Tempe Mercon: A Delicious Twist on Traditional Tempe (Stuffed & Spicy)
If you’re looking for a delightful snack that brings together the heartiness of tempe with a bold burst of flavor, look no further than Tempe Mercon. This dish is not only an exciting twist on the classic Indonesian tempe, but also brings the spice and complexity of sambal to the table, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. With a crispy exterior and a spicy, savory center, Tempe Mercon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Here’s how you can make this delectable treat.
Ingredients
For the Tempe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (fermented soybeans) | 1 block |
For the Sambal Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large red chili (cabe besar) | 1 |
| Red bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit merah) | 6 |
| Green bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit hijau) | 5 |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 4 cloves |
| Salt (garam) | To taste |
| Sugar (gula) | To taste |
For the Batter
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (tepung terigu) | 5 tablespoons |
| Rice flour (tepung beras) | 2 tablespoons |
For the Coating
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 1 clove |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric (kunyit) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt (garam) | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tempe
- Slice the tempe into your desired shape and size, ensuring to leave a small hollow space in the middle. This will create a pocket where the sambal filling can be placed later.
Step 2: Make the Sambal Filling
- Blend the large red chili, red and green bird’s eye chilies, garlic, and shallots together until smooth.
- Heat a bit of oil in a pan and sauté the blended mixture until fragrant and cooked through. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Once cooked, set this spicy sambal aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, and the coating spices.
- In a small bowl, crush the garlic, coriander, turmeric, and salt to form a smooth paste. Mix this paste into the flour mixture, then gradually add water until a smooth batter is formed. The batter should be thick enough to coat the tempe but not too runny.
Step 4: Stuff the Tempe
- Fill the hollowed tempe slices with the sambal filling, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed in each piece.
Step 5: Coat and Fry
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Dip each stuffed tempe piece into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Fry the tempe pieces in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove from oil and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
Tempe Mercon can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a side dish for a heartier meal. Pair it with steamed rice, a refreshing cucumber salad, or enjoy it as a standalone dish with a side of sambal for dipping.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Final Thoughts
This dish showcases how versatile and delicious tempe can be, and its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch will surely leave an impression on anyone who tries it. Whether you’re enjoying it on a casual weekday or as part of a special celebration, Tempe Mercon will definitely elevate your culinary experience.
Enjoy the balance of spice, texture, and flavor with this Tempe Mercon recipe!
