Rojak
A vibrant and refreshing Malaysian fruit and vegetable salad, tossed in a rich, sweet, sour, and spicy shrimp paste dressing. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200g Jicama (Bunga Siam)
- 200g Pineapple
- 1 medium Cucumber
- 4 pieces Fried Tofu Puffs (Tau Pok)
- 100ml Rojak Sauce(The sauce is the heart of Rojak. It should be a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, with a distinct umami from the shrimp paste.)
- 50g Roasted Peanuts
- 2 pieces Optional: You Tiao (Chinese Fried Dough)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fruits and vegetables: Ensure the jicama, pineapple, and cucumber are peeled, cored (if applicable), and cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution and ease of eating.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Prepare the tofu and optional You Tiao: Halve or quarter the fried tofu puffs. If using You Tiao, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Assemble the Rojak: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared jicama, pineapple, cucumber, fried tofu puffs, and You Tiao (if using).
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Dress the Rojak: Pour the Rojak sauce over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the pieces are evenly coated with the thick, fragrant sauce. Aim for a glossy finish.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dressed Rojak to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with the crushed roasted peanuts. Serve immediately while the fruits and vegetables are crisp and the sauce is fresh.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to a great Rojak is the balance of flavors in the sauce: sweet, sour, spicy, and savory. Adjust ingredients to your preference.
- ✓For an authentic touch and added crunch, consider adding You Tiao (Chinese fried dough sticks) or crispy fried shallots.
- ✓Ensure your fruits are ripe but firm to maintain their texture in the salad.
- ✓If making your own sauce, you can sauté the shrimp paste briefly to mellow its flavor before mixing with other ingredients.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the shrimp paste from the sauce or use a vegan alternative.
- Increase the variety and quantity of fruits, such as mango, guava, or starfruit, for a sweeter profile.
- Add other crunchy elements like water crackers or fried wonton strips.