Tempe Goreng Asin (Crispy Fried Tempe with Savory Spice)
If you’re looking to try something uniquely savory and crispy, this Tempe Goreng Asin recipe is the perfect dish! Fried tempe is a popular snack or side dish in Indonesia, and this version packs a punch of flavor with its aromatic spice blend. The perfect balance of salt, turmeric, and a little umami from the seasoning makes each bite irresistible. Here’s how to make this delightful dish!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (long, wrapped in leaves) | 1 package (approximately) |
| Cooking oil | As needed for frying |
| For the spice blend | |
| Garlic (large cloves) | 3 cloves |
| Fresh turmeric (root) | 1 small piece |
| Fresh ginger (root) | 1 small piece |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Seasoning powder (e.g. Royco) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper (whole) | 10 pieces |
| MSG (optional, for umami) | A pinch |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
Instructions
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Prepare the Tempe: Slice the tempe into thin pieces. Be careful not to slice it too thinly; you don’t want to end up with crispy tempe chips! Adjust the thickness to your preference.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or using a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic, turmeric, ginger, salt, seasoning powder, black pepper, and MSG. Grind them together into a smooth paste. Once the paste is finely ground, add 1/2 cup of water to dilute it slightly (but don’t taste it, as it will be very salty!).
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Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat enough oil to fry the tempe. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tempe. Test it by dropping a small piece of tempe into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
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Fry the Tempe: Carefully add the sliced tempe to the hot oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. This will take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices.
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Drain and Serve: Once the tempe is fried to a crispy golden color, remove it from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Notes
- Ensure that the tempe is fully dried before frying, as moisture will cause the tempe to absorb too much oil.
- Because the recipe uses turmeric, be mindful that the oil may darken a little. The turmeric can also cause the oil to become sticky, so avoid using too much oil to keep the frying process clean and efficient.
- The added MSG enhances the umami flavor, giving the tempe a deliciously savory taste. Feel free to adjust it to your liking, or leave it out if you prefer a more natural flavor.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately when crispy. You can also serve it as a snack with rice or as a side dish with your main meals.
Final Thoughts
This Tempe Goreng Asin recipe brings together bold spices and crispy tempe in a way that will surely satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and flavorful. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little extra umami kick in their meals! Whether you’re making it as a snack, side dish, or part of a larger meal, this crispy fried tempe will surely be a hit. Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating!
