Kering Tempe: A Crunchy Indonesian Delight
Kering Tempe, a traditional Indonesian dish, is a flavorful and crunchy tempeh snack that beautifully combines aromatic spices and the rich taste of tempeh. This delightful recipe is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an excellent accompaniment to various meals, especially with rice dishes like Nasi Uduk or Nasi Kuning.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe | 1 1/2 blocks (approximately 500g) |
| Red chili peppers (cabe merah) | 25 pieces |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 10 bulbs |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 5 cloves |
| Galangal (lengkuas), lime leaves | To taste (as needed) |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | To taste (as needed) |
| Lemongrass (sereh) | To taste (as needed) |
| Brown sugar (gula merah) | 3/4 of 2 small balls (or to taste) |
| Salt | To taste (as needed) |
| Seasoning (optional) | To taste (as needed) |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the frying oil | Heat a frying pan over medium heat and pour in enough oil for frying. Wait until the oil is hot, ensuring it is ready for frying the tempeh. |
| 2. Prepare the tempeh | While waiting for the oil to heat, slice the tempeh according to your preference, whether thin or thick. Once the oil is hot, fry the tempeh until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Drain the fried tempeh on a paper towel to remove excess oil. |
| 3. Prepare the aromatics | Thinly slice the red chili peppers, shallots, and garlic. Additionally, chop the brown sugar into small pieces for easy melting during cooking. |
| 4. Sauté the spices | In the same frying pan, add the sliced aromatics and sauté until they become fragrant. Then, add the lime leaves, galangal, and lemongrass, stirring until everything is well combined and aromatic. |
| 5. Add sweet and salty elements | Lower the heat and introduce the brown sugar and salt to the pan. If desired, add seasoning for extra flavor. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. |
| 6. Combine the tempeh and spices | Add the fried tempeh back into the pan, mixing thoroughly so that every piece of tempeh is coated with the aromatic spice mixture. Allow it to cook for a few more moments, ensuring the flavors meld together. |
| 7. Taste and adjust | Check the taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Once satisfied, turn off the heat and transfer the Kering Tempe to a coconut sieve or a stainless steel strainer to cool and drain any excess oil. |
| 8. Store and enjoy | Once cooled, store the Kering Tempe in an airtight container. It serves as a delightful side dish or a savory snack on its own, perfectly complementing rice dishes. Enjoy your culinary creation! |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 150-250mg |
Serving Suggestions
Kering Tempe can be served alongside a warm bowl of Nasi Uduk or Nasi Kuning for a traditional meal experience. Its crunchy texture and flavorful profile make it a fantastic snack for gatherings or simply enjoyed with tea or coffee.
Final Thoughts
This Kering Tempe recipe is a beautiful representation of Indonesian culinary traditions, offering a blend of taste and texture that is sure to please everyone. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a side dish, Kering Tempe brings a delightful crunch to your table. Give this recipe a try and savor the wonderful flavors of Indonesia right at home. Enjoy cooking and happy eating!
