Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe - Malaysian Style

Plate of Malaysian vegetarian spaghetti, with tofu, red chillies, cheese and crispy coriander in a spicy, creamy sauce.
This spicy, creamy Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti is a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite. Have you tried making vegetarian spaghetti (VEGETARIAN NOODLE SOUP) before? Whether you're a pro or a first-timer, this Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti recipe is a must-try! It's spicy, creamy, tangy, and aromatic - a flavor explosion you won’t find anywhere else (MEE GORENG/FRIED MEE).

This special recipe is created by Ms. Nava, founder of Nava’s Zen, blending Malaysian flavors with a pasta favorite. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly - except for the cheese, which can be a splurge. But don’t worry, the flavors hold up even without it.

Want to make this vegan-friendly? Just check the spaghetti packaging to ensure it’s egg-free (most are), and swap butter for vegan butter or oil. However, let me assure you - butter makes a world of difference for that rich, creamy finish (ASAM LAKSA VEGETARIAN).

 

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

½ packet spaghetti


Method

Cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. 

Avoid overcooking, or cook to your preferred texture. 

Once done, drain in a colander and rinse under running water to stop the cooking process

Rinsing cooked spaghetti under running water in a blue plastic colander.

Other Ingredients

2 tbsp butter

1 brown tofu – sliced

Some coriander leaves – sliced

Some red chilies – sliced (optional, for extra spice)

Grated cheese – as needed

 

For the Sauce

½ inch ginger – thinly sliced

4 shallots – thinly sliced

1 large tomato – thinly sliced

Dried chili paste – as needed

Frozen green peas – as needed

Water – as needed

Salt – to taste

Prepared tomato, tofu, ginger, shallots, green peas, and red chillies on a rectangular wooden chopping board.

Method

Heat butter in a pan and quickly fry the coriander leaves. Remove and set aside.

In the same butter (keep the heat low to prevent burning or over frying), lightly fry the tofu on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Handful of crispy butter-fried coriander leaves in a saucer.

Tofu pieces fried in butter on a plate.

Add more butter if needed, then sauté ginger and shallots for about 30 seconds.

Stir in the dried chili paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Add tomato slices and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

Pour in water as needed and stir.

Add peas and salt, then mix well.

Pour the sauce over cooked spaghetti.

Top with tofu, sprinkle grated cheese, and garnish with red chilies and crispy coriander leaves.

Thick spaghetti sauce, before adding water.

Vegetarian spaghetti sauce simmering in a wok.

Frozen peas added to spicy thick spaghetti sauce in a wok.

Close-up of spicy, creamy vegetarian spaghetti with cheese, red chilies, tofu, and coriander leaves
(Ms. Nava, a Zenpreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With over 22 years of experience as a former lecturer, including with Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she also holds culinary credentials. Through her Zen cuisine, she promotes mindful eating that  nourishes the breath, body, mind, and soul).

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Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe - Malaysian Style

This spicy, creamy Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti is a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite. Have you tried making vegetarian spa...