Today we are making a vibrant and refreshing dish called Kerabu Maggi. This is a popular noodle salad-style recipe that combines instant noodles with seafood, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, savory dressing.
Unlike a traditional hot noodle soup, this dish is served as a mixed bowl at room temperature. It is bright, colorful, and full of bold flavors. We will combine soft noodles, juicy seafood, crunchy vegetables, and a lime-based dressing that brings everything together.
This recipe is simple, fast, and perfect for days when we want something exciting but not complicated. Let’s go step by step so we can build the dish clearly and enjoy the process.
What Is Kerabu Maggi?
Kerabu Maggi is a noodle salad inspired dish where instant noodles are mixed with fresh herbs, vegetables, seafood, and a sour-savory dressing. The word “kerabu” refers to a style of mixed salad that is usually light, tangy, and refreshing.
In this version, we use tomyam-style instant noodles as the base. The result is a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing at the same time. It is not heavy, but it is full of flavor in every bite.
We build the taste using lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, and a small touch of sweetness. Then we add fresh chilies, tomatoes, onion, carrot, and coriander to create layers of texture and aroma.
Ingredients We Need for Kerabu Maggi
Let’s prepare everything before cooking so the process is smooth.
Main ingredients:
- 2 packs tomyam-flavored instant noodles
- 10 to 12 peeled prawns
- 3 squids, cleaned and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 liter water for boiling
Dressing:
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 3–4 limes)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
Fresh mix ingredients:
- 5 small red chilies, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, cut into thin strips
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- A handful of coriander leaves, roughly chopped
Having all ingredients ready helps us move quickly and keep the flavors fresh.
Step 1: Cooking the Seafood
1. We start by bringing 1 liter of water to a boil in a cooking pan. Once the water is fully boiling, we add the squid pieces first. We cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes until they turn slightly firm.
2. Next, we add the prawns and cook them for another 1 to 2 minutes. We stop cooking as soon as they turn pink and firm in texture.
3. Then we remove both squid and prawns from the water and set them aside. This keeps the seafood soft and prevents it from becoming too firm.
Step 2: Preparing the Noodles
1. In the same boiling water, we add the instant noodles. We gently separate them so they cook evenly.
2. We cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are soft but still slightly springy. Once done, we drain the noodles and place them into a large mixing bowl.
3. While the noodles are still warm, we add the cooked seafood into the same bowl. This helps the flavors blend naturally from the start.
Step 3: Adding Fresh Vegetables
1. Now we add all the fresh ingredients into the bowl:
- Sliced chilies
- Carrot strips
- Onion slices
- Chopped tomatoes
- Coriander leaves
2. We spread everything evenly so the colors and textures are balanced. At this stage, the bowl already looks fresh, bright, and inviting.
3. The vegetables add crunch, light sweetness, and a refreshing contrast to the soft noodles and seafood.
Step 4: Making the Tangy Dressing
1. In a small bowl, we mix:
- 1 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
2. We stir well until everything is fully combined and smooth.
3. Then we pour the dressing over the noodle mixture. We gently mix everything together, making sure the noodles, seafood, and vegetables are fully coated.
4. We take our time here so the flavor spreads evenly across the whole bowl.
Step 5: Final Taste and Serving
1. We taste the mixture and adjust if needed. If we want more sour flavor, we add a little extra lime juice. If we prefer stronger savory depth, we add a small amount of fish sauce. If the taste feels too sharp, a tiny bit of sugar helps balance it.
2. Once everything feels right, we serve immediately. Kerabu Maggi is best enjoyed fresh, when the vegetables are crisp and the flavors are bright.
Let’s Enjoy This Fresh and Easy Bowl Together
Lykkers, Kerabu Maggi shows us how simple ingredients can turn into something exciting when we combine them thoughtfully. It is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and full of refreshing flavors.
We hope this step-by-step guide inspires us to try more creative noodle dishes at home. Let’s keep exploring, mixing, and enjoying every bite together.