Tahu Cabe Lada Garam: Spicy Tofu with Chili and Salt
Experience the irresistible flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this Tahu Cabe Lada Garam recipe, featuring crispy golden tofu, vibrant chili, and a perfect balance of seasonings that will surely delight your taste buds. This dish combines the rich texture of fried tofu with the sharpness of garlic and the heat of chili, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Let’s dive into the delightful journey of preparing this traditional Indonesian favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Firm yellow tofu | 3 blocks, each cut into 9 cubes |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 5 cloves |
| Red chili (sliced) | 1 piece (preferably red bird’s eye) |
| Green onion (sliced) | 1 stalk |
| Breadcrumbs | as needed |
| Salt | to taste |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 3 tablespoons |
| Marinade: | |
| Beef-flavored bouillon cube | 1 block |
| Ground pepper | to taste |
| Soy sauce | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare Tahu Cabe Lada Garam, ensuring you maintain the authentic flavors and textures:
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Prepare the Tofu: Start by washing the tofu thoroughly under running water. Cut each block into 9 cubes and set them aside in a clean bowl.
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Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, prepare the marinade by combining the beef-flavored bouillon cube, ground pepper, soy sauce, and a little water to dissolve the cube. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
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Marinate the Tofu: Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the tofu.
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Prepare the Coating: In a dry bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add enough water from the marinade to the dry mixture, stirring until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the tofu without being too runny.
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Set Up the Breading Station: In another dry bowl, place the breadcrumbs. This will be used to give the tofu its crispy texture.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough oil to submerge the tofu cubes and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
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Coat the Tofu: Take each marinated tofu cube and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Repeat this process for all the tofu cubes.
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Fry the Tofu: Carefully place the coated tofu cubes in the hot oil. Fry them in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, use a small amount of oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic and sliced chili over low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add half of the sliced green onions and cook for an additional minute.
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Combine and Serve: Add the fried tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the garlic and chili mixture. Sprinkle salt over the top and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once everything is well mixed, remove from heat.
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Presentation: Transfer the Tahu Cabe Lada Garam to a serving platter. Garnish with the remaining sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Enjoying Your Dish
Serve this tantalizing Tahu Cabe Lada Garam warm, alongside steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast. The combination of crispy tofu, spicy chili, and aromatic garlic makes this dish a standout that’s sure to impress both family and friends.
This recipe embodies the essence of Indonesian cooking with its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Tahu Cabe Lada Garam, and relish every bite of this delightful dish!
