamy texture)
Water or vegetable broth
Carrot
Beans
Zucchini
Green sprouts
lemon juice
Shallots
Ginger
Dry chillis soaked in water
Soy sauce
Sriracha sauce
oil
Chilli powder
Coriander powder
Cumin powder
Turmeric powder
Cashew nut soaked in water
Light brown sugar
Salt

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Vegetarian Laksa Soup Without Tofu

Let’s see how to make vegetarian(vegan)Laksa paste or Penang paste.

In the blender, combine the cashew nut and the soaked dry chillies.

Soak dry chilies and cashew nuts in water for 15 minutes. Then, add them to a blender.

Next, add the shallots and slices of ginger.

Add masala powders and light brown sugar.

Add the dry masala powders: chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt.

Finally, add oil. I used sunflower oil.

Grind to fine paste. Laksa paste for tofu-free vegetarian laksa noodles.

5. Grind it until it is a smooth, fine paste. Your homemade vegetarian laksa paste is ready to go into tofu-free vegetarian laksa soup.

Uses of Laksa Paste

Prepare this laksa paste and store the excess in the refrigerator for later use.

for laksa fried rice
for stir frying seafood, chicken and veggies
for making penanay curry
for tossing into laksa noodles
It pairs well with Asian soups.
You can use this as a marinade for meat, chicken, and seafood.

Preparation of tofu-free laksa soup

First, pour water into a pan and add half a teaspoon of oil.

Pour water into a pan and add half a teaspoon of oil to prevent the noodles from sticking.

2. Add rice noodles to the boiling water.

3. Cover and cook the noodles for two to three minutes.

4. Check the noodles to see if they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

5. Drain the noodles in a colander.

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then add laksa paste and mix well.

6. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then add 4 tablespoon laksa paste and mix well.

Cook laksa paste until the raw smell disappears.

7. Sauté the laksa paste until the raw smell disappears and oil begins to separate.

8. Now add coconut milk to the sautéed laksa paste for laksa soup.

9. Add water or vegetable broth to the cooked laksa paste to achieve the desired consistency.

10. Add chopped beans to the laksa soup.

11. “Next, add the carrots.”

12. Finally, add sliced zucchini to the tofu-free laksa soup and cook for five to seven minutes.

When it starts to boil, add lemon juice.

13. Once the soup begins to boil, add the lemon juice.

14. Add soy sauce.

Finally, add the sriracha sauce and mix well. Then, switch off the heat. Tofu free laksa soup is ready.

15. Finally, add the sriracha sauce and mix it thoroughly. After that, turn off the heat.

How to assemble vegetarian laksa soup without tofu.

Place cooked noodles in a soup bowl for laksa soup without tofu.

Place the cooked noodles in a soup bowl.

Fill the soup bowl halfway with no tofu laksa soup.

2. Fill the soup bowl halfway with laksa soup.

Arrange the vegetables and green sprouts on the side. The vegetarian vegan laksa soup, without tofu, is ready to serve.

3. Arrange the vegetables and green sprouts on the side. Garnish it with coriander (cilantro). The vegan laksa soup, without tofu, is ready to serve. Enjoy! Slurppppp.

Best Vegetables for Tofu-Free Laksa

I substituted zucchini, carrots, beans, and green sprouts for tofu. You can try these options as well.

Chickpeas – protein-packed and hearty.
Mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, button): meaty texture and ideal.
Eggplant—softens beautifully in the broth.
Paneer (if not vegan)—for richness.
Baby corn

Substitutions to make it an allergen-free vegetarian laksa.

Nut Free

I made my own laksa paste and added cashew nuts. Most store-bought laksa pastes include ground nuts. Look for a nut-free laksa paste that uses seeds or seed butters instead. This laksa or Penang paste is the key ingredient in the laksa soup.

Soy-Free.

To keep this laksa soy-free, skip soy sauce and replace it with coconut aminos (easily available online and in stores) or a dash of salt and lime juice for depth.

Gluten free

Choose gluten-free rice noodles, and double-check that your laksa paste is certified gluten-free, as some brands may include wheat-based thickeners. Gluten-free noodles are also available in stores and online.

Variations for tofu free vegetarian laksa soup

Make it spicy or mild depending on the laksa paste and chili oil.
Add a boiled egg for extra richness (if not vegan).
Add a spoonful of peanut butter for depth and give it a Malaysian-style twist.
For a creamier broth, increase the ratio of coconut milk. (If you are using homemade coconut milk, make sure to use the first extraction.)

Top Tip For Tofu Free Laksa Soup

Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer broth.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less laksa paste.
Keep noodles and broth separate if making ahead (prevents soggy noodles). Serve the broth while serving.
Garnish generously with fresh herbs — they add a beautiful aroma and flavor!

FAQ

1. What can I use instead of tofu in vegetarian laksa?

Tofu is easily swapped out for plant-based proteins or hearty vegetables.
Chickpeas, baby corn, mushrooms (particularly shiitake or oyster mushrooms), or even paneer if you’re not vegan are all excellent choices.
These substitutes are a great way to absorb the flavorful laksa broth without using tofu!

2. Can I make laksa soup ahead of time and store it?

Indeed! Vegetarian laksa can be prepared in advance.
Allow the soup to cool fully before storing it in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.
Reheat over low heat, being careful not to boil it too hard because the coconut milk may separate.
When serving, cook the noodles and add them fresh for optimal results.

3. Is laksa traditionally vegetarian?

Originally not vegetarian, traditional laksa is typically made with chicken, prawns, or seafood.
But without any meat or tofu, this vegetarian laksa soup is a delectable plant-based take on Southeast Asian flavors, made with vegetables and rich coconut milk to produce the same robust, filling flavor.

Looking for other vegetarian recipes like this? Try these

Pairing for dairy-free laksa soup.

I love serving tofu-free vegetarian laksa soup with chickpea curry and poori as a wrap, along with rajma curry. To refresh the palate, a non-alcoholic mix of watermelon juice, lemon, and ginger complements the flavors perfectly.

Watermelon juice with lemon and ginger in a glass.

Recipe Card📖