Spicy Tempe Penyet with Garlic Sambal

Tempe Penyet Sambal Bawang: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Tempe Penyet Sambal Bawang is a delectable Indonesian dish that brings together the earthiness of tempeh with the bold flavors of sambal (a spicy chili paste) and aromatic spices. This dish is a true comfort food that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. The tempeh is marinated in a savory spice blend before being fried to a perfect golden crisp. It’s then smothered with a vibrant sambal made from fiery chili peppers and fragrant garlic, creating a balance of spicy, salty, and savory flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Here’s how you can recreate this popular dish at home.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tempe:

   • First, blend the garlic, coriander powder, and salt into a smooth paste. Add a splash of water to help achieve a finer texture.
   • Coat the cut pieces of tempeh with this spice paste. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated tempeh until they turn golden and crispy. Once fried, set the tempe aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

2. Make the Sambal:

   • Heat oil in a separate pan. Fry the bird’s eye chilies and garlic until fragrant and softened, but not burnt.
   • Once fried, grind the chili and garlic mixture in a mortar and pestle or food processor, adding sugar and salt to taste. Continue grinding until the sambal reaches a smooth consistency. If desired, add a bit of the oil used for frying to help the sambal mix together more easily.

3. Assemble the Tempe Penyet:

   • Place the fried tempeh onto the sambal and gently press it down (penyet) with the back of a spoon or pestle. This process allows the tempeh to absorb the bold sambal flavor.
   • Stir the tempeh and sambal together so that they are well combined.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the Tempe Penyet warm alongside steaming white rice, and fresh accompaniments such as cucumber slices, bean sprouts, tomatoes, and fried fish (bandeng goreng).
   • Enjoy the spicy, savory tempeh sambal with the added crunch and freshness of the side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips:

• Tempe Substitution: If you can’t find tempeh, you can use tofu as a substitute, though it will provide a slightly different texture.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of bird’s eye chilies in the sambal and add more garlic for a balanced taste.
• Side Dishes: Along with fresh vegetables like cucumber and bean sprouts, you can serve fried fish or fried chicken for extra protein.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Enjoy a taste of Indonesia with this easy and flavorful recipe! Tempe Penyet Sambal Bawang is perfect for anyone looking to try a traditional dish that’s rich in flavor, yet simple to prepare.